Does pelvic radiation increase rectal cancer incidence? – a systematic review and meta-analysis

Approximately 50% of all cancer patients undergo radiation therapy (RT) as part of their primary treatment regimen.[1] During RT, high dosages of ionizing radiation are delivered which generate oxygen-derived free radicals. These radicals induce DNA damage and eventually cause apoptosis.[2,3] The addition of RT to a treatment regimen is generally associated with a reduction in recurrences and improvement of prognosis in many types of cancer.[4 –8] However, RT is also known to cause acute and late toxicity.

Source: Cancer Treatment Reviews - May 14, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: A.J.M. Rombouts, N. Hugen, J.J.P. van Beek, P.M.P. Poortmans, J.H.W. de Wilt, I.D. Nagtegaal Tags: Systematic or Meta-analysis Studies Source Type: research