Radiotherapy can be applied more effectively on rectal cancer
like other cancers as a result of tecnological advances in radiation
oncology. Nowadays, the current approach is conformal
tecniques. The target volume and critical organs at risk should
be identified according to international criteria by making the
best patient simulation. Three-dimensional treatment with
multiple fields purposed for rectal cancer radiotherapy. Three
fields often used as one posterior and two lateral fields. Four
field “box” technique or other techniques are identified according
to target volume differences. 45-50.4 Gy radiotherapy
at convantional fractionation is required for treatment of
microscopic disease. 5.4 Gy boost dose added to tumour or
tumour bed by keeping the small bowel outside the high dose
volume after 45 Gy radiotherapy to pelvis. The effect of the
dose above 50.4 Gy is not clear for local control. The results
of new studies should be expected for dose escalation and the
use of advanced radiotherapy techniques.
Keywords: Conformal techniques; radiotherapy planning; rectal cancer
