Long term analysis of recurrences in patients treated by multimodality approach for local treatment of early rectal cancer—Liverpool’s Experience

Abstract

18539 Background: Local treatment of early rectal cancer with curative intent is highly controversial. Three years ago, we reported our results in 100 patients treated by multimodality approach. We have updated our results and analyse the pattern of recurrences in155 patients treated up to 2005 Methods: From Jan 1992 to Jan 2005, local treatment was offered to 155 patients with low rectal carcinoma. The majority of patients were elderly with the mean age of 76 years( range 33–101). There were 87 males and 68 females. 109 had surgery; TEM (79 patients) and TAR(30 patients). Forty six patients had radical radiotherapy alone.Locally treated patients were followed up regularly with DRE and sigmoidoscopy. CT and MRI scans were done at 0,12 and 24 months. Results: Local recurrence only occured in 13 patients (8.3%). Four patients had local and distant recurrence (2.5%). Overall local recurrence occured in 17 patients (10.8 %). Salvage surgery was carried out in 11 patients(10 APER and 1 local excision). Two had retreatment with Papillon. A total of 13 patients had salvage treatments (76.5%). At median follow-up of 40 months (range 12–168) only 72.7% of patients were still alive. Five patients (3.2%) developed distant metastases only and one had nodal recurrence. Cancer specific survival was 96% and colostomy free survival was 93%. Conclusions: Local treatment of early rectal cancer is a complex issue that needs to be address and discuss. As ageing populationis likely to increased in the next decade demands on local treatment will increase. It is important to balance the benefits of radical surgery in terms of lower local recurrence against increase mortality and morbidity from such procedures especially in elderly patients, versus slightly higher local recurrences and much lower mortality and morbidity from conservative treatments such as TEM and Papillon contact radical radiotherapy. Our study has shown that local treatment is safe and effective treatment for elderly patients with medical co morbidity. In our experience, salvage surgery can be offered for recurrences in the majority of patients but long term close follow-up is necessary. A careful case selection and multimodality treatment is essential for successful out come. No significant financial relationships to disclose.