This thesis describes the use of high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy as a boost to external beam radiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer. With 60% clinical complete response in the HERBERT... Show moreThis thesis describes the use of high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy as a boost to external beam radiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer. With 60% clinical complete response in the HERBERT study, this treatment is very promising for use in organ preservation studies. Both toxicity of external beam radiotherapy as toxicity of brachytherapy are addressed and further improvements to the brachytherapy technique are suggested to increase tumor control while limiting toxicity. Show less
