11.   Laser treatment can offer rapid relief of rectal discharge and obstructive symptoms, which should reduce the risk of obstruction from radiation induced swelling or fibrosis.

12.   A recent pilot study with combined laser treatment and radiotherapy in oesophageal cancer produced promising results.

13.   A further eight patients with villous adenomas but no evidence of malignant change were deemed unsuitable for the study and were given laser treatment only.

14.   Response to radiotherapy was assessed and further laser treatment performed if a viable tumour was identified.

15.   Initial laser treatment had been successful and bowel symptoms were well controlled for the first two months after radiotherapy in all patients.

16.   Table II shows the laser treatment intervals required to control symptoms.

17.   The treatment intervals before radiotherapy are given for the patients who were followed up for three months or more while undergoing laser treatment.

18.   Laser treatment is now established in many units for palliation of symptoms in patients with inoperable rectal cancer.

19.   Laser treatment can be technically difficult, particularly in patients in whom the endoscope will not pass the stricture.

20.   A team of cancer specialists is pioneering a new type of laser treatment which should help sufferers without the need for major surgery.