Treatment systems guidelines for primary rectal cancer from the 1996 patterns of care study

Purpose: The Patterns of Care Rectal Cancer Committee was formed to develop consensus recommendations for patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum limited to the pelvis. Methods and Materials: The Committee was composed of a multidisciplinary group of oncologists, and clinical scenarios were chosen to address most of the major treatment controversies in the combined modality treatment of rectal cancer. A literature search was then conducted and the major articles were identified, A modified Delphi technique was used to arrive at consensus. Serial surveys were conducted by distributing questionnaires to the Committee members to consolidate expert opinion. Voting was conducted using a scoring system and opinions were unified to the highest degree possible. Results: Consensus voting was performed for 4 clinical scenarios, Acceptability ratings for treatment were grouped into 3 broad categories: not acceptable, acceptable, and most acceptable. Based on the treatment options, a decision tree was developed that reflects the consensus of the committee. Conclusion: These options may help guide treatment decisions in rectal cancer. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.