The use of radiotherapy for patients with low rectal cancer: an overview of the Lyon experience.

In France, the late Jean Papillon was responsible for much of the pioneering work in the radiotherapy treatment of patients with rectal cancer. This review is written in tribute to his contribution to, and vast experience in, the conservative management of this common tumour. It describes his protocols with minor modifications currently used at the Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, France. In Lyon, pre-operative adjuvant irradiation is the preferred treatment for patients with T2 and T3 rectal cancer. Initial results suggest that this combined approach significantly improves the likelihood of successful sphincter preservation for patients with carcinoma of the lower third of the rectum. To date, the technique has given good local control with minimal postoperative morbidity and low mortality.