Organ sparing management in rectal cancer. Are we there yet?

BACKGROUND

The "watch and wait" approach has recently been proposed as an alternative to surgery in locally-advanced rectal cancer patients that respond to neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, in order to decrease its negative functional consequences upon the quality of life of these patients. Current methods show low accuracy for the identification of complete responders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature was conducted for articles published up to March 31th, 2019. Relevant studies were identified using bibliographic searches of Pubmed database. The keywords that were used in various combinations were: "neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy", "non-operative management", "complete pathological response", "rectal cancer", "biomarkers", "staging".

RESULTS

Magnetic resonance imaging can identify complete responders with a high accuracy using new protocols like diffusion weighted imaging. Positron emission tomography with 18-fluoro-deoxy-glucose shows a sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 80.3% for the prediction of complete pathologic response using the change in standardized uptake value. A panel of 15 metabolites was identified and shows potential to discriminate patient resistance and sensitivity to neo-adjuvant therapy (Area Under the Curve 0.80). Furthermore, pre-treatment peripheral blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio below 2 and platelet to lymphocyte ratio below 133.4 are significantly correlated with good tumor response (OR 2.49). Analysis of the pattern of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) clearance after neoadjuvant treatment conclude that an exponential decrease of the CEA levels is associated with significant tumor down staging and complete pathologic response.

CONCLUSION

New methods of assessing the response to neo-adjuvant therapy in locally-advanced rectal cancer have emerged, showing promising results. Further studies need to assess the best combination between imaging and these biomarkers in order to increase the accuracy and standardize the criteria for non-operative management.

KEY WORDS

Biomarkers, Complete pathologic response, Non-Operative management, Rectal cancer, Staging.

Platelet and Neutrophil Counts as Predictive Markers of Neoadjuvant Therapy Efficacy in Rectal Cancer

AIMS

To investigate pretreatment platelet and neutrophil counts as well as a combined platelet-neutrophil (PN) index for prognostic information in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma that received neoadjuvant treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Charts from 164 patients with localized rectal adenocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed, and 112 patients with complete data were included in the study. Patients were stratified in groups according to their neutrophil counts, platelet counts, and a combined platelet/neutrophil (PN) index. Baseline parameters of the groups were compared using the x² test. Pathologic responses on the surgical specimen of patients with lower platelet counts (≤ 350 × 10⁹/L), lower neutrophil counts (≤ 7.5 × 10⁹/L), and a lower PN index were compared with those of patients with higher platelet counts (> 350 × 10⁹/L), higher neutrophil counts (> 7.5 × 10⁹/L), and a higher PN index using the x² test. Kaplan-Meier curves of overall and progression free survival were constructed and compared with the log-rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 33 (29.5%) patients belonged to the high-PN index group, and 79 (70.9%) patients belonged to the low-PN index group. A significant difference was present between the two groups with regard to pathologic response. Patients with both high platelet and high neutrophil counts were less likely to have a complete pathologic response than those in the low-PN index group (P = 0.039). Additionally, tumor location and tumor stage were significantly associated with complete pathologic response to neoadjuvant treatment. Patients with a complete response were more likely to present with a low tumor (≤ 5 cm from the anal verge). Likewise, patients diagnosed with stage II disease were more likely to experience complete response than those diagnosed with stage III (x² test P = 0.016). There was no significant difference in overall and progression free survival between the two platelet groups (log-rank P = 0.73 and 0.40, respectively) and the two PN index groups (log-rank P = 0.92 and 0.43, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective analysis, the combination of higher platelet and neutrophil counts at the time of diagnosis had predictive value with respect to complete pathologic response to neoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer.

Prognostic Role of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Level after Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The prognostic role of post-chemoradiotherapy (CRT) carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level is not clear. We evaluated the prognostic significance of post-CRT CEA level in patients with rectal cancer after preoperative CRT.

METHODS

We reviewed 659 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative CRT and total mesorectal excision for non-metastatic rectal cancer. Patients were categorized into two groups according to post-CRT serum CEA level: low CEA (< 5 ng/mL) and high CEA (≥ 5 ng/mL).

RESULTS

Median post-CRT CEA level was 1.7 ng/mL (range, 0.1-207.0). A high post-CRT level was significantly associated with ypStage, ypT category, tumor regression grade, and pre-CRT CEA level. The 5-year overall survival rate of the 659 patients was 87.8% with a median follow-up period of 57.0 months (range, 1.4-176.4). When the post-CRT CEA groups were divided into groups according to pre-CRT CEA level, the 5-year overall survival rates were significantly different (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Post-CRT CEA level was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that operation method, differentiation, perineural invasion, postoperative chemotherapy, tumor regression grade, and post-CRT CEA level were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.

CONCLUSION

The level of serum CEA after preoperative CRT was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with rectal cancer.

Reduction of circulating lymphocyte count is a predictor of good tumor response after neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer

Systemic inflammatory indices are correlated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. The presence of lymphocytes in and around the tumor tissue is a predictor in rectal cancer. We aimed to explore the mechanism underlying the changes in circulating lymphocyte during neoadjuvant therapy and the way in which the count correlates with tumor response.Around 307 patients from FOWARC trial and 64 patients from FORTUNE trial were included in the training and validation group. Circulating lymphocyte count was recorded before neoadjuvant therapy and before rectal surgery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off value of the reduction of lymphocytes. A logistic regression model was obtained in multivariate analysis.The blood absolute number of lymphocyte before and after therapy had no correlation with tumor response. However, total lymphocyte count (TLC) reduction was significantly higher in good response group (39.81% vs 33.31% P = .032) in the FOWARC cohort. The optimal cut-off value for TLC was 24.96%. Age, tumor length, and TLC reduction (P = .005, OR = 2.009, 95%CI 1.240-3.254) were significant factors for tumor regression in multivariate analysis. In the FORTUNE cohort, TLC reduction was the only significant factor for tumor regression in both univariate (P = .032, OR = 3.434, 95%CI 1.111-10.614) and multivariate analysis (P = .046, OR = 3.361, 95%CI 1.024-11.035).Circulating lymphocyte count decreases during neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer, and it is associated with better tumor regression. It may be involved in the immune response provoked by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant volumetric modulated arc therapy in rectal cancer and the correlation of pathological response with diffusion-weighted MRI and apoptotic markers

PURPOSE

In this prospective observational study, we aimed to report the applicability and tolerability of neoadjuvant volumetric modulated arc therapy with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB-VMAT) and concurrent chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), and to evaluate the correlation of pathological response with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and apoptotic markers.

METHODS

The study enrolled 30 patients with T3 to T4 and/or N+ rectal cancer who preoperatively received SIB-VMAT and concurrent chemotherapy. Before and after the neoadjuvant treatment, apoptotic markers including the nucleosomes and cell-free DNA fragments in the serum samples were examined; DNA integrity was assessed by amplifying the ACTB gene; and the ADC measurements on the DW-MRI were analyzed.

RESULTS

No patients had acute or chronic grade III-IV toxicity. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was achieved in 8 patients (27%), while in 10 patients (33%) near-complete pathological response was obtained. Posttreatment ADC was significantly higher in patients with pCR compared with the others (1.28 vs. 1.10, p = 0.017). ROC curve analysis showed that posttreatment ADC values had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 77.3% for distinguishing the patients with pCR from other responders. On the other hand, posttreatment DNA integrity values were revealed lower than the pretreatment values (p = 0.36). Also, the results revealed an insignificant increase in the posttreatment serum level of nucleosomes (p = 0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant SIB-VMAT with concurrent chemotherapy was proved to be a feasible treatment regimen in LARC with tolerable side effects, and improved local control rate and pCR rate.

Ultrasound/CT combined with serum CEA/CA19.9 in the diagnosis and prognosis of rectal cancer

PURPOSE

To explore the significance of computed tomography (CT) and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) combined with serum CEA and CA19.9 in the staging, diagnosis and prognosis of rectal cancer.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients with rectal cancer were recruited from our oncology department. ELISA detected the expression level of CEA and CA19.9 in serum. The hemodynamic parameters of the rectal mucosa and tumor were detected by TRUS [resistance index (RI), pulse index (PI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic volume (EDV)]. All patients were pathologically examined to determine the disease stage and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of serum tumor markers, CT and TRUS. All patients were followed up for 24 months to assess the relationship between the combined examinations and the disease prognosis.

RESULTS

CEA and CA19.9 levels were significantly different in patients with different pathological stages (p<0.05). RI and PI decreased with increasing pathological stage, while PSV and EDV were increased with increasing pathological stage. The serum CEA+CA19.9 examination showed 12 cases of misdiagnosis, with an accuracy diagnostic rate of 78.57% (447sol;56). CT examination showed 8 cases of misdiagnosis, with an accuracy diagnostic rate of 85.71% (48/56). TRUS showed 6 cases of misdiagnosis, with an accuracy diagnostic rate of 89.28% (50/56). However, only 2 cases were misdiagnosed and 96.43% (54/56) were accurate, while no statistical difference was noticed between combined detection and pathology (p<0.05). Postoperative follow-up showed significant differences in T staging at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after operation (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

CT and TRUS combined with serum CEA and CA19.9 had great value in the diagnosis and prognosis in rectal cancer.

The Determination of Urinary Oxypurines as Markers of Gastrointestinal Tumors

Plasma levels and urinary excretion of oxypurines – hypoxanthine and xanthine – were evaluated by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography in 13 patients affected by gastric tumors and in 19 colorectal tumor-bearing patients. Preliminary results indicate higher values of urinary xanthine and an increase in the xanthine/hypoxanthine ratio in cancer patients. The increase was not generalized to all subjects, and did not appear related either to the stage of the disease or to CEA values. The limits within which the determination of urinary oxypurines can be employed as a tumor marker are discussed.

The Clinical Value of the Tumor Markers Ca 19/9 and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (Cea) in Colorectal Carcinomas: A Critical Comparison

The monoclonal antibody serum test CA 19.9 after having been described as being colon tumor specific, was advertised as being more sensitive than CEA in the detection of both early and advanced colorectal carcinomas. Furthermore, the combined estimation of the two markers, CEA and CA 19.9 was said to improve the detection rate significantly. However, our own comparative studies as well as those of several other groups recently published have shown CA 19.9 measurements to be less valuable, because being less sensitive than those of CEA. This is especially true for the early stages of intestinal carcinomas.

The parallel determinations of CA 19.9 and CEA improved the positivity rate insignificantly, because in only 3.5% of all cases C 19.9 was elevated in CEA negative cancer sera. However, CA 19.9 was found to have a much lower rate of (false) positive results than CEA in benign intestinal diseases.

[Circulating tumor DNA and targeted therapy in colorectal cancer]

The detection of circulating tumor DNA is a quick, low cost and reliable approach of liquid biopsy of cancer. It has a wide range of applications for tumor screening because of its noninvasive, convenient and highly repeatable features. In terms of the targeted therapy in patients with colorectal cancer, serial monitoring of circulating tumor DNA, especially for the specific genetic alterations, can be used for prognosis, monitoring resistance, evaluation of therapeutic effects and screening combined targeted therapy. Therefore, it will guide more precise treatment of colorectal cancer.

The predictive and prognostic potential of plasma telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) RNA in rectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery is the standard care for locally advanced rectal cancer, but tumour response to CRT and disease outcome are variable. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of plasma telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) levels in predicting tumour response and clinical outcome.

METHODS

176 rectal cancer patients were included. Plasma samples were collected at baseline (before CRT=T0), 2 weeks after CRT was initiated (T1), post-CRT and before surgery (T2), and 4-8 months after surgery (T3) time points. Plasma TERT mRNA levels and total cell-free RNA were determined using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of TERT were significantly lower at T2 (P<0.0001) in responders than in non-responders. Post-CRT TERT levels and the differences between pre- and post-CRT TERT levels independently predicted tumour response, and the prediction model had an area under curve of 0.80 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73-0.87). Multiple analysis demonstrated that patients with detectable TERT levels at T2 and T3 time points had a risk of disease progression 2.13 (95% CI 1.10-4.11)-fold and 4.55 (95% CI 1.48-13.95)-fold higher, respectively, than those with undetectable plasma TERT levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma TERT levels are independent markers of tumour response and are prognostic of disease progression in rectal cancer patients who undergo neoadjuvant therapy.

Prognostic Significance of CEA and CA 19–9 inc Colorectal Cancer in Kuwait

Preoperative CEA and CA 19–9 levels have been used in the past as prognostic indicators in colorectal cancer, but Dukes’ stage is still considered to be the most important prognostic factor. Recent survival estimates may have been influenced by the fact that in the last decade adjuvant chemotherapy and postoperative irradiation have been included in the routine management of advanced-stage disease. In a heterogeneous Kuwaiti population higher reference levels (95th percentile) of CEA and CA 19–9 have been found than those usually employed. In the present study 62 patients with Dukes’ stage B + C could be analyzed for two-year disease-free survival (DFS). Relapse was observed in 19 patients, 28 patients were disease free and 15 patients with censored observations were included. No significant difference in DFS was observed in Dukes’ B (69%) versus Dukes’ C (48%) patients (p=0.09). On the other hand, Dukes’ stage B+C patients with elevated preoperative levels of CEA or CA 19–9 had a significantly poorer DFS than patients with normal levels. For CEA levels below or above the cutoff the DFS was 74% versus 23% (p=0.003); for CA 19–9 levels below or above the cutoff the DFS was 71% versus 33% (p=0.004). In 54 patients with Dukes’ stage B+C for whom preoperative levels of both CEA and CA 19–9 were available multivariate analysis revealed a decreasing risk of relapse in the following order: CEA and/or CA 19–9 elevated (chi-square 7.09; p=0.008), CA 19–9 elevated (chi-square 6.27; p=0.01), CEA elevated (chi-square 5.47; p=0.02), and Dukes’ C (chi-square 2.08; p=0.15 n.s.). Hence, novel treatment protocols may have improved the disease-free survival, but the use of adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is of questionable benefit in patients who have elevated levels of CEA and/or CA 19–9 prior to treatment.

Evaluation of CEA in Patients with known Residual Disease after Resection of Colonic Cancer

Serial carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were measured in 43 patients following incomplete excision of colorectal cancer. Twenty-seven patients received chemotherapy. In the majority the subsequent elevation of CEA could be related to clinical progression, but some patients receiving chemotherapy may have a suppressed rate of CEA rise and may have a more prolonged survival.The clinical application of serial CEA estimations remains of dubious value. However, one area which may be worthy of study is to determine whether suppression of the CEA slope by chemotherapy is attended by clinical control and an improved survival.

Elevated red blood cell distribution width contributes to poor prognosis in patients undergoing resection for nonmetastatic rectal cancer

Several studies have reported that elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) was associated with the poor prognosis of different kinds of cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of RDW in patients undergoing resection for nonmetastatic rectal cancer.We retrospectively reviewed a database of 625 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for nonmetastatic rectal cancer at our institution from January 2009 to December 2014. The cutoff value of RDW was calculated by receiver-operating characteristic curve.The results demonstrated that patients in high RDW-cv group had a lower overall survival (OS) (P = .018) and disease-free survival (P = .004). We also observed that patients in high RDW-sd group were associated with significantly lower OS (P = .033), whereas the disease-free survival (DFS) was not significantly different (P = .179).In multivariate analysis, we found elevated RDW-cv was associated poor DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.56, P = .010) and RDW-sd can predict a worse OS (HR = 1.70, P = .009).We confirmed that elevated RDW can be an independently prognostic factor in patients undergoing resection for nonmetastatic rectal cancer. So more intervention or surveillance might be paid to the patients with nonmetastatic rectal cancer and elevated RDW values in the future.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on stress reactions and cellular immune function of patients in perioperative period following radial resection for rectal carcinoma

The study aimed to assess the effects and the further mechanism of action of dexmedetomidine with regard to stress reactions and cellular immune function of patients during the perioperative period following radical resection for rectal carcinoma. A total of 36 patients with rectal carcinoma were selected for radical resection under general anesthesia. The patients were divided into two groups, namely an experimental and a control group. In the experimental group (dexmedetomidine group) 1 μg/ kg/bw dexmedetomidine was injected intravenously 10 min prior to the induction of general anesthesia, and then infusion was carried out at a rate of 0.2 μg·kg-1·h-1 for 30 min prior to the end of surgery. With regard to the control group, the same amount of normal saline (NS) was infused with the same method as the experimental group. Controlled intravenous analgesia was conducted following surgery to all of the patients. Regarding the effect of dexmedetomidine on the reaction of stress, a decrease of VAS scores was noted in the experimental group following extubation compared with the control group (P less than 0.05). Furthermore, a significant decrease in the consumption of morphine in the first 24 h was observed that was accompanied by a decrease of plasma cortisol levels at 6 and 24 h following surgery compared with the control group. The levels of IFN-γ/IL-10 in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group (P less than 0.05). The percentages of CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ cells in the experimental group were increased compared with those of the control group (P less than 0.05). By infusing dexmedetomidine continuously, stress reactions during the perioperative period were significantly decreased, whereas the analgesic effects of opioid were increased.

Effects of oxycodone on immune function in patients undergoing radical resection of rectal cancer under general anesthesia

This study aims to explore the effect of oxycodone hydrochloride injection on the immune function of patients who underwent radical resection of rectal cancer under general anesthesia.Eighty patients were enrolled and randomly divided into group A and B (n = 40, each). All patients underwent general intravenous anesthesia. At the end of surgery, each patient in group A was injected with 5 mg (5 mL) of oxycodone hydrochloride, while 5 mg (5 mL) of morphine hydrochloride in group B. Venous blood was withdrawn in both groups at different time points. Changes in the numbers of T lymphocyte subsets and natural killer (NK) cells were determined by flow cytometry.First the numbers of T lymphocyte subsets and NK cells at T1, T2, T3, and T4 decreased in both groups, compared with those at T0, and the differences were statistically significant. Furthermore, the numbers reduced to a minimum at T2 and began to recover at T3. Second the differences between group A and B at T1, T2, T3, and T4 were statistically significant; and the numbers of T lymphocytes and NK cells were higher in group A than in group B at corresponding time points.Oxycodone hydrochloride and morphine hydrochloride both have inhibitory effects on immune function in patients undergoing radical resection of rectal cancer after surgery. However, oxycodone hydrochloride has a smaller effect compared to morphine hydrochloride.

[Impact of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on the prognosis of patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) on the prognosis of patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer (LACRC).

METHODS

Clinicopathological data of 684 patients with stage II(-III( CRC undergoing radical resection at Shanghai Ruijin Hospital from January 2008 to December 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. NLR was calculated from neutrophil and lymphocyte counts on routine blood tests prior to surgery. The optimal cutoff value of NLR for predicting 5-year overall survival (OS) was determined through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. According to the cut-off value, patients were divided into high NLR and low NLR groups. Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were compared between two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate the impact of clinical factors on prognosis.

RESULTS

A total of 396 male and 288 female patients were included in the study, with a median age of 62 years(range 21-92).Among these patients, 335 had rectal cancers and 349 had colonic cancers; 328 were TNM stage II( and 356 were stage III(. The end of follow-up was January 2016. ROC curve showed that the optimal cut-off value of NLR was 3.0, then patients were divided into low NLR group (NLR≤3.0, n=481) and high NLR group (NLR>3.0, n=203). Compared with low NLR group, the high NLR group was more likely to be older (median 64 vs. 61, t=-2.412, P=0.016), presented higher ratio of colonic cancer [66.0%(134/203) vs. 44.7%(215/481), χ²=25.945, P=0.000] and stage III( tumor [60.1%(122/203) vs. 48.6%(234/481), χ²=7.499, P=0.007], but lower ratio of first-degree relative cancer history [8.9%(18/203) vs. 15.6%(75/481); χ²=5.496, P=0.020]. However, no significant differences were observed between two groups in gender, smoking and drinking history, tumor differentiation grade, vessel invasion and nerve invasion (all P>0.05). The median follow-up time was 67 months (range 3-92), and the 5-year OS rates of high NLR and low NLR group were 59.6% and 73.2% respectively, with significant difference (P=0.001). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that age >65 years (HR=2.07, 95%CI=1.59-2.70, P=0.000), no first-degree relative cancer history (HR=2.01, 95%CI=1.23-3.28, P=0.005), poor differentiation grade (HR=1.65, 95%CI=1.26-2.15, P=0.000), positive vessel or nerve invasion (HR=1.92, 95%CI=1.35-2.71, P=0.000), high TNM stage(HR=2.10, 95%CI=1.59-2.77, P=0.000) and preoperative NLR>3.0(HR=1.51, 95%CI=1.14-2.00, P=0.004) were independent risk factors of prognosis for patients with LACRC.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative NLR can influence the prognosis of patients with LACRC receiving radical surgery. High NLR is associated with poor prognosis.

Mean platelet volume as a possible biomarker of tumor progression in rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer is a major cause of death and an early diagnosis is crucial in decreasing mortality. Previous studies found a relation between chronic inflammation and increased risk of rectal cancer. It was shown that mean platelet volume (MPV) level might be a marker of subclinical inflammatory process in gastrointestinal tract.

OBJECTIVE

To determinate whether MPV could be a useful biomarker of tumor progression in the rectal cancer.

METHODS

One hundred and three patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgical resection of tumor were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 98 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

The association between MPV, tumor stage and clinical status were assessed. The analysis proved that pre-operative MPV level was significantly lower in rectal cancer vs. healthy individuals (10.65 ± 0.79 vs. 11.41 ± 0.76 fL; p < 0.001).Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis suggested 11.3 as the cut-off value for MPV (sensitivity = 83%; specificity = 54%; AUC = 0.745). Surgical resection of tumor resulted in the increase of the MPV level with statistical significance (10.65 ± 0.79 fL vs. 11.21 ± 0.82 fL; p < 0.001). No relationship was found between the post-operative MPV level in cancer patients and control subjects.

CONLUSION

MPV level may be potentially useful and easily available biomarker for monitoring subclinical inflammation related to rectal cancer and predicting tumor progression.

The evaluation of the oxidative stress for patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer

Hypothesis: Nowadays, rectal cancer is an important healthcare challenge that affects many thousands of people each year worldwide, being diagnosed especially after the age of 50 years. Objective: This study attempted to evaluate the oxidative stress in patients with rectal cancer. Methods and results: 30 patients from the "Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu" Institute of Oncology in Bucharest were treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy during 2014 and 2016 and were included in the clinical study. Blood samples were obtained in dynamics during the treatment. From the blood samples, the serum was separated and used to identify the biochemical oxidative stress parameters. Results: Regarding the determination of lipid peroxides, albumin thiols, the cuprum oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin, the values registered in the dynamic of the treatment highlighted their increase to a maximum at the treatment's endpoint due to an important oxidative stress. Regarding the serum values for total antioxidants, the results pointed out the activation of the natural protection systems, which in time were overwhelmed, due to the installed oxidative stress. Conclusion: Part of the cytotoxic effect of radiotherapy was due to the production of oxidative stress. The cell was constantly exposed to the cytotoxic action of the reactive oxygen species. The obtained results indicated the dual relation to which the tumoral cell exposed itself and the installed oxidative stress, respectively, the oxidative stress being a cause or a consequence of the malign transformation. Abbreviations: CT = computed tomography, MRI = magnetic resonance imaging, ESMO = European Society for Medical Oncology, ECOG = performance status scale.

Relationship between serum uric acid and metastatic and nonmetastatic rectal cancer patients with undergoing no chemotherapy

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of uric acid (UA) in assessing rectal cancer metastasis.There were 475 newly diagnosed patients with complete data in our study, a total of 475 cases were reviewed, and divided into patients with metastasis and without metastasis.There were several statistical differences in age, tumor diameter, carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), and C-reactive protein (CRP) between the 2 groups. Importantly, serum concentrations of UA in patients with lymphatic metastasis were found to be increased compared with patients without lymphatic metastasis (270.9 ± 52.99 vs 215.8 ± 43.55; P < 0.001). There were positive correlations of serum UA with creatinine (Cr), CRP, and CEA (r = 0.281, P = 0.023; r = 0.312, P = 0.001; r = 0.294, P = 0.017) in rectal cancer patients with metastasis. Multivariate analysis model revealed that elevated serum levels of UA were significant prognostic marker for lymphatic metastasis in patients with rectal cancer, independently of CRP, CEA, and tumor diameter (odds ratio 1.035, 95% CI 1.013-1.057, P = 0.002). In receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve of serum UA in assessing metastatic rectal cancer patients was 0.803, with sensitivity of 0.864 and specificity of 0.739.Our results suggest that serum UA may be a novel marker in assessing tumor metastasis in patients with rectal cancer.

Prognostic role of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in patients undergoing resection for nonmetastatic rectal cancer

Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was associated with survival benefit in some types of cancer. The relationship between LMR and rectal cancer has not been investigated. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to assess the prognostic significance of LMR in patients with nonmetastatic rectal cancer. Patients with rectal cancer who underwent potentially curative resection between January 2009 and December 2013 were enrolled. The LMR was calculated from preoperative blood test by dividing the absolute lymphocyte counts by the absolute monocyte counts. The optimal cut-off value for LMR was calculated as the median value. On the basis of the cut-off value, patients were divided into 2 groups: low group and high group. A total of 543 patients with rectal cancer were eligible for this study. The median follow-up time for all patients was 55 months (range 6-85 months). The cut-off value of LMR was 5.13 and patients were divided into 2 groups: low group (LMR < 5.13) and high group (LMR ≥ 5.13). In the univariate and multivariate analysis, the LMR was not significantly associated with overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR): 1.034, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.682-1.566, P = 0.876]. When disease-free survival (DFS) was compared, univariate and multivariate analysis also indicated that the LMR was not significantly associated with DFS (HR: 0.988, 95% CI: 0.671-1.453, P = 0.950). In addition, in the subgroup analysis by tumor-node-metastasis stage, there existed no significance between LMR and OS and DFS. Although as an easy access and highly efficient laboratorial inflammatory marker, LMR cannot predict the prognosis of nonmetastatic rectal cancer patients.

[Neoadiuvant teleradiotherapy decreases cancer tissue and serum concentration of prostaglandin E2 and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in patients with rectal cancer]

The carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer involves many factors, which modify the functioning of cells and can include prostaglandins. Resection of tumours and/or radiotherapy provide potentially curative therapy for cancer of the rectum.

AIM

The aim of the study was to asses the effects of neoadiuvant teleradiotherapy on PGE2 concentrations in the serum and in the resected bowel tissue as well as on COX-2 gene expression in patients with rectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Group I (n=20) included patients with resectable tumour (T1-2,No) treated exclusively by surgery, and group II (n=20) - patients with resectable tumours (T3) and nonresectable ones (T4). All the patients out of group II were put to the surgery after the previous teleradiotherapy applied to them. PGE2 concentrations were examined using the RIA method, while COX-2 mRNA expression was analyzed with the use of the PCR method.

RESULTS

PGE2 serum concentrations in the group I prior to the resection did not differ from PGE2 concentrations in the group II prior to the resection (p=0,9488). However, radiation had caused reduction of PGE2 serum concentration prior to the resection in patients from the group II in comparison with the group I (p=0,0115). PGE2 serum concentrations after resection in the group I did not differ significantly from PGE2 concentrations in group II after resection (p=0,4511) (two-factor analysis of variation with interaction, p=0,3117). Radiotherapy did not change significantly PGE2 concentrations in the tumour and margin (two-factor analysis of variations with interaction, p=0,3137). The comparison between the number of patients who showed higher COX-2 mRNA expression in tumour than in the margin in the group I and II, did not reveal differences (p=0,6614).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadiuvant teleradiotherapy decreased PGE2 concentration in the serum, thus showed similar effect as tumour resection.

Prognosis Can Be Predicted More Accurately Using Pre- and Postchemoradiotherapy Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels Compared to Only Prechemoradiotherapy Carcinoembryonic Antigen Level in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients Who Received Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of a change in the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. A total of 110 patients with clinical T3/T4 or node-positive disease underwent nCRT and curative total mesorectal resection from February 2006 to December 2013. Serum CEA level was measured before nCRT, after nCRT, and then again after surgery. A cut-off value for CEA level to predict prognosis was determined using the maximally selected log-rank test. According to the test, patients were classified into 3 groups, based on their CEA levels (Group A: pre-CRT CEA ≤3.2; Group B: pre-CRT CEA level >3.2 and post-CRT CEA ≤2.8; and Group C: pre-CRT CEA >3.2 and post-CRT CEA >2.8). The median follow-up time was 31.1 months. The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates of Group A and Group B were similar, while Group C showed a significantly lower 3-year DFS rate (82.5% vs. 89.5% vs. 55.1%, respectively, P = 0.001). Other clinicopathological factors that showed statistical significance on univariate analysis were pre-CRT CEA, post-CRT CEA, tumor distance from the anal verge, surgery type, downstage, pathologic N stage, margin status and perineural invasion. The CEA group (P = 0.001) and tumor distance from the anal verge (P = 0.044) were significant prognostic factors for DFS on multivariate analysis. Post-CRT CEA level may be a useful prognostic factor in patients whose prognosis cannot be predicted exactly by pre-CRT CEA levels alone in the neoadjuvant treatment era. Combined pre-CRT CEA and post-CRT CEA levels enable us to predict prognosis more accurately and determine treatment and follow-up policies. Further large-scale studies are necessary to validate the prognostic value of CEA levels.

Significance and prognostic value of increased serum direct bilirubin level for lymph node metastasis in Chinese rectal cancer patients

AIM: To determine the significance of increased serum direct bilirubin level for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in Chinese rectal cancer patients, after those with known hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases were excluded.

METHODS: A cohort of 469 patients, who were treated at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Ministry of Health (Beijing, China), in the period from January 2003 to June 2011, and with a pathological diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma, were recruited. They included 231 patients with LNM (49.3%) and 238 patients without LNM. Follow-up for these patients was taken through to December 31, 2012.

RESULTS: The baseline serum direct bilirubin concentration was (median/inter-quartile range) 2.30/1.60-3.42 μmol/L. Univariate analysis showed that compared with patients without LNM, the patients with LNM had an increased level of direct bilirubin (2.50/1.70-3.42 vs 2.10/1.40-3.42, P = 0.025). Multivariate analysis showed that direct bilirubin was independently associated with LNM (OR = 1.602; 95%CI: 1.098-2.338, P = 0.015). Moreover, we found that: (1) serum direct bilirubin differs between male and female patients; a higher concentration was associated with poor tumor classification; (2) as the baseline serum direct bilirubin concentration increased, the percentage of patients with LNM increased; and (3) serum direct bilirubin was associated with the prognosis of rectal cancer patients and higher values indicated poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION: Higher serum direct bilirubin concentration was associated with the increased risk of LNM and poor prognosis in our rectal cancers.

Three-year monitoring of serum p53 antibody during chemotherapy and surgery for stage IV rectal cancer

The overexpression of mutant p53 stimulates serum p53 antibody production in patients with colorectal carcinoma even in superficial tumors. Although the short-term perioperative monitoring of serum p53 antibody titers is reported to be useful in predicting tumor recurrence and patient survival in colorectal carcinoma, the clinical utility of the long-term monitoring of serum p53 antibody titers in patients with colorectal cancer remains unknown. Here, we report the 3-year monitoring of serum p53 antibody titers in a 60-year-old man with rectal cancer, clinical stage IV (T2N2M1b, lung and liver metastases), who was treated with chemotherapy and surgery. Screening tests for CEA (29.4 ng/ml), CA19-9 (41.1 U/ml), and serum p53 antibody (2170 U/ml) were positive before treatment. After chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 + bevacizumab (B-mab), CEA and CA19-9 decreased to the normal range. However, serum p53 antibody titer remained positive (283 U/ml). After low anterior resection, the serum p53 antibody titer still remained positive (63.4 U/ml). Serum p53 antibody titer significantly changed and was associated with treatment response and tumor recurrence. In the last 6 months of the patient's life, serum p53 antibody titer gradually decreased, which possibly reflects the modification of the patient's immune response to p53 antigens.

THE CONTENT OF TRANSFERRIN AND FERRITIN IN BLOOD OF PATIENTS WITH RECTAL CANCER IN THE FIRST WEEK AFTER SURGERY

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Examine the dynamics of the content of ferritin and other indicators of iron metabolism in the blood of patients with colorectal cancer before surgery and in the postoperative period to 7 days, and compare it with other known non-specific criteria of the acute phase of inflammation. Respond to the question whether changes in iron metabolism parameters in patients with colorectal cancer after surgery are specific.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The content of ferritin, transferrin, iron and unsaturated iron binding capacity (TIBE) in the blood serurii of patients with coidrecral cancer before surgery and in the postoperative period of 1, 3 and 7 days was determined at the biochemical analyzer Cobas Integra 400. The values of parameters in the group of individuals without cancer pathology (control group) were used for comparison.

RESULTS

Before surgery, patients studied parameters were within normal limits. In the postoperative period (7 days) ferritin level was significantly increased by 88%, and transferrin level was reduced by 73% in relation to that of the control group (p <0.05; U-Mann-Whitney). Total iron binding capacity was significantly reduced by 250%.

CONCLUSIONS

Opposite changes of ferritin and transferrin, known as the acute-phase proteins, show predominance in the first week after surgery nonspecific reaction of patients to surgical stress. These metalioproteins are considered as one of the markers of the stress. We compared revealed changes in the studied parameters of iron system with the experimental data on the changes in the membrane potential of red blood cells and lymphocytes, and came to the conclusion that the identified synchronicity indicates their potential conditionality.