Is There a Limit to Dose Escalation for Rectal Cancer?

The radiation tolerance of the rectum is not fully understood. Published studies on the radiation treatment of cancers of the prostate, cervix and rectum have been reviewed to determine currently recommended dose-volume guidelines. The need for further studies directed specifically at the treatment of primary rectal cancer and perirectal node metastases is discussed. There seems to be room for escalation of the external beam doses currently given.