Table 1.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria for CXB

Inclusion criteria for CXB

1. Histologically proven rectal cancer.

2. Well to moderately well-differentiated adenocarcinoma.

3. Stage T1-3 mobile tumour less than 3 cm in size. Any N stage within the mesorectum.

4. Tumour situated less than 12 cm from the anal verge.

5. Patients must be suitable for long-term follow up.

Exclusion criteria for CXB

1. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma.

2. Presence of lympho-vascular invasion.

3. Size (largest) of tumour more than 3 cm or over half the circumference of the rectal lumen.

4. Any lymph node outside the mesorectum.

5. Presence of proven distant metastases.

6. Local regrowth after achieving cCR following EBCRT.

7. Previous surgical excision of tumour.

cCR, clinical complete response; CXB, contact X-ray brachytherapy; EBCRT, external beam chemoradiotherapy.