Preoperative high dose rate brachytherapy for rectal cancer

The condition

Rectal cancer is a common form of bowel cancer that affects the rectum (the last part of the bowel, just before the anus). Symptoms include bleeding from the rectum and change in bowel habit. Surgery to remove the affected part of the rectum is the main treatment, keeping the anus if possible. Some patients also have chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or both, to reduce the chances of the cancer spreading or coming back.

Radiotherapy can use radiation from outside the body (external‑beam radiotherapy) or radiation placed inside the body. Radiation placed inside the body includes radioactive pellets inserted directly into the tumour or a radioactive tube placed in contact with the tumour to kill the cancer cells.

NICE has looked at using preoperative high dose rate brachytherapy as a treatment option.

NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) and NICE's information for the public about colorectal cancer may be a good place to find out more.