Recurrent Rectal Cancer Research Articles

Roles of MRI evaluation of pelvic recurrence in patients with rectal cancer.

Developments in the multidisciplinary treatment of rectal cancer with advances in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), surgical techniques, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy have had a significant impact on patient outcomes, increasing the rates of curative surgeries and reducing pelvic recurrence. Patients with pelvic recurrence have worse prognoses, with an impact on morbidity and mortality. Although local recurrence is more frequent within 2 years of surgical resection of the primary tumor, late recurrence may occur. Clinical manifestations can vary from asymptomatic, nonspecific symptoms, to pelvic pain, bleeding, and fistulas. Synchronous metastatic disease occurs in approximately 50% of patients diagnosed with local recurrence. MRI plays a crucial role in posttreatment follow-up, whether by identifying viable neoplastic tissues or acting as a tool for therapeutic planning and assessing the resectability of these lesions. Locally recurrent tissues usually have a higher signal intensity than muscle on T2-weighted imaging. Thus, attention is required for focal heterogeneous lesions, marked contrast enhancement, early invasive behavior, and asymmetric appearance, which are suspicious for local recurrence. However, postsurgical inflammatory changes related to radiotherapy and fibrosis make it difficult to detect initial lesions. This study therefore aimed to review the main imaging patterns of pelvic recurrence and their implications for the surgical decision-making process. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: MRI plays a crucial role in the posttreatment follow-up of rectal cancer, whether by identifying viable neoplastic tissues or by acting as a tool for therapeutic planning. This study reviewed the main imaging patterns of pelvic recurrence. KEY POINTS: MRI aids in surgical planning and the detection of pelvic recurrence and postoperative complications. Being familiar with surgical techniques enables radiologists to identify expected MRI findings. Patterns of rectal cancer recurrence have been categorized by pelvic compartments. Neoplastic tissue may mimic postsurgical and postradiotherapy changes. Resectability of pelvic recurrence is highly related to lesion location.

Patient Experiences of Long-term Pain and Pain Management Following Pelvic Exenteration for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

Although pain may persist for patients who undergo pelvic exenteration for treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer, studies exploring patient experience of postoperative pain and its management remains limited. This study aimed to explore patient experiences of postoperative chronic pain and management following pelvic exenteration. Qualitative cohort study of patients who have undergone pelvic exenteration for locally recurrent rectal cancer. The study was conducted through one-on-one semi-structured telephone interviews. Seventeen patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer who underwent pelvic exenteration between January 2018 and December 2020 were included. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' experiences of pain including its impact on life and management strategies at six and twelve months following exenteration. Interview transcripts were analyzed by two researchers using inductive thematic analysis. Participant experiences of pain following exenteration are reflected by three themes identified: 1) adapting to long-term consequences of pelvic exenteration including pain, 2) reluctance to take pain medications, 3) engaging multidisciplinary care team is essential to post-pelvic exenteration chronic pain management. Several participants reported ongoing intermittent pain following surgery that significantly affected various aspects of their lives. This prompted participants to adapt their lifestyle and explore alternative pain relief methods as some were hesitant to rely on analgesics. The small sample size from a single center whereby all patients underwent curative pelvic exenteration for lower recurrent rectal cancer with none undergoing the procedure for palliation limits the generalizability of the results of this study. While chronic pain following pelvic exenteration for locally recurrent rectal cancer interferes with patient's postoperative quality of life, analgesia use was influenced by pain habituation and fear of dependence on pain medications. Our findings emphasize the further need to investigate a multidisciplinary approach, including non-pharmacological methods, for optimization of pain outcomes following pelvic exenteration. See Video Abstract.

Ongoing prospective studies on reirradiation: A systematic review of a clinical trials database

IntroductionReirradiation has gained increasing interest, as advances in systemic therapy increase the survival of patients with cancer, and modern radiation techniques allow more precise treatments. However, high-quality prospective evidence on the safety and efficacy of reirradiation to guide clinical practice remains scarce. This systematic review evaluates ongoing prospective studies on reirradiation to identify research gaps and priorities. MethodsA systematic review of ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted on July 11, 2024, using search terms related to reirradiation. Inclusion criteria were prospective studies that were “recruiting,” “not yet recruiting,” or “active, not recruiting.” Studies with published results, retrospective, and in-silico studies were excluded. The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and recommendations for systematic searches of clinical trial registries. ResultsAmong 1026 identified studies, 307 were screened, 99 were included. Fourty (40%) focused on central nervous system (CNS), 23 (23%) head and neck, and 17 (17%) on pelvic reirradiation. Most studies (90%) were interventional, with 32 (32%) phase II and 4 (4%) phase III trials. Sixteen trials were randomized (RCTs), including the 4 phase III trials for recurrent glioblastoma, rectal and nasopharyngeal cancer. Ten dose escalation trials focus on recurrent prostate, rectal, and non-small cell lung cancer as well as glioma. Modern high-precision radiotherapy techniques were frequently used, with 21 (21%) studies using stereotactic radiotherapy and 17 (17%) using particle therapy. Combinations with systemic therapies were investigated in 41 (41%) studies. ConclusionOngoing studies most frequently focus on CNS, head and neck, and pelvic reirradiation. There remains a critical need for RCTs, in particular for lung, breast, and gynecological cancers. Dose escalation trials, application of precision radiation techniques and combinations with modern systemic therapy may help define the optimal multimodality treatment schedules.

IMPACT organizational survey highlighting provision of services for patients with locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer across Great Britain and Ireland.

Locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer represents a complex clinical entity, which requires multidisciplinary decision-making and management. The aim of this work is to understand the provision of clinical services in this cohort of patients across Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) as a key essential step to help facilitate future service development and improvement. A cross-sectional, organizational survey was sent to all colorectal cancer multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) across GB&I. It consisted of 12 key questions addressing the provision of specialist services and advanced surgical techniques. Results are reported in line with the CHERRIES guideline. One hundred and seventy-five MDTs across GB&I participated, with 142 English, 13 Welsh, 14 Scottish, 3 Northern Irish and 3 Irish MDTs. The overall response rate was 93.5% (175/187). Ninety (51.4%) hospital sites reported having a specialist dedicated or subsection MDT. Specialist advanced nursing support was available in 46 (26.2%) hospitals, with a dedicated advanced colorectal cancer outpatient clinic available in 31 (17.7%) hospitals. One hundred and thirteen MDTs (64.5%) offered surgery for advanced colonic cancer, 82 (46.8%) for recurrent colonic cancer, 58 (33.1%) for advanced rectal cancer and 39 (22.2%) for recurrent rectal cancer. A variable number of MDTs offered specialist surgical techniques, including distal sacrectomy [33 (18.9%)], high sacrectomy [16 (9.1%)], complex vascular resection ± reconstruction [33 (18.9%)] and extended lymphadenectomy (pelvic sidewall or para-aortic) [44 (25.1%)]. The IMPACT organizational survey highlights the current variation in the delivery and provision of clinical services for patients with advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer across Great Britain and Ireland.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in combination with deep regional hyperthermia followed by surgery for rectal cancer: asystematic review and meta-analysis.

Combining chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with deep regional hyperthermia (HT) shows promise for enhancing clinical outcomes in selected rectal cancer patients. This study aimed to integrate the evidence and evaluate the efficacy of this combined treatment approach. Asystematic search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Mendeley databases was performed. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Random-effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian and Laird) were performed. The primary outcome was pathological complete response (pCR), and secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and toxicity. In total, 12studies were included, mostly of moderate quality. Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC; n = 760) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC; n = 22) were eligible. The pooled pCR rate was 19% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16-22%) among all 782 patients and 19% (95%CI:16-23%) among 760 LARC patients. Due to significant study heterogeneity, survival outcomes were pooled by excluding LRRC patients. The pooled 5‑year OS rate among 433 LARC patients was 87% (95%CI: 83-90%). The pooled 5‑year DFS and LRFS in LARC patients were 75% (95%CI: 70-80%) and 95% (95%CI: 92-97%), respectively. There was alack of consistent reporting of HT treatment parameters and toxicity symptoms among the studies. The collective clinical evidence showed that neoadjuvant CRT combined with HT in rectal cancer patients is feasible, with a19% pCR rate and excellent survival outcomes in long term follow-up.

From Insight to Impact: Improving Mesorectal Evaluation Standards through Resident Educational Intervention

Abstract Introduction/Objective The completeness of total mesorectal excision (TME) and involvement of the circumferential radial margin (CRM) significantly impact local recurrence and survival rates in rectal cancer. Accurate gross examination to assess mesorectal status is crucial, not only for patient prognosis but also for evaluating surgical quality. Methods/Case Report We implemented a quality assurance initiative to enhance mesorectal quantification and CRM assessment by pathology trainees. Low anterior resection specimens received between January 2022 and December 2023 were included, with 2022 as the pre-intervention period and 2023 post-intervention. In December 2022, an educational session was conducted, emphasizing rectal resection specimens’ types and the importance of mesorectal and CRM assessment. Periodic reminder emails reinforced these concepts. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) We identified a total of 35 cases in the study: 20 pre-intervention arm and 15 post-intervention arm. Mesorectal quantification and CRM assessment and documentation improved significantly post- education, rising from 70% (14 of 20 cases) to 93% (14 of 15 cases) (p < 0.0001). Conclusion In conclusion, our study underscores the critical role of meticulous gross examination in assessing mesorectal status, serving not only as a prognostic indicator but also in guiding surgical precision and rectal cancer management. Further, our findings emphasize the transformative potential of education-driven interventions in enhancing the quality of mesorectal evaluation, reinforcing the pivotal role of pathologists and pathology trainees in shaping therapeutic strategies and ultimately improving rectal cancer patient care.

Current perioperative care in patients undergoing a beyond total mesorectal excision procedure for rectal cancer: What are the differences with the colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery protocol?

Patients requiring a beyond total mesorectal excision (bTME) procedure for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) will probably benefit from enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. However, implementation of ERAS protocols in such groups of patients is considered challenging. The aims of this study were to evaluate ERAS-related outcomes of patients with LARC or LRRC undergoing bTME and to investigate the possibility of designing a tailored ERAS protocol. This study was divided into four phases. Phase one consisted of a literature study to compare functional recovery and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing bTME. In phase two, outcomes on ERAS care elements in bTME were retrospectively evaluated. In phase three, differences in ERAS-related outcomes and compliance of the colorectal ERAS protocol in patients who had undergone bTME were studied. In phase four, multidisciplinary team meetings were held to develop an ERAS protocol for bTME patients. Seven studies reported on ERAS-related outcomes in patients undergoing bTME. Median length of hospital stay was 9-19 days, median stay in the intensive care unit was 2-4 days and 30-day postoperative major complication rates were 22.6%-61.3%. Seventy-five bTME patients were included for retrospective analysis. In these patients, length of stay was 9.0 days and major postoperative complications were observed in 40.0%. The overall ERAS compliance was 44.4%. Compared with the colorectal ERAS protocol, the largest differences in management were observed in the use of epidural anaesthesia, the postoperative use of urethral catheters, oral intake and mobilization. Patients undergoing bTME for LARC or LRRC are substantially different from patients treated with the colorectal ERAS protocol, regarding ERAS-related outcomes. A tailored, multimodal ERAS protocol with specific modifications was developed by an expert multidisciplinary team for patients undergoing bTME for LARC or LRRC.

Registry-based study comparing health-related quality of life between patients with primary rectal cancer and locally recurrent rectal cancer

AimNational clinical registries offer the benefits of a comprehensive dataset, particularly when linked with patient-reported outcome (PRO) data. This aim of this study was to utilise UK registry data to assess cross-sectional differences in health-related quality of life (HrQoL) in patients with primary rectal (PRC) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Materials and methodsData were extracted from the COloRECTal cancer Repository (CORECT-R) and the Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer – Quality of Life (LRRC-QoL) datasets. Propensity score matching was undertaken in a 1:1 ratio using two covariates: age and sex. The primary outcome was the FACT-C Colorectal Cancer Subscale (CCS). Statistical significance was determined using p < 0.05 and clinical significance using effect size (ES) and minimally important clinical difference (MCID). ResultsA matched cohort with 72 patients in each group was identified. Overall FACT-C CCS scores were worse in patients with LRRC from a statistical (11.80 vs 18.03, p < 0.001) and clinically meaningful perspective (ES 1.63, MCID 6.23). Patients with PRC reported better digestion (p < 0.001, ES 0.85), better control over their bowels (p < 0.001, ES 1.03) and increased appetite (p < 0.001, ES 1.74, MCID 2.08). Patients with LRRC reported worse stomach swelling (p < 0,001, ES 0.97) and more diarrhoea (p < 0.001, ES 0.92), however they reported better body image (p < 0.001, ES 0.80). ConclusionPatients with LRRC reported significantly worse overall scores in the FACT-C CCS from both a statistical and clinical perspective, demonstrating the ability of the FACT-C to distinguish between these patient groups and the benefits of the inclusion of PROs within colorectal cancer registries, specifically including patients with advanced/recurrent disease.

Robot-Assisted Resection of Exposed Colon With TaTME After Heavy Ion Radiotherapy for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer: A Case Report

Introduction Heavy ion radiotherapy has shown promising results in treating pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer. We report a case in which a patient underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection with transanal mesorectal excision (TaTME) following heavy ion radiotherapy, owing to challenges associated with spacer placement. Case presentation A 54-year-old man was diagnosed with upper rectal cancer. He underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection. Eight courses of CapeOX were administered as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Immediately after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy (8 months postoperatively), computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a 30-mm large nodule on the dorsal surface of the oral anastomotic intestine, which was detected by positron emission tomography–CT. Given that the tumor had an indistinct border with the sacrum and its superior margin extended to the second sacrum, it was concluded that a combined sacral resection was not advisable, and heavy ion radiotherapy was indicated. Robot-assisted low anterior resection combined with TaTME was performed approximately 2 months after heavy particle radiotherapy [73.6 Gy (relative biological effectiveness)/16 sessions]. CT scan conducted 3 months after irradiation revealed substantial shrinkage of the recurrent tumor. Conclusion Robot-assisted resection of exposed colon with TaTME after heavy ion radiotherapy is regarded as an effective strategy for treating locally recurrent rectal cancer.

Identifying timing and risk factors for early recurrence of resectable rectal cancer: A single center retrospective study.

Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy and various methods have been introduced to decrease the possibility of recurrence. Early recurrence (ER) is related to worse prognosis. To date, few observational studies have reported on the analysis of rectal cancer. Hence, we reported on the timing and risk factors for the ER of resectable rectal cancer at our institute. To analyze a cohort of patients with local and/or distant recurrence following the radical resection of the primary tumor. Data were retrospectively collected from the institutional database from March 2011 to January 2021. Clinicopathological data at diagnosis, perioperative and postoperative data, and first recurrence were collected and analyzed. ER was defined via receiver operating characteristic curve. Prognostic factors were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards modeling. We included 131 patients. The optimal cut off value of recurrence-free survival (RFS) to differentiate between ER (n = 55, 41.9%) and late recurrence (LR) (n = 76, 58.1%) was 8 mo. The median post-recurrence survival (PRS) of ER and LR was 1.4 mo and 2.9 mo, respectively (P = 0.008) but PRS was not strongly associated with RFS (R² = 0.04). Risk factors included age ≥ 70 years [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.752, P = 0.047], preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (HR = 3.683, P < 0.001), colostomy creation (HR = 2.221, P = 0.036), and length of stay > 9 d (HR = 0.441, P = 0.006). RFS of 8 mo was the optimal cut-off value. Although ER was not associated with PRS, it was still related to prognosis; thus, intense surveillance is recommended.

Мультидисциплинарный подход в лечении рецидива рака прямой кишки с вовлечением мочевых путей

Aim. To evaluate immediate and long-term oncological results ofsurgical treatment of recurrent rectal cancer involving the urinary tractsystem to show the need for a multidisciplinary treatment approach for locally advanced recurrent rectal cancer. Material and methods. Retrospective cohort analysis with prospective supported database. Analyzed 14 cases: all patients with locally advanced rectal cancer recurrence involving urinary tract system were operated at the Clinic of Coloproctology and Minimally Invasive Surgery in 2013-2022. Results. The age of the patients was 51.6 ± 13.0 years, 6 men, 8 women. The greatest recurrence number was (88%) finded in group of primary colorectal cancer of the lower and middle parts of the rectum. In 57.2% observations patients received preoperative chemotherapy or combination with radiotherapy. Approximately 64% of primary operations were performed using an open approach. Recurrence of CRC with pT3-T4 invasion was diagnosed in 72% of cases. Metastatic damage of lymphatic nodes after primary surgery were identified in 57.2% of cases. In 2 observations primary surgery was performed with R2 resection margin, relapse in that cases was detected after 11 and 13 months. One histopathological report indicated R1 resection, relapse noted after 6 months. Adjuvant chemotherapy was performed in 10 cases (71.4%), in two cases (14.3%) – postoperative radiation therapy. Average time for recurrence detecting after primary operation was 16.5 [12-28] months. Advanced combined interventions including recurrence removal with colon resection, gynecological and urological stages (RR+CR+GR+UR) amounted to 36%, recurrence removal with resection colon and urological stage (RR+CR+UR) was performed in 43% of cases, recurrence removal without the colonic stage (RR+GR+UR and RR+UR) - 3 (21%) patients. Reconstructive surgery to restore urine derivation were performed in 12 (85.7%) cases. The average duration of the procedures was 412.5[205-490] minutes, intraoperative blood loss - 275 [150-400] ml. Early postoperative complications are classified as Clavien-Dindo III. One patient with SIRS was classified as a complication Clavien-Dindo IV. The duration of the postoperative period was 25.5 [14-30] days. Postoperative mortality was 0%. According pathohistological examination R1 resection was detected in 3 (21.4%) cases. Adjuvant chemotherapy was performed 8 (57.1%) patients, in 1 case (7.1%) combination with a course of radiotherapy. During the period 24 months after surgery the mortality rate was 14.3%, repeated relapses diagnosed in 3 (21.4%) patients, one was reoperated. Distant metastases was noted in 4 (28.6%) patients, of which in 1 case with repeated recurrence. Discussion. Our urogenital bacterial diversity analysisshowed that human testicular tissue is not a microbiologically sterile environment and also presented new data associated with testicular tissue and its possible relations with male infertility. Conclusion. The main treatment method for locally advanced rectal cancer recurrence involving the urinary tract system is surgical. Multidisciplinary approach with the involvement in the surgical team urologist oncologist made it possible to perform a one-stage radical intervention for locally advanced recurrence of rectal cancer with restoration of derivation urine without the need for subsequent reconstructive procedures on the urinary system. Keywords: rectal cancer, urinary tract, multidisciplinary approach, surgical treatment, recurrence.

Cost Analysis of Pelvic Exenteration Surgery for Advanced Pelvic Malignancy

BackgroundPelvic exenteration (PE) is a radical procedure involving multi-visceral resection for locally advanced pelvic malignancies. Such radical surgery is associated with prolonged operating theater time and hospital stay, as well as a substantial risk of postoperative complications, and therefore significant financial cost. This study aimed to comprehensively detail the inpatient cost of PE at a specialist center in the Australian public sector.MethodsA retrospective costing review of consecutive PE operations at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney between March 2014 and June 2022 was performed. Clinical data were extracted from a prospectively maintained database, and in-hospital costing data were provided by the hospital Performance Unit. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS.ResultsPelvic exenteration was performed for 461 patients, of whom 283 (61 %) had primary or recurrent rectal cancer, 160 (35 %) had primary or recurrent non-rectal cancer, and 18 (4 %) had a benign indication. The median admission cost was $108,259.4 ($86,620.8–$144,429.3) (Australian dollars [AUD]), with the highest costs for staffing followed by the operating room. Overall, admission costs were higher for complete PE (p < 0.001), PE combined with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) (p < 0.001), and older patients (p = 0.006).DiscussionThe total admission cost for patients undergoing PE reflects the complexity of the procedure and the multidisciplinary requirement. Patients of advanced age undergoing complete PE and PE combined with CRS incurred greater costs, but the requirement of a sacrectomy, vertical rectus abdominal flap reconstruction, major nerve or vascular excision, or repair were not associated with higher overall cost in the multivariate analysis.

An actinomycosis infection resembling peritoneal dissemination of rectal cancer: a case report

BackgroundActinomycosis is a suppurative and granulomatous inflammation commonly caused by Actinomyces israelii. Due to its rarity and the paucity of characteristic clinical features, diagnosis of intra-abdominal actinomycosis is challenging, especially when the patient has a treatment history of abdominal cancer.Case presentationThe patient is a 72-year-old man who has a history of multiple abdominal surgeries for rectal cancer, including low anterior resection for primary rectal cancer, partial hepatic resection for metachronous liver metastasis, and Hartmann surgery for local recurrence. The patient has also undergone parastomal hernia repair using the Sugarbaker method. One year after hernia repair, computed tomography (CT) identified a mass lesion between the abdominal wall and the mesh, suggesting the possibility of peritoneal recurrence of rectal cancer. The accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) was evident via positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT), while tumor marker levels were within the normal range. On laparotomy, the small intestine, abdominal wall, mesh, colon, and stoma were observed to be associated with the mass lesion, and en bloc resection was carried out. However, postoperative histopathological examination revealed an actinomyces infection without any cancerous cells.ConclusionsThis case highlights the challenges faced by surgeons regarding preoperative diagnosis of actinomycosis, especially when it occurs after the resection of abdominal cancer. Also, this case reminds us of the importance of a histopathological examination for abdominal masses or nodules before starting chemotherapy.

The risk for rectal cancer recurrence and overall mortality is not increased in men previously diagnosed with prostate cancer: a report from the Swedish colorectal cancer registry

IntroductionLimited data exists on oncological outcomes following rectal cancer surgery in men who have previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC). This study aimed to assess overall mortality and rectal cancer recurrence in men previously diagnosed with PC who underwent bowel resection.MethodsData from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry identified men who had rectal cancer surgery between 2000 and 2016, and the National Prostate Cancer Registry was used to identify those with a prior PC diagnosis. Cox regression analysis with propensity score matching was employed for data analysis. The primary outcome was overall mortality. Secondary outcome was recurrence for rectal cancer.ResultsOut of 13,299 men undergoing bowel resection for rectal cancer between 2000 and 2016, 1130 had a history of PC. Overall mortality did not significantly differ between men with and without a prior PC diagnosis. Cox regression analyses with propensity score matching revealed that men with previously diagnosed low- or intermediate-risk (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70–0.90) and high-risk PC (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74–0.98) had lower overall mortality after rectal cancer surgery compared with men without a PC. There was no significant difference in rectal cancer recurrence between men with a previous low or intermediate-risk PC (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.74–1.14) or high-risk PC (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52–1.01) compared with those without PC history.ConclusionMen undergoing rectal cancer surgery with a previous diagnosis of prostate cancer do not experience an increased risk of rectal cancer recurrence or overall mortality compared with men without a previous history of prostate cancer.

219: Outcome of intraoperative radiotherapy as a salvage treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer

219: Outcome of intraoperative radiotherapy as a salvage treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer

Postoperative venous thromboembolism after surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer

BackgroundLocal recurrence is common after curative resections of rectal cancer. Surgical resection is considered a primary curative treatment option for patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). LRRC often requires a combined resection of other organs, especially in the case of posterior recurrence, which requires a combined resection of the sacrum, making the surgery highly invasive. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the lethal complications in the postoperative period, particularly in the field of pelvic surgery. We found no reports regarding the risks of postoperative VTE in surgery for LRRC, a typical highly invasive procedure in the field of colorectal surgery. This study aims to evaluate the risk of postoperative VTE in surgery for LRRC patients.MethodsFrom April 2010 to March 2022, a total of 166 patients underwent surgery for LRRC in the pelvic region at our institutions. Clinicopathological background and VTE incidence were compared retrospectively.ResultsAmong the 166 patients included in the study, 55 patients (33.1%) needed sacral resection. Pharmacological prophylaxis for prevention of VTE was performed in 121 patients (73.3%), and the incidence of VTE was 9.09% (5/55 patients) among those who underwent surgery for LRRC with sacral resection, while it was 1.8% (2/111 patients) in those without sacral resection. In univariate analysis, the combination with sacral resection was identified as a risk factor for VTE in surgery for LRRC (p = 0.047).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that surgery for LRRC combined with sacral resection could be a significant risk factor for VTE.

Short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

Radical surgery remains the primary option for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) as it has the potential to considerably extend the patient's lifespan. At present, the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery for LRRC remains unclear. The clinical data of patients with LRRC who were admitted to the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Patients were categorized into two groups, namely the open group and the laparoscopic group, based on the surgical method used. Propensity score matching was used to reduce baseline differences. The short-term outcomes and long-term survival between the two groups were compared. Curative surgery was performed on 111 patients who were diagnosed with LRRC. After propensity score matching, a total of 80 patients were included and divided into the laparoscopic group (40 patients) and the open group (40 patients). The laparoscopic group had less intraoperative bleeding (100 vs. 300, P = 0.011), a lower postoperative complication rate (20.0% vs. 42.5%, P = 0.030), a lower incidence of wound infection (0 vs. 15.0%, P = 0.026), and a shorter time to first flatus (2 vs. 3, P = 0.005). The laparoscopic group had higher 3-year overall survival (85.4% vs. 57.5%, P = 0.016) and 3-year disease-free survival (63.9% vs 36.5%, P = 0.029). In comparison to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery is linked to less bleeding during the operation, quicker recovery after the surgery, and a lower incidence of infections at the surgical site. Moreover, laparoscopic surgery for LRRC might yield superior long-term survival outcomes.

Endoscopic Surveillance after (Procto)Colectomy with Gastrointestinal Reconstruction in Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)-Principles, Goals and Practical Aspects Based on 12 Years of Observation.

(1) Background: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary condition characterized by the development of numerous adenomas in the large intestine, often necessitating colectomy due to an elevated risk of colorectal cancer. Despite surgical intervention, adenomas frequently recur, underscoring the importance of ongoing surveillance. This study evaluates the outcomes of a 12-year endoscopic follow-up after colectomy and gastrointestinal reconstruction for FAP. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 41 FAP patients who underwent at least one postoperative endoscopic examination. Assessments of the pouch or rectum were performed every 12-18 months following ileorectal anastomosis and every 18-24 months after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Follow-up biopsies were assessed using the adopted Spigelman classification. (3) Results: Postoperative pathology revealed invasive colorectal cancer in three patients. Abdominoperineal resection was performed in two cases due to secondary invasive carcinoma, and one T1 tumor was radically removed with ESD. One patient underwent radical pouch excision following a nodal pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer. Over a 12-year observation period, the mean Spigelman score increased by 2 points, and the proportion of patients with low-grade polypoid lesions decreased. The quantity or size of polyps increased in 24 patients, decreased in 8 patients, and remained stable in 9 patients. In four patients, granular, laterally spreading tumors were discovered in the rectal stump. (4) Conclusions: Regular endoscopic surveillance in FAP patients facilitates early identification of neoplastic and inflammatory changes. The downstaging potential highlights the effectiveness of early interventions. While the Spigelman classification assessed polyps well, it did not predict cancer occurrence. A notable number of patients had invasive cancer at the time of surgery, underscoring the importance of early surgical qualification, which is particularly crucial for identifying upstaging or secondary cancer.

Outcome of intraoperative brachytherapy as asalvage treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer.

Locally advanced recurrent rectal cancer (RRC) requires amultimodal approach. Intraoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) may reduce the risk of local recurrence. However, the optimal therapeutic regimen remains unclear. The aim of this retrospective monocentric study was to evaluate the toxicity of HDR-BT after resection of RRC. Between 2018 and 2022, 17patients with RRC received resection and HDR-BT. HDR-BT was delivered alone or as an anticipated boost with amedian dose of 13 Gy (range 10-13 Gy) using an 192iridium microSelectron HDR remote afterloader (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden). All participants were followed for assessment of acute and late adverse events using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version5.0 and the modified Late Effects in Normal Tissues criteria (subjective, objective, management, and analytic; LENT-SOMA) at 3‑ to 6‑month intervals. Atotal of 17patients were treated by HDR-BT with median dose of 13 Gy (range 10-13 Gy). Most patients (47%) had an RRC tumor stage of cT3‑4 N0. At the time of RRC diagnosis, 7patients (41.2%) had visceral metastases (hepatic, pulmonary, or peritoneal) in the sense of oligometastatic disease. The median interval between primary tumor resection and diagnosis of RRC was 17months (range 1-65months). In addition to HDR-BT, 2patients received long-course chemoradiotherapy (CRT; up to 50.4 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions) and 2patients received short-course CRT up to 36 Gy in 2‑Gy fractions. For concomitant CRT, all patients received 5‑fluorouracil (5-FU) or capecitabine. Median follow-up was 13months (range 1-54). The most common acute grade1-2 toxicities were pain in 7patients (41.2%), wound healing disorder in 3patients (17.6%), and lymphedema in 2patients (11.8%). Chronic toxicities were similar: grade1-2 pain in 7patients (41.2%), wound healing disorder in 3patients (17.6%), and incontinence in 2patients (11.8%). No patient experienced agrade ≥3 event. Reirradiation using HDR-BT is well tolerated with low toxicity. An individualized multimodality approach using HDR-BT in the oligometastatic setting should be evaluated in prospective multi-institutional studies.

72321 - Validation of the reporting of local recurrence of rectal cancer in the Swedish ColoRectal Cancer Registry (SCRCR)

72321 - Validation of the reporting of local recurrence of rectal cancer in the Swedish ColoRectal Cancer Registry (SCRCR)