High-dose-rate intraluminal brachytherapy during preoperative chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancers

Table 2 Toxicity profiles (grade 3 or worse) in group A and group B n (%)

Type of toxicity	Group A (HDR-ILBT)	Group B (EBRT boost)	P value
Hematologic			0.3
Leucopenia	2 (11.7)	2 (10.5)
Neutropenia	2 (11.7)	2 (10.5)
Thrombocytopenia	1 (5.9)	1 (5.3)
Non-hematologic
Hand-foot syndrome	1 (5.9)	1 (5.3)
Nausea/vomiting	3 (17.6)	5 (26.3)	0.02
Diarrhea	7 (41.2)	5 (26.3)	0.001
Rectal pain	12 (70.6)	4 (21.1)	0.001
Wound complications	2 (11.8)	3 (15.8)
Cystitis	2 (11.8)	3 (15.8)

Group A: High dose rate intraluminal brachytherapy boost; Group B: External beam radiation therapy boost. HDR-ILBT: High dose rate intraluminal brachytherapy; EBRT: External beam radiotherapy.