Early Rectal Adenocarcinoma Research Articles

A phase III randomized trial on the addition of a contact x-ray brachytherapy boost to standard neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy for organ preservation in early rectal adenocarcinoma: 5 year results of the OPERA trial

The OPERA trial has shown that a contact X Ray Brachytherapy 50kV (CXB) boost with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) can increase organ preservation (OP) rate for early rectal adenocarcinoma (ADK) of low-mid rectum. We report the results after 5 years of follow-up. OPERA was a multicenter, phase III trial that included operable patients (pts), with cT2-cT3b low-mid rectal ADK, tumors <5 cm, cN0 or cN1 <8 mm. All pts received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT): 45Gy in 25 fractions with concurrent capecitabine. Pts were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a boost of EBRT in group A (9Gy/5 fractions) or a boost with CXB (90Gy/3 fractions) in group B. The primary end point was OP rate. Out of 148 patients randomized, 141 were eligible. Between week 14-24, a clinical complete (or near) response was observed in 44 pts in group A (64%) vs 66 in group B (92%); p<0.001. The 3-year OP rate was 59% in group A vs 81% in group B (p=0.003). After update the median follow-up was 61.1 months [56.8-64.5]. The 5-year local regrowth was 39% in group A and 17% in group B (p=0.1). The difference in OP was still highly significant between both groups: A 56% vs B 79% (p=0.004). The difference was more significant if tumors < 3cm, with an OP rate of 93% in group B compared to 54% in group A. Of the 28 local regrowths, 3 occurred after 3 years of follow-up. Rectal bleeding (grade 1-2), which was the most prevalent toxicity during follow-up, disapeared most of the time after three years. Bowel function was not worsened by the CXB boost. The OPERA trial was the first trial to demonstrate that CXB dose escalation was increasing the OP rate with good bowel function at 3 years. At 5 years, these results are sustained, specially in small early-stage tumors. The occurrence of some local regrowth after 3 years necessitates close surveillance of these pts during the 5-year period.

508MO Organ preservation in early rectal adenocarcinoma: 5-year results of the randomized opera trial

508MO Organ preservation in early rectal adenocarcinoma: 5-year results of the randomized opera trial

Radiation dose esclation with contact X-ray brachytherapy (Papillon) and quality of life in patients with rectal cancer: Results from the phase 3 randomised trial OPERA.

e23180 Background: Organ preservation has been increasingly offered to patients with rectal cancer as most patients wish to avoid extirpative surgery and a stoma if they have a choice. The standard of care is to offer external beam chemo radiotherapy (EBCRT) to those who are fit. OPERA (Organ Preservation in Early Rectal Adenocarcinoma) has shown improved organ preservation rate with addition of contact X-ray brachytherapy(CXB-Arm B) compared to EBCRT with EBRT boost. We evaluate whether addition od CXB boost compromise the patients Quality of Life (QOL) compared to EBRT boost and if so by how much. We report our results at 38.2 months follow up. Methods: From June 2015 to June 2020, there were 148 patients randomised of which 141 were evaluable. We used EORCT QLQ -C30, QLQ -CR29 and modified LARS score at FU visits every 3 months during FU visit 1(8 weeks)-9 (32 weeks). Results: At screening (baseline) we enrolled 126 patients (Arm A: 59, Arm B: 66). At FU -1 we received questionnaire back from 78 patients (Arm A: 35, Arm B: 43). At FU-5 there were 55 patients (Arm A:18, Arm B: 37). Finally, at FU 8 there were 43 patients (Arm A: Arm B xx). Using EORTC QOL-C30 and QOL CR-29, global QOL score for Arm A was 77.6 vs Arm B 72.22 (p = 0.14). Mean functional scale (1-5) for Arm A was 95.2 vs Arm B 92.1 (p = 0.09). Role functioning scale (6-7) for Arm A was 91.2 vs Arm B 93.18 (p = 0.57). Emotional functioning (21-24) for Arm A was 77.5 vs Arm B 73.99 (p = 0.33). Cognitive functioning (20-25) for Arm A 87.85 vs Arm B 91.92(p = 0.17). Social functioning (26-27) for Arm A 95.2 vs Arm B 92.93 (p = 0.31). Conclusions: In our analysis so far, we do not detect significant difference in QOL between Arm A and Arm B. Consider Contact x-ray brachytherapy first in patients with rectal cancer &lt; 3cm (Arm B1) which has shown higher organ preservation rate without effecting their QOL compare to EBCRT (Arm A1). Clinical trial information: NCT02505750 .

An economic analysis of low-energy contact x-ray brachytherapy for treatment of rectal cancer.

e15622 Background: Health Technology Wales sought to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of contact x-ray brachytherapy (CXB) in conjunction with external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT), compared to EBRT alone for early-stage (T2–3b, N0–1, M0) rectal cancer in a surgically fit population. Methods: An economic analysis was performed using a decision analytical, state transition model. Analysis was performed from a third-party payer perspective over a life-time horizon. The model was populated using data from the Organ Preservation in Early Rectal Adenocarcinoma (OPERA) trial. Results: . CXB was estimated to provide 0.2 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per patient at an additional cost of $1118 per person. CXB was cost-effective compared with external beam boost at a cost of $5623 per QALY gained. These findings did not change in deterministic sensitivity analysis and CXB was cost-effective in over 90% of probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: CXB is likely to be cost-effective with a high degree of certainty in this patient population.

Synchronous early rectal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumour: A treatment strategy

IntroductionSynchronous colorectal adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine tumour (NET) are a unique combination of tumours. These may be incidental lesions, usually a histopathological diagnosis rather than a clinical diagnosis from symptoms, examination or even gross appearances.AimThis paper aims to highlight our management strategy on manging a middle-aged woman with synchronous rectal adenocarcinoma and NET.Case studyA 53-year-old woman presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding with constitutional symptoms. Clinical examination and colonoscopy revealed a classical rectal adenocarcinoma, confirmed via biopsy. However, the final histopathology reports of the resected tumour revealed an early rectal adenocarcinoma with synchronous NET.Results and discussionWe review the relevant literature and a discussion regarding guidelines available for diagnosis, follow-up and surveillance of this rare case.ConclusionsThere are no current guidelines for surveillance colonoscopy after detecting gastrointestinal NET, particularly synchronous tumours. NET may be another colorectal cancer risk factor with similar mutations and common genetic markers. Clinicians should consider doing a colonoscopy when or if their patients are diagnosed with any gastrointestinal NET. Detection of any NET warrants a thorough evaluation of the whole colon for colorectal cancer and close surveillance so that timely management can be achieved.

Low energy contact X-ray brachytherapy for treatment of rectal cancer: a health technology appraisal by Health Technology Wales.

Health Technology Wales sought to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) for early-stage rectal cancer. Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus. A cost-utility model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of CXB in National Health Service Wales, using results of the Organ Preservation in Early Rectal Adenocarcinoma (OPERA) trial. Patient perspectives were obtained through the Papillon Patient Support group and All-Wales Cancer Network. The OPERA randomized controlled trial showed that CXB improved complete response and organ preservation rates compared with external-beam boost for people with T2-3b, N0-1, M0 rectal cancer who are fit for surgery. Managing more of this population non-operatively after CXB was estimated to provide 0.2 quality-adjusted life years at an additional cost of £887 per person. CXB was cost effective compared with external-beam boost at a cost of £4463 per quality-adjusted life year gained. This conclusion did not change in scenario analysis and CXB was cost effective in 91% of probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Patients valued receiving clear information on all available options to support their individual treatment choices. The detrimental impact of a stoma on quality of life led some patients to reject the idea that surgery was their only option. This evidence review and cost-utility analysis indicates that CXB is likely to be clinically and cost effective, as part of a watch and wait strategy for adults fit for surgery. Wider access to CXB is supported by patient testimonies.

Performance of dual-layer spectrum CT virtual monoenergetic images to assess early rectal adenocarcinoma T-stage: comparison with MR.

To evaluate the image quality and utility of virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) of dual-layer spectrum computed tomography (DLSCT) in assessing preoperative T-stage for early rectal adenocarcinoma (ERA). This retrospective study included 67 ERA patients (mean age 62 ± 11.1 years) who underwent DLSCT and MR examination. VMI 40-200 keV and poly energetic image (PEI) were reconstructed. The image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and tumor contrast of different energy levels were calculated and compared, respectively. Two radiologists independently assess the image quality of the VMIs and PEI using 5-point scales. The diagnostic accuracies of DLSCT and HR-MRI for ERA T-staging were evaluated and compared. The maximum noise was observed at VMI 40 keV, and noise at VMI 40-200 keV in the arterial and venous phases showed no significant difference (all p > 0.05). The highest SNR and CNR were obtained at VMI 40 keV, significantly greater than other energy levels and PEI (all p < 0.05). Tumor contrast was more evident than PEI at 40-100 keV in the arterial phase and at 40 keV in the venous phase (all p < 0.05). When compared with PEI, VMI 40 keV yielded the highest scores for overall image quality, tumor visibility, and tumor margin delineation, especially in the venous phase (p < 0.05). The overall diagnostic accuracy of DLSCT and HR-MRI for T-stage was 65.67 and 71.64% and showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). VMI 40 keV improves image quality and accuracy in identifying lesions, providing better diagnostic information for ERA staging. Low-keV VMI from DLSCT can improve tumor staging accuracy for early rectal carcinoma, helping guide surgical intervention decisions, and has shed new light on the potential breakthroughs of assessing preoperative T-stage in RC. • Compared with PEI, low-keV VIM derived from DLSCT, particularly at the 40 keV, significantly enhanced the objective and subjective image quality of ERA. • Using VMI 40 keV helped increase lesion detectability, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy for ERA. • Low-keV VMI from DLSCT has shed new light on the potential breakthroughs of assessing preoperative T-stage in RC.

OC-0832 Organ Preservation in Early rectal Adenocarcinoma : 4-year results of the OPERA trial

OC-0832 Organ Preservation in Early rectal Adenocarcinoma : 4-year results of the OPERA trial

The Role of Contact X-Ray Brachytherapy in Early Rectal Cancer – Who, when and How?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended the use of contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) for rectal cancer patients who are not suitable for surgery. At present, patients with early rectal cancer who wish to avoid major surgery and a stoma are not usually offered CXB as an alternative treatment option to surgery. The main reason for this has been a lack of large, randomised trial evidence, hence NICE encouraged provision of this evidence in their recommendation. In 2015, the OPERA (Organ Preservation in Early rectal Adenocarcinoma) trial was set up and the 3-year organ-preservation results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago on 4 June 2022. We are now awaiting full publication of the OPERA results. Most rectal cancer patients who are not suitable for surgery are currently offered external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with or without chemotherapy after the multidisciplinary discussions. Clinical complete response (cCR) rates vary between 20 and 50% after EBRT. Those who achieve cCR usually adopt a ‘watch and wait’ policy, but patients who have residual disease are often not offered any additional treatment. We hypothesised that dose escalation with a CXB boost could achieve a higher cCR and therefore lead to improved organ-preservation rates. This was the rationale behind the OPERA trial, which randomised patients between standard of care [EBRT with chemotherapy (EBCRT)] followed by an EBRT boost against EBCRT with a CXB boost to evaluate the role of CXB in dose escalation. In 1993, the first CXB centre was established in the UK at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. There are now four centres offering CXB in the UK and 10 centres in Europe. Patients should be provided with full information during the consent discussion and offered all the treatment options that are available, so that they can share in decision making and be empowered to make treatment decisions of their choice after proper fully informed consent. Randomised trial evidence of the role of dose escalation with CXB from the OPERA trial, when published, will help in consenting patients who are keen to avoid surgery. We hope this review will help to provide some information about who should be offered CXB, when this modality should be offered and how this is delivered.

Contact x-ray brachytherapy (Papillon) in addition to chemoradiotherapy to improve organ preservation in early cT2-T3 rectal adenocarcinoma: The 3-year results of OPERA randomized trial (NCT02505750).

3512 Background: The OPERA trial was testing the hypothesis that Contact x-ray brachytherapy (CXB) 50 kV boost will increase the rectal preservation rate in early T2-T3ab rectal adenocarcinoma. We present the 3 years clinical results. Methods: Inclusion criteria were: Age &gt; 18 years, PS: 0-1, adenocarcinoma, distal - middle rectum, cT2-T3ab cN0-N1 &lt; 8mm staged using MRI, M0. Stratification: T &lt; vs ≥ 3 cm diameter. Control arm (A) was chemoradiotherapy (CRT) 45Gy/ 5 weeks with concurrent chemotherapy (Capecitabine 825 mg / m2) and external beam radiotherapy boost (9Gy/ 5 fr/ 1 week). Experimental arm used the same CRT (Cape 45) but the boost used CXB (90 Gy/ 3 fr/ 4 weeks). CXB was given first (B1) for tumor &lt; 3 cm and after cap 45 (B2) for tumor ≥ 3 cm. Response assessment was made at week 14 after treatment start using palpation, endoscopy and MRI. A new assessment could be made at week 20 and 24 with a second MRI.TME was recommended in case of Partial response, Watch&amp; Wait in case of clinical complete response (cCR). Bowel function measurement used LARS score. Main end- point was: Rate of organ preservation at 3 years. The hypothesis (in 2014) was 20% arm A vs 40% arm B (HR:0.53). Results: Between 5-2015 and 6-2020, 144 patients were included (France 96, UK 44, Switzerland 4). The analysis was made in 01-2022 with a median Follow-up time of 34 months. Treatment compliance was good in ≥ 90% of patients. Table gives main patients characteristics and clinical outcome. At three years the OP rate (Kaplan Meier estimate) was respectively arm A vs B: 60% vs 81% (HR 0.34 [95% CI 0.19 – 0.73]; p= 0.005). At three years OP for group A1 and B1 were: 65% vs 97% (HR 0.081 [95% CI 0.01-0.64]; p= 0.02). Conclusions: A CXB boost, when combined with chemoradiotherapy, increases the rate of organ preservation in early rectal adenocarcinoma. Starting with CXB in T &lt; 3 cm appears as an attractive option. A B A1 (T &lt; 3cm) B1 (T &lt; 3cm) N° patient 71 73 30 32 Median age 68 69 69 70 Gender M/F 45/26 43/30 18/12 18/14 T2/T3 45/26 47/26 25/5 29/3 Distal/middle 53/18 53/20 21/9 27/5 cCR (W 14-24) 61% 90% p &lt; 0.001 70% 94% p = 0.027 TME 26 12 8 1 Death 2 2 1 0 LARS &lt; 30 80% 83% 87% 86%.

Improved organ preservation with dose escalation using contact X-ray brachytherapy for good responders following external beam chemoradiotherapy: Long-term outcomes from a single institution.

131 Background: We previously reported the benefit of Contact X-ray Brachytherapy boost (CXB) in achieving a higher clinical complete response (cCR) following partial response to external beam chemoradiotherapy (EBCRT). We now update our report on the organ preservation rate and long-term durability of the cCR in this cohort. Methods: Outcome data for rectal cancer patients referred to our institution from 2003 to 2012 were retrieved from an institutional database after an audit approval. These patients were referred after initial local multidisciplinary team discussion. All patients had EBCRT 45Gy/25/5 weeks with capecitabine 825mg/m2 (Mon-Fri). Those who respond well but has a small residual tumour were offered CXB boost of 90Gy in 3 fractions over 4-6 weeks as they were not suitable or unwilling to undergo completion surgery. Following treatment, patients had close 3 monthly follow-ups with DRE, endoscopy, and MRI in the first 2 years, then 6 monthly up to 5 years. Results: Of 345 consecutive patients with rectal cancer referred to us, 83 patients who responded well to EBCRT but with small suspicious residual disease (≤3 cm) were offered CXB boost. Median age was 72 years (range 36–87) and 58 (69.9%) were males. Initial MRI tumor stages were cT2 (n = 28), cT3 (n = 55) and 54.2% were node positive. The median follow up of surviving patients was 6.4 years (range 2-11 years). cCR was achieved after CXB boost in 53/83 (64%). After achieving cCR, 8/53 (15%) developed local regrowth. However, all patients successfully underwent curative surgery with R(0) resection rate of 24/30 (80%) and only 21/83 (25%) had stoma. Organ preservation was achieved in 62/83 (75%). 12/53 (14%) patients developed metastatic disease. At the end of the study period, 64/83(77%) were cancer free. Conclusions: Our long-term data suggests dose escalation with CXB boost following EBCRT can achieved high organ preservation rate with excellent long-term durable cCR. This approach can provide an alternative treatment option for elderly or comorbid patient patients who are not suitable for surgery. This can also be an option for some patients who wish to avoid surgery upfront after initial diagnosis. Those who needed surgery later for treatment failure can be salvage successfully. A phase 3 European randomised trial OPERA (Organ Preservation in Early Rectal Adenocarcinoma) was set up to evaluate this concept further.

CCTG CO.28 primary endpoint analysis: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, excision and observation for early rectal cancer, the NEO trial.

3508 Background: CO.28 (NCT03259035) is a phase II study designed to determine if patients with cT1-T3a/bN0 rectal cancer can be treated with induction chemotherapy (FOLFOX/CAPOX) and organ-preserving surgery. Methods: Patients with MRI staged cT1-3a/bN0 tumors and no pathologic (p) high risk features received 6/4 cycles of FOLFOX/CAPOX, repeat sigmoidoscopy/pelvic MRI and subsequent Transanal Endoscopic Surgery (TES) in the absence of tumor progression. ypT0/T1N0 tumors were treated with observation while ypT2+ or ypN+ stage were recommended Total Mesorectal Excision (TME). The primary endpoint was protocol specified Organ Preservation Rate (psOPR = ypT0/T1N0, no p high risk features) and actual Organ Preservation Rate (aOPR = ypT0/T1N0 stage plus higher yp stage patients who declined TME surgery). The study would be considered negative with an psOPR of 50% or lower (H0) and as promising if it is 65% or higher (H1). Results: Between 08/2017 to 05/2020, 58 eligible patients were accrued in Canada and the United States, median age was 67 years, 71% male. All had well-moderately differentiated, non-mucinous rectal adenocarcinoma and median tumor height was 6 cm (range 0-18). Median follow-up was 15.4 months. Chemotherapy with FOLFOX (32) or CAPOX (26) was administered, 90% completed all planned cycles. A total of 56/58 (97%) proceeded to TES, while one patient was ineligible due to tumor progression (1.7%) and one declined. In the intention to treat analysis, the psOPR was 57% (95% CI 43-70%) while the aOPR was 79% (95% CI 67% to 89%) due to 13/23 declining recommended TME surgery. Of 10 patients who proceeded to recommended TME, a complete R0 TME was performed in 9/10, and no p residual carcinoma was found in 7/10. Crude loco-regional (LR) and distant recurrence rates were 3.5% (95% CI 0.4 to 12%) and 0%, respectively. A recurrence occurred in 1/13 patients who initially declined TME surgery. Conclusions: In select patients with early stage rectal cancer, three months of induction CAPOX/FOLFOX followed by TES resulted in a high OPR without the use of pelvic irradiation. The observed high rate of pathologic downstaging may point to high chemo-responsiveness in early rectal adenocarcinoma with no p high risk features. Further trials to evaluate this approach are justified and updated results will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT03259035. [Table: see text]

Timing of recurrences of TEM resected rectal neoplasms is variable as per the surveillance practices of one tertiary care institution

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is widely used for the excision of rectal adenomas and early rectal adenocarcinoma. Few recommendations currently exist for surveillance of lesions excised by TEM. The purpose of this study was to review the surveillance practices and the patterns of recurrence among TEM resected lesions at a tertiary care hospital. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent TEM for rectal adenoma or adenocarcinoma before June 2017. In our study population of 114 patients, the final pathology included 78 (68%) adenomas and 36 (32%) adenocarcinomas. Of the adenocarcinomas 23, 9, and 4 were T1, T2, T3 lesions, respectively. Of those, 25 patients opted for surveillance instead of further treatment. The most commonly recommended endoscopic surveillance strategy by our group for both adenomas and adenocarcinomas excised by TEM was flexible sigmoidoscopy every 6 months for 2 years. Recurrences occurred in 4/78 (5.1%) adenoma patients, all found within 16.9 months of surgery, and in 4/25 (16%) adenocarcinoma patients, found between 7.4 and 38.5 months post-surgery. Our data highlights the fact that the timing of recurrences post TEM surgery is variable. Further studies looking at recurrence patterns are needed in order to create comprehensive guidelines for surveillance of these patients.

Treatment: the role of contact X-ray brachytherapy (Papillon) in the management of early rectal cancer.

Treatment: the role of contact X-ray brachytherapy (Papillon) in the management of early rectal cancer.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for preoperative staging of rectal cancer.

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of rectal adenocarcinoma in the world. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used for preoperative staging of rectal cancer. The accuracy of MRI varies, which may affect treatment decisions. The accuracy of MRI for pretreatment staging of rectal adenocarcinoma in a provincial centre in New Zealand has not been investigated. We aimed to assess the accuracy of MRI for pretreatment staging of early rectal adenocarcinoma in patients managed via the MidCentral Regional Cancer Service Multidisciplinary Team. A retrospective review of the MidCentral Regional Cancer Service Multidisciplinary Team database identified 54 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who proceeded to surgery without preoperative long course chemo-radiotherapy. The pretreatment MRI stage was compared with the histological stage for each of these patients. MRI correctly staged the tumour invasion (T stage) in 24 patients (44% of cases), and lymph node stage in 38 patients (70% of cases). There was moderate agreement between MRI and histological staging for tumour invasion (κ=0.46) and for lymph node involvement (κ=0.41). Twenty-one cases were under-staged and five cases were over-staged with regards to invasion of the muscularis propria. Fourteen cases were under-staged, and two cases over-staged in regards to lymph node involvement. Although MRI provides important pretreatment staging information for rectal adenocarcinoma, in our experience MRI is not as accurate as in other reports. Multidisciplinary teams managing patients with rectal adenocarcinoma should be aware of the limitations of MRI for pretreatment staging.

Renaissance of contact x-ray therapy for treating rectal cancer

Contact x-ray therapy (CXRT) with 50 kV has proven to be an efficient radiation therapy technique to achieve local control and rectal preservation for early rectal adenocarcinoma. Despite these results, CXRT has not been used due to the shortage of the no longer manufactured Philips RT 50™ unit. Recently, a new CXRT machine (Papillon 50™) became available on the market. This machine delivers a beam of 50 kV with a dose rate close to 15 Gy/min and has a percentage depth dose of 50% at 6–7 mm. The applicator size varies from 2–3 cm in diameter. Due to the original design of the main tube, treatment delivery is quick and more comfortable for the patients. An online viewing system incorporated in the tube allows a good visualization of the tumor with improved accuracy of radiation delivery. An international collaborative trial (Contact Endoscopic Microsurgery [CONTEM]) was set up to accrue approximately 300 cases of rectal adenocarcinoma staged T1, T2 or early T3 tumors in the UK, France, Denmark and Sweden. This trial should confirm the role of CXRT in curative treatment with organ preservation for early rectal cancers.

Recurrences after Local Excision for Early Rectal Adenocarcinoma

PurposeThe role of local excision in treating rectal cancer patients continues to be controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term oncological results of local excision for early rectal adenocarcinomas and review the outcomes of salvage therapy on rectal cancer patients.Materials and MethodsBetween March 1992 and September 2005, 35 consecutive patients with early-stage primary rectal adenocarcinomas were treated by local excision with curative intent. The mean tumor distance from the anal verge was 5 cm (range, 1-10 cm).ResultsThe median follow-up was 66 months (range, 17-161 months). Pathological examination revealed 23 cases of T1 and 12 cases of T2. Recurrence had developed in 10 patients (6 local recurrences, 4 systemic recurrences). Purely extrapelvic recurrence was observed in only two (5.7%) patients. Of the eight recurrent patients with surgical salvage, five survived with no evidence of disease at the time of this analysis. The 5-year local recurrence-free and disease-free survival rates were 79.6% and 67.9%, respectively.ConclusionLocal excision alone of early-staged rectal adenocarcinomas, even in the ideal candidate, is followed by a relatively higher local recurrence rate than previously reported and may not be a valid modality. Either the use of adjuvant therapy with local excision, even in patients with T1 lesions or the use of preoperative therapy followed by local excision has good promise.

A prospective study about functional and anatomic consequences of transanal endoscopic microsurgery

transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was developed in 1983 by Büess as a minimally invasive technique to manage rectal villous adenomas and early rectal adenocarcinomas. Many studies have been published worldwide about its excellent results in morbidity and recidive rate, but there are few studies addressing functional results. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of this technique in the anal anatomy and compare with the manometric results. we devised a prospective study of 40 patients. 39% female, 61% male. All of them filled an incontinence questionnaire (Pescatori scale) and endoanal ultrasonography and manometry was carried out preoperatively, third month postoperative and at sixth month only if incontinence appeared. 32 patients (80%) had villous adenomas and 8 patients (20%) had adenocarcinomas (uT1). Three patients complained of flatus incontinence at 3rd postoperative month that disappeared with normal continence at 6th month. Anorectal manometric values: mean anal resting pressure (ARP) decreased at 3rd month (from 87.2 mmHg to 70.1 mmHg), as it was for maximal squeeze pressure (MSP) from 152.5 mmHg preoperatively to 142.2 mmHg at 3rd month. Ultrasonography demonstrated internal anal sphincter (IAS) rupture in 3 patients, with a full integrity of the external anal sphincter in all patients. during TEM, a significant anal dilatation occurs, because of rectoscopy (40 mm wide), what can produce a rupture of IAS, with the consequent decreasing in ARP, and a dilatation without rupture of external sphincter what produces a decreasing of MSP. The fall of anal pressures had minima clinical repercussion when sphincter is intact, but when IAS is broken a temporal incontinence develops.

How To Diagnose Early Rectal Adenocarcinoma? Endoscopic Features and Predictors of Submucosal Invasion at National Cancer Center Tokyo

Background: Rectal cancer is usually diagnosed at late stage, however, the incidence of early cancer (confined to the mucosa and submucosa) is increasing in Japan. Endoscopic resection improves patients's QOL and is the accepted treatment for mucosal cancer, however, remains controversial in submucosal tumors. In this regard, endoscopic differences between mucosal and submucosal tumors will determine treatment strategies, however have been scarcely studied and the role of endoscopic treatment is still unclear Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the endoscopic features of mucosal and submucosal rectal adenocarcinoma and the endoscopic predictors of submucosal invasion. Material and Methods: Early rectal adenocarcinoma diagnosed between October, 1988 and November, 2002 were the subject of the study. Age, gender, location (Rs, Ra and Rb), size, macroscopic type, depressed component (IIc), growth type: polypoid growth (PG), non polypoid growth (NPG), clinical pit pattern (non invasive, invasive) were analyzed to predict submucosal invasion. Treatment (endoscopic, surgical) and lymph node metastases (LNM) data were also analyzed. Results: There were 268 early rectal cancers, 196 (73%) mucosal and 72 (27%) submucosal. Overall mean age and size were 62±10.7 years and 15±8.4 mm respectively. There were no significant differences in age, gender, location and macroscopic type and the layer of invasion, however, mean size, presence of IIc component, NPG and invasive pattern were significantly different between mucosal and submucosal tumors. Multivariate analysis revealed that invasive pattern (OR = 68), NPG (OR = 17) and size ≥15 mm (OR = 14) were independent factors predicting submucosal invasion. Endoscopic treatment was performed in all mucosal resections (curative rate:100%). Submucosal tumors were treated endoscopically in 26 (36%) and surgically in 46 (64%) cases. Among the endoscopic resected lesion, 9 (34%) lesions invaded ≤1000 um (sm1) and 17 (66%) invaded >1000 um (sm2). Additional surgery was performed in sm2 cases. LNM was found in 7 out of 72 (10%) submucosal tumors. Conclusions: Endoscopic resection effectively removed most early rectal adenocarcinomas. Invasive pit pattern, NPG and size ≥15 mm are accurate predictive factors of submucosal invasion and useful to define the therapeutic strategy. Endoscopic diagnosis might of early rectal adenocarcinoma is feasible and might reduce unnecessary surgical procedures.

A CASE REPORT OF EARLY RECTAL CANCER ASSOCIATED WITH PERIANAL PAGET'S DISEASE

Rectal or anal cancer associated with perianal Paget's disease is rare. We report a case of early rectal cancer (adenocarcinoma) with perianal Paget's disease in a patient who was seen at the hospital because of anal bleeding. There was neither distant nor lymph node metastasis. The patient underwent Miles' operation and has had uneventful postoperative course. Histological diagnosis was made as of early rectal adenocarcinoma and perianal Paget's disease that was not associated with perianal sweat gland carcinoma. Perianal Paget's disease is often associated with a rectal or anal malignant tumor, so careful attentions are necessitated in the treatment of this disease.