Local Recurrence Of Rectal Cancer Research Articles

Rectal cancer with macroscopic peritoneal involvement – clinical challenges and consequences

In gastrointestinal cancer, serosal involvement indicates advanced disease. We looked at the possible role of clinical peritoneal involvement (CPI) in local recurrences (LRs) and the overall survival of patients with rectal cancer (RC). Between 1993 and 2002, 6404 patients were diagnosed with RC. Based on macroscopic findings at surgery and corresponding histological findings, 166 patients (3%) had CPI. Surgery was stratified according to type and extent of operation: as resective or nonresective surgery and as curative (R0) or noncurative (R1 or R2) resection. The presence of CPI was a negative factor for survival with a median of 15 months (95% CI, 12-19) in the presence of CPI compared with 65 months (95% CI, 61-70) without it (P < 0.001). In R0 resections, the median survival was 97 months (95% CI, 90-102) in patients without CPI compared with 48 months (95% CI, 22-74) in patients with CPI (P < 0.001). In R1 or R2 resections, the median survival was 16 months (95% CI, 15-17) in the absence of CPI and 9 months (95% CI, 8-10) in the presence of CPI. The LR rate in patients without CPI was 10.2% compared with 15.7% in patients with CPI (P = 0.022). Clinical peritoneal involvement is a significant detrimental prognostic factor for the LR of RC and survival in the absence of metastases. Observations from this large national cohort add to what is known about peritoneal involvement. Diagnosed CPI should be taken into consideration when adjuvant treatment strategies are addressed.

Prevention of Severe Pelvic Abscess Formation Following Extended Radical Surgery for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer

For treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC), extended radical surgery is sometimes required to obtain a negative margin. Such surgery is often associated with severe postoperative pelvic abscess (PA) formation. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of reconstructive surgery using a large rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap and anal preservation surgery on the incidence of severe PA. Between February 1998 and June 2008, 44 patients underwent extended surgery for LRRC. Patients were divided into the pre-2004 group (n = 15) and the post-2004 group (n = 29). To reduce the risk of infections, we modified the surgical approach after 2004 to include a larger volume of RAM flap (modified RAM flap) and implemented anal preservation surgery. The overall incidence of severe PA was significantly lower in the post-2004 group [6 of 29 (21%)] than the pre-2004 group [9 of 15 (60%), P = 0.017]. The incidence of severe PA was lower in the anal preservation group [1 of 12 (8.3%)] compared with those who did not undergo such surgery [14 of 32 (44%), P = 0.035]. Modified RAM flap reduced the incidence of severe PA, albeit insignificantly (pre-2004 group: 57%, post-2004 group: 23%). All three patients who underwent anal preservation and modified RAM flap reconstruction did not develop severe PA. Multiple logistic analysis identified no anal preservation (Odds ratio [OR] = 10.6) and performing of sacrectomy (OR = 20.0) as risk factors for severe PA. Anal preservation surgery is an effective measure against the development of severe PA after radical resection of LRRC.

(072). Local recurrence of rectal cancer after curative resection: Analysis of 23 cases

(072). Local recurrence of rectal cancer after curative resection: Analysis of 23 cases

Effect of Body Mass Index on the Outcome of Patients With Rectal Cancer Receiving Curative Anterior Resection

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on local recurrence of primary rectal cancer after open curative sphincter-saving resection. Increasing BMI was reported to be associated with a higher likelihood of local recurrence in male patients with rectal cancer. However, it remained unclear whether BMI exerts the same effects on local recurrence of rectal cancer in the upper and lower rectum. Between January 1995 and December 2002, we investigated 1873 patients with well-documented body height and body weight who underwent curative anterior resection for primary rectal cancer in a single institution. The patients were assigned to 4 groups according to their BMI: underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. The frequency of local recurrence increased with an increase in the BMI in patients with lower rectal cancer. The local recurrence rates were 2.5% (2 of 79), 6.1% (48 of 782), 9.2% (39 of 424), and 13.8% (9 of 65) in underweight, normal, overweight, and obese patients with lower rectal cancer, respectively. These results were different from those of patients with upper rectal cancer. Independent risk factors for local recurrence in the lower rectal cancer group were BMI, resection margin, histologic grade of differentiation, depth of tumor invasion, and status of lymph node metastases. In the upper rectal cancer group, the depth of tumor invasion and histologic grade of differentiation reached statistical significance. BMI exerted different effects on local recurrence of rectal cancer in the upper and lower rectum. Further, more aggressive adjuvant and/or neoadjuvant treatments should be considered for patients with tumor in the lower rectum and with higher BMI.

Value of MDCT in Preoperative Local Staging of Rectal Cancer for Predicting the Necessity for Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy

Neoadjuvant therapy may reduce local rectal cancer recurrence after total mesorectum extirpation. This study was performed to assess whether multi-detector row CT (MDCT) is capable of reliably differentiating UICC I (surgery) from UICC II-IV (neoadjuvant therapy). 29 patients underwent preoperative MDCT of the abdomen in a portal venous phase. Two blinded readers independently evaluated the datasets on a dedicated workstation using axial and coronal reformations. Local tumor extension (T), nodal status (N) and distant metastases (M) were evaluated and the UICC stage was determined. Findings were correlated with postoperative histology. Histologically, 9 patients were UICC I; 20 UICC > I (II: 7; III: 11; IV: 2). Reader 1 correctly identified 3 / 9 as UICC I, overstaged 6 / 9, and correctly staged 20 / 20 as UICC > I. Reader 2 correctly identified 4 / 9 as UICC I, overstaged 5 / 9, understaged 4 / 20 and correctly staged 16 / 20 as UICC > I (PPV UICC I 100 % [50 %] reader 1 [reader 2], NPV 77 % [76 %], accuracy 79 % [69 %]). Reasons for overstaging by reader 1 (reader 2) included false-positive lymph nodes (LN) in 5 (5), overgrading T 1 tumors as T 3 in 1(0), and T overgrading in 4 / 5 (2 / 5) patients with false-positive LN. MDCT failed to reliably identify UICC I in rectal cancer patients. Therefore, a strategy based solely on MDCT to identify patients who would benefit from neoadjuvant therapy does not seem appropriate.

Risk factors of rectal cancer local recurrence: population‐based survey and validation of the Swedish rectal cancer registry

Despite advances in rectal cancer treatment, local recurrence (LR) remains a significant problem. To select high-risk patients for different treatment options aimed at reducing LR, it is essential to identify LR risk factors. Local recurrence and survival rates of 4153 patients registered 1995-1997 in the Swedish Rectal Cancer Registry were analysed. LR risk factors were analysed by multivariate methods. For LR patients the registry was validated and additional data retrieved. The 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival rates were 45% and 62% respectively. LR was registered in 326 (8%) patients. After R0-resections for tumours in TNM stages I-III, LR developed in 10% of tumours at 0-5 cm, 8% at 6-10 cm and 6% at 11-15 cm above the anal verge. Preoperative radiotherapy (RT) reduced the LR rate irrespective of height [0-5 cm: OR 0.50 (0.30-0.83), 6-10 cm: OR 0.42 (0.25-0.71), and 11-15 cm: OR 0.29 (0.13-0.64)]. Patients without preoperative RT had significantly higher LR risk after rectal perforation [OR 2.50 (1.48-4.24)], and almost significantly decreased LR risk when rectal washout was performed [OR 0.65 (0.43-1.00)]. Preoperative RT prolonged time to LR but did not significantly influence the survival among LR patients. LR was an isolated tumour manifestation in 103 (39%) patients with validated LR. Preoperative RT should be considered for rectal cancer also in the upper third of the rectum. Intraoperative perforation should be avoided, and rectal washout is indicated as valuable. Follow-up for the detection of isolated LR is important. Extended follow up should be considered for patients treated with RT.

Radicality of Resection and Survival After Multimodality Treatment is Influenced by Subsite of Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer

To analyze results of multimodality treatment in relation to subsite of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). A total of 170 patients with LRRC who underwent treatment between 1994 and 2008 were studied. The basic principle of multimodality treatment was preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy, intended radical surgery, and intraoperative radiotherapy. The subsites of LRRC were classified as presacral, posterolateral, (antero)lateral, anterior, anastomotic, or perineal. Subsites were related to radicality of the resection, local re-recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate, and cancer-specific survival. R0 resections were achieved in 54% of the patients, and 5-year cancer-specific survival was 40.5%. The worst outcomes were seen in presacral LRRC, with only 28% complete resections and 19% 5-year survival (p = 0.03 vs. other subsites). Anastomotic LRRC resulted in the most favorable outcomes, with 77% R0 resections and 60% 5-year survival (p = 0.04). Generally, if a complete resection was achieved, survival improved, except in posterolateral LRRC. Local re-recurrence and metastasis rate were lowest in anastomotic LRRC. Classification of the subsite of LRRC is a predictor of potentially resectable and consequently curable disease. Treatment of posterior LRRC imposes poor results, whereas anastomotic LRRC location shows superior results.

Local recurrence in rectal cancer can be predicted by histopathological factors

Aim The main cause of local recurrence (LR) in rectal cancer is involvement of the circumferential resection margin (CRM). However, patients with a negative CRM can also develop LR, suggesting that additional factors are important for LR. The aim of this study was to identify histopathological factors predictive for the development of LR after primary rectal cancer treatment. Methods T × N × M0 patients treated for locally recurrent rectal cancer at the Catharina hospital from 1994 to 2006 ( n = 92) were matched with a control group of patients who did not develop LR after primary rectal cancer treatment for at least 2 years ( n = 185) based on the type of neoadjuvant treatment in a 1:2 ratio. The pathology of all primary rectal cancers was reviewed. Patient, treatment and histopathological characteristics were studied in relation to the development of LR with logistic regression. Results Logistic regression indicated the presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI, OR 4.66, P < 0.001), extramural venous invasion (EMVI, OR 4.54, P < 0.001), positive CRM (OR 2.56, P = 0.032), serosal involvement (OR 6.74, P = 0.035) and poor differentiation (OR 2.59, P = 0.012) as factors with an increased risk to develop LR. Older age was a protective factor (OR 0.95, CI 0.93–0.98, P = 0.001). Conclusion Apart from a positive CRM and serosal involvement, LVI, EMVI and poor differentiation are important independent predictive factors for the development of LR. Adjuvant therapy may be considered in the presence of these features in order to decrease the risk of a local recurrence.

Patterns of Local Recurrence in Rectal Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

Patterns of Local Recurrence in Rectal Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

Lymphatic Vessel Density as Predictive Marker for the Local Recurrence of Rectal Cancer

This study identified possible factors affecting the frequency of local recurrence of rectal cancer, focusing on lymphangiogenesis as a predictor. We examined 352 primary rectal cancer cases and 34 local recurrent specimens by lymphatic hyaluronan receptor. The lymphangiogenesis of all specimens was evaluated by measuring by lymphatic vessel density and other clinicopathologic factors. A multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model showed that lymphatic vessel density, lymph node metastasis, depth of invasion, and lymphatic invasion were significant independent predictive factors of local recurrence; lymphatic vessel density was the strongest predictor. In addition, a significant correlation was found between the lymphatic vessel density of the primary rectal cancer and the corresponding local recurrent cases. We suggest that rectal cancers, which have active lymphangiogenesis, also demonstrate a greater potential for local recurrence, and the lymphatic vessel density of surgical specimens is an independent risk factor and a valuable predictive factor for the local recurrence of rectal cancer.

Local recurrence after abdomino‐perineal resection

Local recurrence of rectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following curative resection. The published rates vary after abdomino-perineal resection (APR) from 5% to 47%. The aim of this study was to evaluate local recurrence following curative APR for low rectal cancer in our unit. The medical notes of patients treated between 1st January 1996 and 31st December 2000 were retrieved. Local recurrence was defined as the presence of tumour within the pelvis confirmed by clinical findings, pathological specimen or radiological reports. A curative resection was defined as excision of tumour in the absence of macroscopic metastatic disease and whose resection margins were greater than 1 mm circumferentially and 10 mm distally. Outcomes and survival were compared using Fisher's exact test and Kaplan-Meier method. Two hundred consecutive cases with a diagnosis of rectal cancer were identified of which 139 underwent a curative resection (69.5%). Of these 40 patients (28%) underwent APR with curative intent. Two patients (5%) developed local recurrence at 18 and 24 months respectively. The overall local recurrence rate for all curative rectal cancer surgery, in the same period was 2.6%. Eleven patients have died in the follow-up period of which nine were cancer-related deaths. The local recurrence rates achieved with APR were not significantly different from those achieved with restorative operations. Tumours at the ano-rectal junction should not be dissected off the pelvic floor, but radically excised en bloc with the surrounding levator ani, as a cylinder, as originally described by Miles.

Patterns of Local Recurrence in Rectal Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

A cohort of patients operated at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo for rectal carcinoma, at or below the peritoneal reflection, was reviewed retrospectively. The purpose was to study the risk factors for local relapse and the patterns of local recurrence. Three hundred fifty-one patients operated between 1993 and 2002 for rectal carcinoma, at or below the peritoneal reflection, were analyzed. One hundred forty-five patients, with preoperatively staged T1 or T2 tumors without suspected lymph nodes, underwent total mesorectal excision (TME). Lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) was performed in suspected T3 or T4 disease, or when positive lymph nodes were seen; 73 patients received unilateral LLND and 133 patients received bilateral LLND. Of the 351 patients 6.6% developed local recurrence after 5 years. TME only resulted in 0.8% 5-year local recurrence. In lymph-node-positive patients, 33% of the unilateral LLND group had local relapse, significantly more (p = 0.04) than in the bilateral LLND group with 14% local recurrence. Local recurrence in the lateral, presacral, perineal, and anastomotic subsites was lower in the bilateral LLND group as compared with in the unilateral LLND group. We conclude that, in selected patients, surgery without LLND has a very low local recurrence rate. Bilateral LLND is more effective in reducing the chance of local recurrence than unilateral LLND. Either surgical approach, with or without LLND, requires reliable imaging during work-up.

Anastomotic Local Recurrence of Rectal Cancer Remains an Important and Preventable Pattern of Failure Following Total Mesorectal Excision: Lessons for Radiotherapists

High-resolution MRI has excellent soft-tissue resolution allowing identification of fascial layers and compartments that are not defined by CT. We analyzed MR-defined patterns of recurrence of rectal cancer following total mesorectal excision (TME). These patterns have not been previously described by MR criteria. Patterns of failure may have changed in the TME era.

Diagnosis of recurrent rectal cancer deep into the vaginal wall by transvaginal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration

Local recurrent rectal cancer may present with extraluminal lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is good for diagnosis of such an extraluminal lesion. A 51-year-old Asian female was diagnosed with uT3N0M0 rectal adenocarcinoma 31 months ago. She had undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection (APR). Eight months ago, colonoscopy and computed tomography (CT) were unremarkable. Carcinoembryonic antigen was 1.1 ng/ml. Pelvic examination revealed a 3 x 2 cm firm soft-tissue mass palpable through the left vaginal wall. EUS revealed a mass in the left lateral vaginal wall measuring up to 21 x 27 mm in cross section without invasion of adjacent pelvic structures. Transvaginal EUS-FNA was performed with a 22-gauge needle. Final cytology confirmed recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma. Subsequent surgery also confirmed a 2.3 cm grade II adenocarcinoma. The tumor focally extended to the inked margin. The uterus and ovary specimen were negative for disease. We herein report a successful role of transvaginal EUS-FNA for early detection of recurrent rectal cancer at the vaginal wall after abdominoperineal resection (APR).

Protocol for the Examination of Specimens From Patients With Primary Carcinomas of the Colon and Rectum

The College of American Pathologists offers these protocols to assist pathologists in providing clinically useful and relevant information when reporting results of surgical specimen examinations. The College regards the reporting elements in the “Surgical Pathology Cancer Case Summary (Checklist)” portion of the protocols as essential elements of the pathology report. However, the manner in which these elements are reported is at the discretion of each specific pathologist, taking into account clinician preferences, institutional policies, and individual practice. The College developed these protocols as an educational tool to assist pathologists in the useful reporting of relevant information. It did not issue the protocols for use in litigation, reimbursement, or other contexts. Nevertheless, the College recognizes that the protocols might be used by hospitals, attorneys, payers, and others. Indeed, effective January 1, 2004, the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons mandated the use of the checklist elements of the protocols as part of its Cancer Program Standards for Approved Cancer Programs. Therefore, it becomes even more important for pathologists to familiarize themselves with these documents. At the same time, the College cautions that use of the protocols other than for their intended educational purpose may involve additional considerations that are beyond the scope of this document.

Evaluation of risk factors associated with local recurrence after radical resection of rectal carcinoma

To investigate the risk factors of local recurrence after radical resection of rectal carcinoma. Clinical and follow-up data of 535 patients with rectal carcinoma, received radical resection between August 1994 and July 2004 in our department, were reviewed retrospectively. The association of clinicopathological factors and local recurrence was analyzed using Log-rank test. Cox multiple variate analysis was conducted to determine the independent risk factors. All the 535 rectal carcinoma patients underwent radical resections. Local recurrence occurred in 53 cases (9.9%), and distant metastasis co-occurred in 39 cases (7.3%). The time from the first operation to the recurrence was 4-54 months with a median of 12 months. The Log-rank test showed that the primary tumor site (P<0.01), differentiation(P<0.01), histological type(P=0.038), lymph node metastasis(P=0.023), Dukes staging(P=0.045), blood transfusion(P=0.001), and total mesorectum excision (TME)(P<0.001) were associated with the recurrence, but the operative style(P=0.908), invasive depth of primary tumor(P=0.735), massive pathological type(P=0.562), degree of surgeon(P=0.171) and post-operative chemotherapy (P=0.772) were not associated with the recurrence. Cox multiple variate analysis revealed that blood transfusion, primary tumor site, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and TME principle were independent prognostic factors affecting local recurrence after radical resection of rectal cancer. Blood transfusion, low position of tumor, poor differentiation, lymph node metastasis are the risk factors associated with local recurrence in rectal cancer. Application of TME principle is the key point to decrease the local recurrence rate.

CT guided 125I seeds implantation in treatment of local recurrent rectal cancer after surgery resection: analysis of 21 cases

To explore the clinical value of CT guided 125I seeds implantation in the treatment of local recurrent rectal cancer after surgery resection. Twenty-one patients with local recurrent rectal cancer after surgery, 12 males and 9 females, aged 47 (35-69), with the longest diameter of 4. 2 cm (3.4 - 6.4 cm), were treated by CT guided 125I radioactive seeds implantation according to treatment planning system (TPS) or Halarism's experienced function: mCi = Da x 5. Totally, 506 seeds, 24.1 for one patient on average, were implanted. All the patients received PET-CT scan 3 months after the treatment and were followed up for 12.5 months (7-22 months). Complete remission, partial remission, and no change were seen in 16, 3, and 2 patients respectively. All patients survived. CT guided 125I seeds implantation is an effective methods in the treatment of local recurrent rectal cancer after surgery resection.

Local Recurrence in Rectal Cancer: Anatomic Localization and Effect on Radiation Target

To determine the sites of local recurrence after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer in an effort to optimize the radiation target. A total of 155 patients with recurrence after abdominal resection for rectal cancer were identified from a population-based consecutive cohort of 2,315 patients who had undergone surgery by surgeons trained in the total mesorectal excision procedure. A total of 99 cross-sectional imaging studies were retrieved and re-examined by one radiologist. The clinical records were examined for the remaining patients. Evidence of residual mesorectal fat was identified in 50 of the 99 patients. In 83 patients, local recurrence was identified on the imaging studies. All recurrences were within the irradiated volume if the patients had undergone preoperative radiotherapy or within the same volume if they had not. The site of recurrence was in the lower 75% of the pelvis, anatomically below the S1-S2 interspace for all patients. Only 5 of the 44 recurrences in patients with primary tumors >5 cm from the anal verge were in the lowest 20% of the pelvis. Six recurrences involved the lateral lymph nodes. These data suggest that a lowering of the upper limit of the clinical target volume could be introduced. The anal sphincter complex with surrounding tissue could also be excluded in patients with primary tumors >5 cm from the anal verge.

Successful rectal cancer local recurrence radiofrequency ablation

Local rectal cancer recurrences represent a great challenge, as surgical re-excisions or re-irradiation procedures are not always feasible. Moreover, scar or local recurrence is hard to elucidate with conventional diagnosis techniques. Emerging diagnostic and therapeutic procedures may be useful in this setting. A local rectal cancer recurrence radiofrequency ablation is reported. PET scan confirmed the recurrence, defined the target volume and assessed the success of the local therapy.

Radical Redo Surgery for Local Rectal Cancer Recurrence Improves Overall Survival: A Single Center Experience

BackgroundTo date, the survival benefit of redo surgery in locally recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma remains unclear. Study DesignIn an institutional study, operations for recurrence were retrospectively analyzed. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier plot and Cox regression analysis. ResultsA total of 72 patients with local recurrence were explored or resected. In 38 patients, there was synchronous distant organ recurrence. Forty-five of 72 were re-resected and in 37 of 45 cases, R0 situations were achieved. In 11 of 38 metastasized patients, both local and distant organ recurrence were successfully removed. For obtaining tumor control, resections of inner genitals, bladder, and sacral bone were necessary in 10, 4, and 11 patients, respectively. Survival was better for patients re-resected with a median overall survival of 54.9 months, as compared with 31.1 months among non-resected patients (p = 0.0047, log-rank test). Subgroup analysis revealed that a benefit of re-resection was observed to a lesser extent in synchronous local and in distant disease. Cox analysis showed that initial Dukes stage and complete resections of local recurrences were independently determining prognosis (relative risk 1.762 and 0.689, p = 0.008 and p = 0.002, respectively). ConclusionsRadical surgery for local recurrence can improve survival if complete tumor clearance is achieved, and concomitant distant tumor load should not principally preclude re-resection.