A Pilot Study of Dose-escalation Strategy of Radiotherapy Followed by Endorectal Brachytherapy With the Use of a New Rectal Applicator in Inoperable, Ederly Rectal Cancer Patients
Within our institution, the principal investigator have acquired expertise in endorectal brachytherapy, a localized treatment for colorectal cancer. Until now a modality which uses an endorectal applicator has been used, which has certain limitations. In the context of this study, a new applicator will be used which is already approved by Health Canada for endorectal brachytherapy, thereby improving the participant's quality of life and optimizing treatment time.
• Patients with histologic diagnosis by proctoscopic biopsy of invasive rectal adenocarcinoma will be considered for entry in this study.
• Patient in whom the diagnosis of invasive rectal cancer has been obtained by incisional biopsy (surgical or endoscopic biopsy) that the majority of the tumor has not been removed .
• The tumor should be either palpable by clinical rectal exam or accessible via a rigid proctoscope, and its proximal border should be located no more than 15 cm from the anal verge.
• Rectal cancer clinically stage as T2-T3 N1+ by MRI or endoscopic ultrasound.
• Tumor of 5 cm or less length, non obstructive
• Patient is not suitable for surgery nor chemotherapy due to medical conditions
• Patient must consent to be in the study and consent form must be signed, witnessed and dated prior to registration .
• Patients must be accessible geographically for follow up.
• Adults older than 18 years of age