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

BackgroundOne of the late complications associated with radiation therapy (RT) is a possible increased risk of second cancer. In this systematic review, we analysed the incidence of rectal cancer following primary pelvic cancer irradiation.MethodsA literature search was conducted using the PubMed and EMBASE libraries. Original articles that reported on secondary rectal cancer after previous RT for a primary pelvic cancer were included....