Toxicity outcome of endorectal brachytherapy boost in medically inoperable patients

Aim This communication reviews results and toxicity of image-guided high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDREBT) boost after external beam radiotherapy (ERT) in medically inoperable patients with rectal cancer. Materials and methods A total of 18 patients with rectal cancer and clinical stage T2-4N0‑2 treated with HDREBT boost after ERT were retrospectively reviewed. Results Following treatment with a median total dose (EQD2, α/β = 10) of 66 Gy (range 48–92 Gy), the incidence of early and late rectal grade 3 toxicity was 11% and 19%, respectively. There was no correlation between the occurrence of acute and late toxicity. Conclusion With proper technique, a combined approach using EBRT and HDREBT was associated with acceptable toxicity in medically inoperable rectal cancer patients.