Surgical treatment of locally recurrent rectal carcinoma

The efficiency of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the assessment of tumor response to preoperative chemoradiation therapy for locally recurrent rectal cancer

Background

Locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) remains a major problem after curative resection of primary rectal cancer. A noninvasive, prognostic biomarker with which to accurately evaluate disease status and assess the treatment response is critically needed to optimize treatment plans. This study assesses the effectiveness of PET/CT evaluation of preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in patients with LRRC.

Methods

Since 2004, we have been performing preoperative CRT to improve local tumor control and survival. Between 2004 and 2013, 40 patients with LRRC underwent preoperative CRT (radiation: 50 Gy/25 fractions; chemotherapy: irinotecan plus UFT [tegafur and uracil]/leucovorin) and radical surgery, and underwent ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT before and 3 weeks after the completion of CRT. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the pre-CRT scan (Pre-SUV) and the post-CRT scan (Post-SUV) were measured. The predictive value of the ¹⁸F-FDG-PET and CT/MRI response assessments was evaluated.

Results

The mean Pre-SUV was significantly higher than the Post-SUV (8.2 ± 6.1, vs. 3.8 ± 4.0; P < 0.0001). Following CRT, 17/40 patients (42.5%) were classified as responders according to the Mandard tumor regression grade (TRG1–2). The mean Post-SUV was significantly lower in responders than in nonresponders (2.0 ± 1.7 vs. 5.1 ± 3.9; P = 0.0038). Pathological response was not correlated with the response as evaluated by CT (P > 0.9999) or MRI (P > 0.9999). Multivariate regression analysis identified Post-SUV as an independent predictor of local re-recurrence-free survival (P = 0.0383) and for overall survival (P = 0.0195).

Conclusions

PET/CT is useful in assessing tumor response to preoperative CRT for LRRC and predicting prognosis after surgery.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08873-7.

Rectal Cancer in 2018: A Primer for the Gastroenterologist

The rectum has distinctive anatomic and physiologic features, which increase the risk of local spread and recurrence among rectal cancers as compared to colon cancers. Essential to the management of rectal cancers is accurate endoscopic localization as well as preoperative imaging assessment of local and distant disease. Successful oncologic care is multidisciplinary including input from Gastroenterologists, Surgeons, Medical and Radiation Oncologists, Radiologists, and Pathologists. Extensive planning of curative intent is mandatory as failures of upfront treatment present great long‐term difficulty for patients and caregivers. Local recurrences are frequently associated with major morbidity including bowel and urinary obstruction, severe pain, and significantly diminished quality of life. Distant recurrence is associated with lower survival. Over the last two decades, there have been many advances in diagnostic imaging techniques as well as surgical techniques including transanal endoscopic microsurgery for very early stage cancers. Progress in curative management paradigms includes shorter courses of preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy doublet paradigms for perioperative treatment. This review describes the diagnosis, workup, and multimodality curative intent treatment of rectal cancers. It is emphasized that success begins in the hands and eyes of the gastroenterologist.

Integrated Treatment with Doxifluridine and Radiotherapy in Recurrent or Primary Unresectable Rectal Cancer. A Feasibility Study

Aims and Background

When combined with radiotherapy, fluoropyrimidines have been shown to have synergistic effects on various tumor types. Doxifluridine (5-dFUR) is a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) prodrug that is transformed into 5-FU in neoplastic tissue, which suggests that it may improve the activity of radiotherapy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the combination of radiotherapy and oral 5-dFUR plus I-leucovorin in terms of pathologically complete remissions in locally advanced rectal cancer.

Methods

Eleven patients with locally recurrent (n = 7) or primary unresectable rectal cancer (n = 4) were treated with three cycles of oral I-leucovorin 25 mg/dose followed by 5-dFUR 750 mg/m2 twice daily for four days every 12, in combination with pelvic radiation at a standard dose of 45 Gy over five weeks. The tumor burden was assessed by means of CT and endoscopic ultrasound at baseline and at least four weeks after the end of the treatment and before surgery.

Results

Four patients achieved an objective response, 6 disease stabilization and 1 had progressive disease. After a median time of five weeks from the end of treatment 8 patients underwent radical resection and a pathologically complete remission was documented in 2. Seven of these patients are still alive and disease free after a median follow-up of 18 months. The major side effects were grade 3 diarrhea in one case, and grade 1-2 nausea and vomiting in three cases. No significant hematological toxicity was observed.

Conclusions

This combination of radiation and 5-dFUR plus I-leucovorin led to an interesting rate of resectability, with pathological downstaging being documented in two cases. These preliminary results show an encouraging local control of an otherwise unresectable disease. Combined preoperative therapy with oral fluoropyrimidine plus I-leucovorin together with radiation may be an attractive approach in patients with operable rectal cancer.

Laparoscopic surgery using a Gigli wire saw for locally recurrent rectal cancer with concomitant intraperitoneal sacrectomy

INTRODUCTION

Previous reports indicated the effectiveness of surgical resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Most cases with posterior invasion patterns require concomitant sacrectomy to secure negative histologic margins, although this is a highly invasive procedure. Here, we present a new minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical technique for LRRC with concomitant sacrectomy.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

A 64-year-old man presented with LRRC on the surface of the sacral bone. He underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with concomitant sacrectomy below the S4 vertebra. The surgical procedure, including sacrectomy, was performed laparoscopically. The distance between the estimated resection line (below the S4 vertebra) and sacral promontory was measured by preoperative imaging. Intraoperatively, a flexible ruler was employed to determine the resection line. Securing adequate space dorsal to the sacral bone was indispensable for placement of the Gigli wire saw. After the Gigli wire saw was positioned, bilateral caudal trocars were used to remove the ends of the wire. Then, the sacral bone was cut by the linear reciprocating motion of the Gigli wire saw. Pathologically confirmed curative resection was achieved. The procedure was successfully performed without transfusion or intraoperative complications. The operation time was 757 min, and blood loss volume was 890 ml. There were no severe postoperative complications. The patient is alive and well with no evidence of recurrence at 58 months after surgical resection of LRRC.

DISCUSSION

Our newly developed technique demonstrates that laparoscopic intraperitoneal sacrectomy using a Gigli wire saw is a safe and useful procedure to facilitate resection of LRRC.

Institutional analysis of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for oligometastatic lymph node metastases

BACKGROUND

In limited metastatic burden of disease, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been shown to achieve high local control rates. It has been hypothesized that SBRT may translate to a better quality of life by delaying the need for systemic chemotherapy and possibly increasing survival. There is limited published literature on the efficacy of SBRT in limited nodal metastases. The primary aim is to review institutional outcomes of patients with solitary or oligometastatic lymph nodes treated with SBRT.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients treated with SBRT to metastatic lymph nodes (March 2010-June 2015) was conducted. Endpoints of this study were local control (LC), chemotherapy-free survival (CFS) following SBRT, toxicities, progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Eighteen patients with a mean age of 65 years underwent SBRT to metastatic lymph nodes. Median follow-up was 33.6 months. There were four hepatocellular carcinoma, seven colorectal, four pancreatic, one esophageal, one gallbladder and one lung primary. Eleven (61%) patients had lymph node metastases at initial presentation of metastatic disease. Seven patients (39%) had systemic therapy prior to SBRT, with five patients receiving two lines of chemotherapy. Eight patients had solitary metastatic disease at the time of radiotherapy. All patients had <5 metastases. Median size of lymph node metastases was 1.95 cm (range: 0.8-6.2 cm). RT doses were 31 to 60 Gy in four to ten fractions, with 44% of patients receiving 35 Gy in 5 fractions. At 1 year, LC was 94% and CFS from SBRT was 60%. One-year PFS and OS were 39% and 89% respectively. There were no grade 3 or higher toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

In this single institution study, SBRT to oligometastatic lymph nodes provided excellent LC and a moderate chemotherapy-free interval with minimal toxicities. Disease progression remains prominent in these patients and larger studies are warranted to identify those who benefit most from SBRT.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for oligo-recurrence within the nodal area from colorectal cancer

Recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) often presents as solitary metastases, oligometastases or oligo-recurrence. Surgical resection became the preferred treatment for patients with CRC lung and hepatic metastases. However, surgical treatment for oligo-recurrence within nodal area is not a widely accepted treatment due to due to their relative rarity and high postoperative morbidity. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is one of the emerging radiation treatment techniques in which a high radiation dose can be delivered to the tumor. High-dose SBRT can ablate the tumor with an efficacy similar to that achieved with surgery, especially for small tumors. However, there have been very few studies on SBRT for oligo-recurrence within nodal area, although several studies have evaluated the role of SBRT in the treatment of liver and lung metastases from CRC. This article reviews the current clinical status of and treatment methods for oligo-recurrence within nodal area from CRC, with particular emphasis on SBRT.

Intentionally curative treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of outcome data beyond local recurrence rates after primary treatment in rectal cancer, despite more information being necessary for clinical decision-making. We sought to determine patient selection, therapeutic modalities and outcomes of locally recurrent rectal cancer treated with curative intent.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE (1990-2010) using the medical subject headings "rectal neoplasms" and "neoplasm recurrence, local." Selection of cohort studies was based on the primary intention of treatment and availability of at least 1 outcome variable.

RESULTS

We included 55 cohort studies comprising 3767 patients; 8 studies provided data on the rate of intentionally curative treatment from an unselected consecutive cohort of patients (481 of 1188 patients; 40%). Patients were symptomatic with pain in 50% (796 of 1607) of cases. Overall, 3088 of 3767 patients underwent resection. The R0 resection rate was 56% (1484 of 2637 patients). The rate of external beam radiotherapy was 100% in 9 studies, 0% in 5 studies, and ranged from 12% to 97% in 37 studies. Overall postoperative mortality was 2.2% (57 of 2515 patients). Five-year survival was at least 25%, with an upper limit of 41% in 11 of 18 studies including at least 50 resections. We found a significant increase in reported survival rates over time (r2 = 0.214, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

More uniformity in treatment protocols and reporting on outcomes for locally recurrent rectal cancer is warranted. The observed improvement of reported survival rates in time is probably related to better patient selection and optimized multimodality treatment in specialized centres.

Intraoperative Electron Radiation Therapy (IOERT) in the management of locally recurrent rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

To evaluate disease control, overall survival and prognostic factors in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer after IOERT-containing multimodal therapy.

METHODS

Between 1991 and 2006, 97 patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer have been treated with surgery and IOERT. IOERT was preceded or followed by external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in 54 previously untreated patients (median dose 41.4 Gy) usually combined with 5-Fluouracil-based chemotherapy (89%). IOERT was delivered via cylindric cones with doses of 10-20 Gy. Adjuvant CHT was given only in a minority of patients (34%). Median follow-up was 51 months.

RESULTS

Margin status was R0 in 37%, R1 in 33% and R2 in 30% of the patients. Neoadjuvant EBRT resulted in significantly increased rates of free margins (52% vs. 24%). Median overall survival was 39 months. Estimated 5-year rates for central control (inside the IOERT area), local control (inside the pelvis), distant control and overall survival were 54%, 41%, 40% and 30%. Resection margin was the strongest prognostic factor for overall survival (3-year OS of 80% (R0), 37% (R1), 35% (R2)) and LC (3-year LC 82% (R0), 41% (R1), 18% (R2)) in the multivariate model. OS was further significantly affected by clinical stage at first diagnosis and achievement of local control after treatment in the univariate model. Distant failures were found in 46 patients, predominantly in the lung. 90-day postoperative mortality was 3.1%.

CONCLUSION

Long term OS and LC can be achieved in a substantial proportion of patients with recurrent rectal cancer using a multimodality IOERT-containing approach, especially in case of clear margins. LC and OS remain limited in patients with incomplete resection. Preoperative re-irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy may be considered to improve outcome.

Surgical management of locally recurrent rectal cancer

Developments in chemotherapeutic strategies and surgical technique have led to improved loco regional control of rectal cancer and a decrease in recurrence rates over time. However, locally recurrent rectal cancer continues to present considerable technical challenges and results in significant morbidity and mortality. Surgery remains the only therapy with curative potential. Despite a hostile intra-operative environment, with meticulous pre-operative planning and judicious patient selection, safe surgery is feasible. The potential benefit of new techniques such as intra-operative radiotherapy and high intensity focussed ultrasonography has yet to be thoroughly investigated. The future lies in identification of predictors of recurrence, development of schematic clinical algorithms to allow standardised surgical technique and further research into genotyping platforms to allow individualisation of therapy. This review highlights important aspects of pre-operative planning, intra-operative tips and future strategies, focussing on a multimodal multidisciplinary approach.

Salvage surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer: total mesorectal excision during the primary operation does not influence the outcome

AIM

This study investigated whether total mesorectal excision (TME), when carried out at the original operation for rectal cancer, influenced the effectiveness of subsequent salvage treatment for pelvic recurrence.

METHOD

Between September 1990 and January 2006, 124 patients underwent radiotherapy and salvage surgery at the Norwegian Radium Hospital for locally recurrent rectal cancer without known distant metastases. Most of the primary operations had been performed at other hospitals: 62 patients had undergone a non-TME procedure (most operations in this group of patients were carried out before 1994); and 62 patients had undergone a TME procedure (all operations in this group of patients were carried out after 1992). In the TME group, 17 patients also received radiosensitizing chemotherapy.

RESULTS

A lower proportion of primary abdominoperineal resection and more sensitizing chemotherapy seemed to be to the advantage of the TME group, while a higher frequency of intra-operative radiotherapy might be beneficial in the non-TME group. The 5-year survival and R0 stage achievement were 30/24% and 44/40% for non-TME/TME groups. The local re-recurrence rates were nearly identical, at around 50%, for both groups. There was no change in R stage over time.

CONCLUSION

A primary operation which includes TME does not reduce the effectiveness of subsequent salvage treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer.

Combined modality therapy including intraoperative electron irradiation for locally recurrent colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate survival, relapse patterns, and prognostic factors in patients with colorectal cancer relapse treated with curative-intent therapy, including intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From April 1981 through January 2008, 607 patients with recurrent colorectal cancer received IOERT as a component of treatment. IOERT was preceded or followed by external radiation (median dose, 45.5 Gy) in 583 patients (96%). Resection was classified as R0 in 227 (37%), R1 in 224 (37%), and R2 in 156 (26%). The median IOERT dose was 15 Gy (range, 7.5-30 Gy).

RESULTS

Median overall survival was 36 months. Five- and 10-year survival rates were 30% and 16%, respectively. Survival estimates at 5 years were 46%, 27%, and 16% for R0, R1, and R2 resection, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that R0 resection, no prior chemotherapy, and more recent treatment (in the second half of the series) were associated with improved survival. The 3-year cumulative incidence of central, local, and distant relapse was 12%, 23%, and 49%, respectively. Central and local relapse were more common in previously irradiated patients and in those with subtotal resection. Toxicity Grade 3 or higher partially attributable to IOERT was observed in 66 patients (11%). Neuropathy was observed in 94 patients (15%) and was more common with IOERT doses exceeding 12.5 Gy.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survival and disease control was achievable in patients with locally recurrent colorectal cancer. Continued evaluation of curative-intent, combined-modality therapy that includes IOERT is warranted in this high-risk population.

Prevention of severe pelvic abscess formation following extended radical surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

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.

METHOD

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

Anal preservation surgery is an effective measure against the development of severe PA after radical resection of LRRC.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy in patients with pelvic recurrence from rectal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical applications of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using the CyberKnife system for pelvic recurrence from rectal cancer with a focus on survival and toxicity.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2006, 23 patients with recurrent rectal cancer were treated with SBRT at our institution. The median follow-up was 31 months. Sites of recurrence were pre-sacral in seven patients and the pelvic wall in 16. SBRT doses ranged from 30 to 51 Gy (median 39 Gy) and were delivered in three fractions. Response to treatment was assessed by computed tomography. Overall and local progression-free survival and toxicities were recorded.

RESULTS

Four-year overall survival and local control rates were 24.9 and 74.3%, respectively. No prognostic factor was found to affect patient survival or local progression. One patient developed a severe radiation-related toxicity, but recovered completely after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

SBRT for pelvic recurrence was found to be comparable with other modalities with respect to overall survival and complication rates. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Preoperative irradiation and surgery for local recurrence of rectal and rectosigmoid cancer. Prognostic factors with regard to survival and further local recurrence

OBJECTIVE

Local recurrence after rectal cancer surgery is an important clinical problem.

METHOD

150 patients with local recurrence after rectal/rectosigmoid cancer, stage M0, underwent surgery after preoperative irradiation (46-50 Gy).

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival was 27% (44% R0, 38% R1 and 17% R2-stage). Corresponding survival/local recurrence rates were 52%/27% for R0- and 14%/63% for R1-stage. No R2-resected survived 4 years. A normal pretreatment CEA level was significantly associated with increased survival but normalization following preoperative therapy was not associated with an improvement in prognosis. Survival and local recurrence were also significantly influenced by the type of primary operation. Several factors were significant for the prediction of an R0-resection in univariate analysis, but only CEA and symptoms at the time of recurrence predicted an R0-resection in multivariate analysis. A long latency time to recurrence did not significantly influence prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative irradiation and surgery can result in an R0-resection and a long survival in patients with recurrence after initial treatment for rectal or rectosigmoid cancer. Also patients with an R1-resection can benefit from surgery since a substantial number will die without further local recurrence. An R0-resection is the main prognostic factor followed by CEA level, sex and type of primary operation. Normalization of CEA after preoperative treatment is not of prognostic significance. The value of the Norwegian follow-up regimen is questioned.

Resection of isolated pelvic recurrences after colorectal surgery: long-term results and predictors of improved clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

Recurrence in the pelvis after resection of a rectal or rectosigmoid cancer presents a dilemma. Resection offers the only reasonable probability for cure, but at the cost of perioperative morbidity and potential mortality. Clinical decision making remains difficult.

METHODS

Patients resected with curative intent for isolated pelvic recurrences after curative colorectal surgery from 1988 through 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical and pathologic factors, salvage operations, and complications were recorded. The primary measured outcome was overall survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors of improved outcome.

RESULTS

Ninety patients underwent an attempt at curative resection of a pelvic recurrence with median follow-up of 31 months. Complications occurred in 53% of patients. Operative mortality was 4.4% (4 of 90). Median overall survival was 38 months, and estimated 5-year survival was 40%. A total of 51 of 86 patients had known recurrences (15 local, 16 distant, 20 both). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level and final margin status were statistically significant predictors of outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The resection of pelvic recurrences after colorectal surgery for cancer can be performed with low mortality and good long-term outcome; however, morbidity from such procedures is high. Low preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen and negative margin of resection predict improved survival.

Resection of Isolated Pelvic Recurrences After Colorectal Surgery: Long-Term Results and Predictors of Improved Clinical Outcome

BACKGROUND

Recurrence in the pelvis after resection of a rectal or rectosigmoid cancer presents a dilemma. Resection offers the only reasonable probability for cure, but at the cost of marked perioperative morbidity and potential mortality. Clinical decision making remains difficult.

METHODS

Patients who underwent resection with curative intent for isolated pelvic recurrences after curative colorectal surgery from 1988 through 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical and pathological factors, salvage operations, and complications were recorded. The primary measured outcome was overall survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors of improved outcome.

RESULTS

Ninety patients underwent an attempt at curative resection of a pelvic recurrence; median follow-up was 31 months. Complications occurred in 53% of patients. Operative mortality occurred in 4 (4.4%) of 90 patients. Median overall survival was 38 months, and estimated 5-year survival was 40%. A total of 51 of 86 patients had known recurrences (15 local, 16 distant, 20 both). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level and final margin status were statistically significant predictors of outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The resection of pelvic recurrences after colorectal surgery for cancer can be performed with low mortality and good long-term outcome; however, morbidity from such procedures is high. Low preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen and negative margin of resection predict improved survival.

Salvage rectal surgery--overview

Recurrence of the disease represents the major problem in patients who undergo "curative" resection for rectal cancer, with published rate ranging from 3 to 50%. Most relapses occur within first two years of follow-up. Depending on the site of the recurrence, it can be local or distant. It also can be solitary or diffuse. In terms of potential surgical cure the best results are achieved with solitary, localized metastases. The most common sites of the solitary metastases are pelvis, liver and lung, with a fairly even distribution among these three sites. Other sites of the localized metastases can be peritoneum, lymph nodes, brain, bone, abdominal wall, ureter and kidney. These sites are less common, but not so amenable to resection. Local recurrence varies depending on the original type of surgery. It can be stated that surgical technique directly influences local recurrence rate in patients with rectal cancer. According to the results from a number of different authors 5-year survival rate after reresection is 2-13% of all patients with locally recurrent cancer, both alone and associated with distant metastases. The most important moment in this problem is to decide when not to operate. The absolute contraindications for salvage surgery are: "frozen pelvis", aneuploid tumors and those with mucinous component, clinical or CT evidence of invasion of the pelvic nerves, lymphatics or veins, or ureter bilaterally. Also, evidence of involvement of the lateral pelvic sidewalls and/or upper sacral marrow, and/or S2 is an absolute contraindication for surgery. Thus, main goals of this type of surgery are respectively: palliation of symptoms, a good quality of life and, if possible, cure with low treatment-related complication rates.

Preliminary results of phase I trial of oral uracil/tegafur (UFT), leucovorin plus irinotecan and radiation therapy for patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical attempts for locally recurrent rectal cancer often fail due to local re-recurrence and distant metastasis. Preoperative chemoradiation may enhance better local control and survival. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of oral uracil and tegafur (UFT) plus leucovorin (LV), and irinotecan combined with radiation and determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of the triple drug regimen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer received escalating doses of irinotecan on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 (starting at 30 mg/m2, with 10 mg increments between consecutive cohorts) and fixed doses of UFT (300 mg/m2) plus LV (75 mg/day) on days 3 to 7, 10 to 14, 17 to 21, and 24 to 28. Radiation was given 5 days per week totaling 40 to 50 Gy (2Gy/day).

RESULTS

Six patients were treated at the starting dose, and 2 received the full scheduled chemoradiotherapy. The other 4 patients had grade 3 diarrhea and diarrhea was the DLT. One patient had partial response and he had subsequently radical surgical resection. Median progression free survival for local recurrence was 320 days.

CONCLUSION

Irinotecan plus UFT/LV with concomitant radiotherapy in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer was not feasible due to diarrhea in this setting. Modification of the treatment is needed.

Surgery for local recurrence of rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Despite improvement in management of primary rectal cancer, 2.6-32% of patients develop local recurrence. A proportion of these patients can be amenable to salvage surgery. The present article reviews the evidence for and against the surgical management for local recurrence of rectal cancer, the role of adjuvant and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), and evaluates short and long-term outcomes.

METHOD

A literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, Ovid and Cochrane database for studies between 1980 and 2005 assessing surgical management of local recurrence of rectal cancer and the evidence was critically evaluated.

RESULTS

Nearly 50% of rectal cancer recurrences are local and are therefore potentially amenable to curative resection. Preoperative imaging is important for appropriate selection of patients for surgery and preoperative adjuvant therapy is essential. Five-year survival following resection ranges from 18% to 58% with 5-year survival following complete resection of over 35% though morbidity ranges from 21% to 82%. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy is beneficial and IORT may have a contributory role in treatment. Aggressive surgical treatment favourably affects quality of life and is cost effective. Surgery for local recurrence can result in significant long-term survival with acceptable morbidity and improved quality of life in appropriately selected patients. Assessment in a specialist centre familiar with these techniques is essential.

[Curative vs palliative strategies in locoregional recurrence of gastrointestinal malignancies]

Locoregional recurrence is a relevant problem in surgical oncology. Intraluminal local relapse only occurs when the primary resection is carried through with inappropriate safety margins. If possible, a second surgical resection with wider margins is the treatment of choice. When the primary resection was appropriately done, extraluminal relapse in the original tumor bed indicates the primary tumor was already in an advanced stage. The indication for a second resection must be considered carefully. A realistic prospect of long-term tumor control exists only when the second resection yields tumor-free margins and is combined with chemo- and radiotherapy. There is usually no curative treatment option for recurrences in the draining lymph node region, the so-called fourth dimension.

Extended surgery for local recurrence and advanced rectal cancer

Although much effort has been directed at reducing the incidence of local recurrence after surgical resection of rectal cancer, there remain a significant number of patients who will develop local recurrence without evidence of metastatic disease. Such patients, as well as patients with locally advanced rectal cancer at presentation, may represent a surgical challenge. Application of sound surgical principals and team work can lead to a good long term outcome. This paper sets out to discuss the philosophy and techniques involved in the surgical management of such patients.

Treatment Strategy for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer

Despite radical surgery, up to 33% of patients with rectal cancer will develop locoregional relapse. The management of these patients is particularly challenging. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for those with a mobile recurrence. However, the majority of patients develop recurrence involving the pelvic wall. In these patients, multimodality therapy including radical surgery and intraoperative radiotherapy have been reported with 5-year survival of up to 31% and local control rates of 50-71%. The most important factor for obtaining long-term local control and survival is R0 resection. Extended surgery such as abdomino-sacral resection has not been popular because of 5-year survival rates of 16-31%, and significant postoperative morbidity. Re-recurrence following surgery occurs locally and in the lung, and remains a significant problem. In surgical treatment for local recurrence, surgeon-related factors are crucial. A staging system using degree of fixation and other prognostic factors should be developed so that appropriate treatment modalities are applied to each case.

Evaluation of contrast-enhanced computed tomographic colonography in detection of local recurrent colorectal cancer

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity of contrast-enhanced computed tomographic colonography in detecting local recurrence of colorectal cancer.

METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2004, 434 patients after potentially curative resection for invasive colorectal cancer were followed up for a period ranging from 20 to 55 mo. Eighty of the four hundred and thirty-four patients showing strong clinical evidence for recurring colorectal cancer during the last follow-up were enrolled in this study. Each patient underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomographic colonography and colonoscopy on the same day. Any lesions, biopsies, identified during the colonoscopic examination, immediate complications and the duration of the procedure were recorded. The results of contrast-enhanced computed tomographic colonography were evaluated by comparing to those of colonoscopy, surgical finding, and clinical follow-up.

RESULTS: Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic colonography had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 83% and an overall accuracy of 94% in detecting local recurrent colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION: Conventional colonoscopy and contrast-enhanced tomographic colonography can complement each other in detecting local recurrence of colorectal cancer.

Prognostic factors after surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer: an overview

PURPOSE

Local recurrence of rectal cancer occurs in a considerable group of patients who have undergone radical treatment for primary tumour. The treatment of choice is surgical resection but the prognosis remains poor, as a negative margin excision is possible in only a small subset of patients. A review of prognostic factors for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) after surgery is presented.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the literature for reports on prognostic factors after surgical excision of LRRC. These reports were identified through a review of the Medline database from 1982 to 2004.

RESULTS

This review highlights the most important prognostic factors for LRRC patients treated with surgery. Data are grouped on the basis of the prognostic factors investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

R0 resection seems to be the only reliable prognostic factor; however, symptoms, pre-operative CEA doubling time, performance status and pre-operative radiotherapy can help patient selection before surgery. The results of this review provide the basis for improved outcome, aiming to assess patients who would benefit from reoperation.

Surgical resection and high dose rate intraoperative radiation therapy for locally recurrent rectal cancer

For intra-pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer, surgical resection is technically difficult and must be aggressive to achieve a high rate of negative resection margins. Resection with clear margins can be curative, particularly for those patients with true anastomotic recurrence. HDR-IORT is a safe, feasible, versatile, logistically sound modality that is highly reliable in delivering radiation to at-risk surgical margins in the pelvis. Despite surgery and IORT, overall local failure rates in this population are 33 to 50 percent. The most important prognostic variable is the state of surgical resection margins. At our institution, in patients with negative and positive resection margins the 2-year actuarial local recurrence rates are 33 percent versus 73 percent and 5-year survival rates are 51 percent versus 16 percent, respectively. On subset analysis, the most favorable outcome was seen in patients with true anastomotic recurrences (78 percent 5-year survival).

Lokalrezidivdiagnostik des Rektumkarzinoms mittels Kontrastmittelanreicherungsverhalten im Mehrzeilen-Spiral-CT

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the recurrence of rectal cancer could by diagnosed reliably by contrast enhancement.

METHOD

A total of 83 patients were included after surgery and radiotherapy for rectal cancer. All patients received a minimum of three CT-examinations in their follow-up program. The contrast enhancement between the native scan and after admission of 75 ml Iopromid 370 mg/ml was calculated, as was the correlation between muscle enhancement and the enhancement of the suspicious lesion.

RESULTS

The only acceptable results for the diagnosis of recurrence were established by using the difference in the density of the suspicious lesion before and after admission of contrast media. No statistically significant difference was found for any of the enhancement parameters examined.

CONCLUSION

Static contrast enhancement of a suspicious lesion in MD-CT cannot confirm the diagnosis of a recurrence.

Surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer

PURPOSE

Resection of locally recurrent rectal cancer after curative resection represents a difficult clinical problem and a surgical challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of a series of patients who underwent resection of locally recurrent rectal cancer with curative intent.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of 64 patients who underwent surgical exploration with a view to cure for locally recurrent rectal cancer under the care of one surgeon between April 1997 and April 2004. Details were obtained on the primary tumor and the operation, the indication for investigation of recurrence, preoperative imaging, operative findings, morbidity and mortality, and histopathology.

RESULTS

The median time interval between resection of primary tumor and surgery for locally recurrent disease was 31 (interquartile range, 21 to 48) months. Twenty-three patients had central disease, 10 patients had sacral involvement, 21 patients had pelvic sidewall involvement, and 10 patients had both sacral and sidewall involvement. Fifty-seven patients underwent resection of the tumor. Thirty-nine of the 57 patients underwent wide resection (abdominoperineal excision of rectum, anterior resection, or Hartmann's procedure) whereas 18 patients (31.6 percent) required radical resection (pelvic exenteration or sacrectomy). Curative, negative resection margins were obtained in 21 of 57 patients who had tumor excision (36.8 percent). Perioperative mortality was 1.6 percent. Significant postoperative morbidity occurred in 40 percent of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown that a significant proportion of patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer can undergo resection with negative margins.

From Colonic Polyps to Colon Cancer: Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Diagnosis

Epidemiologists, basic researchers, clinicians, and public health administrators unite! Develop and implement a simple, safe, and effective preventive and screening test for colon cancer. The public will willingly and enthusiastically accept such a test. Many thousands of lives are at stake every year.

The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of colon cancer and adenomatous polyps

A review of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of colon cancer and colonic polyps is important and timely. This field is rapidly changing because of breakthroughs in the molecular basis of carcinogenesis and in the technology for colon cancer detection and treatment. This article reviews colon cancer and colonic polyps, with a focus on recent dramatic advances, to help the pri-mary care physician and internist appropriately refer patients for screening colonoscopy and intelligently evaluate colonoscopic findings to reduce the mortality from this cancer.

A study of radiotherapy modalities combined with continuous 5-FU infusion for locally advanced gastrointestinal malignancies

AIM

We describe the feasibility of combining infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT).

METHODS

Patients with surgically resectable locally advanced gastrointestinal cancers were treated concurrently during surgery with IORT and a 72 h infusion of 5-FU. Patients without previous external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) were subsequently treated with EBRT (40-50Gy) concurrent with a 21-day continuous infusion of 5-FU. Pancreatic, gastric, duodenal, ampullary, recurrent colorectal, and recurrent anal cancer were included.

RESULTS

During IORT/5-FU, no chemotherapy-related grade III or IV hematologic or gastrointestinal toxicity was noted. Post-surgical recovery or wound healing was not affected. One of nine patients who received post-operative radiation required a treatment break. During follow-up, there were more complications in patients with pelvic tumours, especially those with previous radiation. Nine patients have had local and/or local regional recurrences, two of these in the IORT field.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with a combination of IORT and 5-FU followed by EBRT and 5-FU is feasible. However, long-term complications may be increased in previously irradiated recurrent pelvic tumours.

Intraoperative radiotherapy in the multimodality approach to colorectal cancer

The addition of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) to the multimodality approach for the treatment of locally advanced and locally recurrent colorectal cancer seems to result in improvements in local control and long-term survival. Local control and survival are most likely in patients in whom a gross total resection is accomplished. Peripheral nerve is the dose-limiting structure for patients treated with IORT. Further improvements in local control require the addition of dose modifiers during external beam radiotherapy or IORT. Distant relapse remains problematic, and effective systemic therapy is necessary to significantly improve long-term survival.

Sonographically guided radio frequency thermal ablation for unresectable recurrent tumors in the retroperitoneum and the pelvis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of sonographically guided radio frequency thermal ablation as a minimally invasive method for treatment of unresectable recurrent or metastatic tumors in the retroperitoneum and the pelvis, which often pose difficult surgical problems.

METHODS

Radio frequency thermal ablation was performed on 7 patients with unresectable recurrent retroperitoneal or pelvic tumors from colorectal (n = 4), renal (n = 2), and prostate (n = 1) cancers. Under sonographic guidance, a total of 11 radio frequency thermal ablation operations were performed by a percutaneous or transanal approach.

RESULTS

Three patients were asymptomatic, whereas 4 patients were symptomatic. The sizes of the tumors ranged from 29 to 100 mm (mean, 50.5 mm). Radio frequency thermal ablation was technically completed in all operations without intraoperative complications. The ablation time ranged from 25 to 238 minutes depending on the tumor size. There was no mortality. There were postoperative complications in 3 operations (27.3%): an enterovesical fistula, a skin burn, and fecal incontinence. The hospital stay was generally 0 to 1 day. Tumor marker levels decreased after radio frequency thermal ablation in all operations. Symptoms of 4 patients were controlled by radio frequency thermal ablation. One patient with recurrent renal cancer and uncontrollable hypercalcemia became asymptomatic immediately after radio frequency thermal ablation. Local recurrence at the radio frequency thermal ablation site occurred in 2 patients (28.6%), but these local recurrent tumors were treated effectively by additional sonographically guided radio frequency thermal ablation.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive sonographically guided radio frequency thermal ablation is technically feasible for local treatment of unresectable recurrent retroperitoneal and pelvic tumors from different origins. Care should be taken to avoid thermal injury to surrounding organs. Further study is needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy.

Intraoperative radiation therapy for patients with recurrent rectal and sigmoid colon cancer in previously irradiated fields

A retrospective study evaluated 15 patients with pelvic recurrence of colorectal cancer in a previously irradiated region who received intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) as part of salvage therapy. Total prior external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) doses ranged from 45 to 79.2 Gy. Tumor resection was accomplished in 14 patients, with an exenteration performed in seven. IORT dose was 15-20 Gy. Three patients received additional EBRT as a post-operative course of 25.2 Gy in 14 fractions. Actuarial 3-year local control rate was 25%. The 3-year overall survival rate was 29%. Patients with fixed and/or bulky pelvic tumors had a local control rate of 19% at 12 months and median overall survival of 9 months. Patients with less extensive clinical presentations of anastomotic non-fixed transmural recurrence, isolated pelvic node metastasis and rectal recurrence following local excision had a local control rate of 42% at 36 months and median survival of 43 months. We conclude that clinical presentation of recurrent disease is an important prognostic factor. The value of IORT may be limited to patients with less extensive clinical presentations.

Follow-up of patients with colorectal cancer: numbers needed to test and treat

Follow-up after curative treatment of patients with colorectal cancer has as its main aims the quality assessment of the treatment given, patient support, and improved outcome by the early detection and treatment of cancer recurrence. How often, and to what extent, the final aim, improved survival, is indeed realised is so far unclear. A literature search was performed to provide quantitative estimates for the main determinants of the effectiveness of the follow-up. Data were extracted from a total of 267 articles and databases, and were aggregated using modern meta-analytic methods. In order to provide one more colorectal cancer patient with long-term survival through follow-up, 360 positive follow-up tests and 11 operations for colorectal cancer recurrence are needed. In the remaining 359 tests and 10 operations, either no gains are achieved or harm is done. As the third aim of colorectal cancer follow-up, improved survival, is realised in only few patients, follow-up should focus less on diagnosis and treatment of recurrences. It should be of limited intensity and duration (3 years), and the search for preclinical cancer recurrence should primarily be performed by carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) testing and ultrasound (US). The focus of colorectal cancer follow-up should shift from the early detection of recurrence towards quality assessment and patient support. As support that is as good or even better can be provided by a patient's general practitioner (GP) or by specialised nursing personnel, there is no need for routine follow-up to be performed by the surgeon.

Preoperative irradiation and surgery for recurrent rectal cancer. Will intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) be of additional benefit? A prospective study

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic gain of surgery for recurrent rectal cancer is not clear, particularly with regard to the addition of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT).

METHODS

Patients (107) with isolated pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer received preoperative external radiotherapy of 46-50 in 2 Gy fractions. At surgery 59 patients had IORT 12-18 Gy. Survival and local recurrence was analysed with regard to surgical resection stages and IORT.

RESULTS

Patients (44) had R0- and 39 R1-resections, 24 R2-resections or exploratory laparotomy. IORT was given most often after R1-resections, least in R0-patients. Estimated 5-year survival was overall around 30%, around 60% in the R0-, around 25% for R1- and 0% in R2-patients. Local recurrence was around 30% in the R0- and around 65% in R1-stage patients. R0-/R1-stage patients survived statistically significantly longer than the R2-group otherwise there was no statistical significant difference between IORT and non-IORT groups in any R-stages regarding overall survival or local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Macroscopic removal of the recurrence improves survival. Whether R0- is better than R1-resections is not clear. The effect of IORT is not a major one. IORT need be evaluated in randomised controlled trials.

Treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer

PURPOSE

This study was designed to analyze the outcome for patients with isolated local recurrence after radical treatment of rectal cancer and to identify predictors of curative resection.

METHODS

The medical records of 87 patients who developed isolated local recurrence after curative radical surgery for primary rectal cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Survival rates from the time of recurrence were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Tumor stage and histology, patient characteristics, and treatment variables were analyzed using logistic regression to identify predictors of curative surgery.

RESULTS

Symptomatic treatment alone or chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy was provided to 23 patients (26 percent), and surgical exploration was performed in 64 patients. In 22 patients (25 percent), the tumor was considered unresectable at surgery (n = 13) or was resected for palliation with gross or microscopic positive margins (n = 9). In 42 patients (48 percent), curative-intent resection was performed. The only independent predictors of resectability were younger age at diagnosis, earlier stage of the primary tumor, and initial treatment by sphincter-saving procedure. There was no difference in survival between patients who had no surgery and those who had palliative surgery. The estimated five-year survival rate for patients who had curative-intent resection was better than for those who had no surgery or palliative surgery (35 vs. 7 percent; P = 0.01). Of the 42 patients who underwent curative-intent resection, 14 (33 percent) developed a second recurrence at a mean of 15 +/- 11 months after reoperation. Twenty-five percent of patients developed major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Salvage surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer may be helpful in a selected group of patients. The stage and treatment of the primary tumor may help to identify patients with the best chance for curative-intent resection.

Is there a role for curative surgery for pelvic recurrence from rectal carcinoma in the presence of hydronephrosis?

BACKGROUND

The prognosis for patients with recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma is not uniformly fatal if one can safely and selectively reoperate on a subset of patients with resectable disease. Even with careful selection, many patients undergo exploratory laparotomy and do not have resectable disease. We have reported that the presence of hydronephrosis in the setting of recurrent rectal carcinoma portends a poor outcome because of invariable association with unresectable disease. The purpose of this study was to update our experience of patients presenting with unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis and recurrent rectal cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 142 patients with recurrent rectal cancer evaluated at our institution from January 1989 to December 1999 was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven of 142 patients referred for the management of recurrent rectal cancer had unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis. Fifteen (55%) of these patients had distant metastatic disease. Twelve patients (45%) with hydronephrosis and local recurrent disease on evaluation were analyzed. Six of the 12 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy, with none found to have resectable disease. Their mean survival after diagnosis of recurrent disease was 14 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, the presence of hydronephrosis (unilateral or bilateral) in recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma portends a survival equivalent to the presence of distant metastasis. Therefore, we do not believe potential curative surgery has a role for patients with locally recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma in the presence of hydronephrosis.

Pathologic significance of tumor progression in locally recurrent rectal cancer: different nature from primary cancer

PURPOSE

It has recently been demonstrated that the tumor growth rate is a stronger determinant of survival than the extent of the growth in local recurrence of rectal cancer. We studied which factors controlled the tumor growth rate using modern immunohistochemical methods.

METHODS

In 51 patients who underwent extended resection for this condition, paraffin-embedded specimens were examined for 1) tumor angiogenesis by CD31 staining and microvessel counting, 2) apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling staining, and 3) cellular proliferative activity using anti-proliferative cell nuclear antigen antibody. The results were compared with carcinoembryonic antigen doubling time and survival.

RESULTS

The five-year survival rate was 20 percent. The postoperative carcinoembryonic antigen doubling time, which was the strongest predictor of survival, correlated highly with proliferative cell nuclear antigen labeling index, but did not correlate with the apoptotic index or microvessel counts.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that cancer cell proliferation rather than apoptosis or angiogenesis is a major determinant of tumor growth rate and survival in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer.

Reresection for local recurrence of rectal cancer

Local recurrence is one of the major reasons that rectal cancer surgery is unsuccessful. The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical characteristics of patients undergoing reresection for local recurrence of rectal cancer. A total of nine patients were enrolled in this study, six of whom underwent total pelvic exenteration, one, posterior exenteration, one, abdominoperineal resection with sacral resection, and one, lymph node dissection alone. The mean operative time was 8 h 15 min, and the mean operative blood loss was 2 325 ml. Although major postoperative complications occurred in four patients (44%), there were no postoperative or hospital deaths. Lateral lymph node metastasis was detected in all four patients whose lateral lymph nodes were dissected or extirpated at the reresection. Two patients survived for more than 5 years without rerecurrence, and the cumulative 5-year survival rate was 26%. The para-aortic lymph nodes were the most common site of first rerecurrence. The results of this study indicate that patients who undergo reresection for local recurrence of rectal cancer are at high risk of devel-oping lateral or para-aortic nodal metastasis. Nevertheless, reresection may be a therapeutic option for the local recurrence of rectal cancer.

The influence of pre-operative radiation therapy on the patterns of recurrence in rectal adenocarcinoma

From January 1976 to December 1994, we evaluated the institutional experience of local recurrence and survival in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma treated with pre-operative radiation therapy (PRT) as compared to those treated with radical surgery alone. There were 412 patients, divided into two groups: 259 patients (142 males and 117 females) in Group I and 153 patients (88 males and 65 females) in Group II. The median age was 56 years. Group I patients with locally advanced tumors, either tethered or fixed, received PRT at doses of 45 Gy delivered to the pelvis in two fields; 4 to 8 weeks later, radical surgery was performed. Patients with mobile tumors underwent radical surgery only (Group II). The operative mortality was 4.6% in Group I as compared to 1.9% in Group II (P = 0.18). At median follow-up of 89 months, there were local recurrences in 12.9% of Group I as compared to 36.2% in Group II (P = 0.0000001). The administration of PRT was associated with a low rate of local recurrence, but this improvement corresponded with a high morbidity rate, especially in patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection or pelvic exenteration.

Intraoperative irradiation after surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer

PURPOSE

This study retrospectively evaluated the effects of intraoperative electron beam irradiation on patients with locally recurrent (pelvic) rectal cancer.

METHODS

From November 1, 1975, to December 31, 1997, 51 patients underwent surgery for locally recurrent rectal or rectosigmoid cancer, and 27 patients received intraoperative electron beam irradiation. The intraoperative electron beam irradiation dose was 15 to 30 Gy. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at three and five years were analyzed for the 47 patients who recovered postoperatively.

RESULTS

Statistically significant factors related to survival included intraoperative electron beam irradiation vs. no intraoperative electron beam irradiation (P=0.0007), amount of residual tumor (slight vs. gross; P=0.0022), and symptom status (P=0.0024). Factors not associated with survival included distant metastases at reoperation, type of surgery for the recurrent tumor, external beam irradiation, pathologic grade, age, and gender. Surgical resection without intraoperative electron beam irradiation resulted in three-year and five-year survival rates of 5 and 0 percent, respectively. For patients who received intraoperative electron beam irradiation, the three-year survival rate was 43 percent and five-year survival rate was 21 percent. Intraoperative electron beam irradiation was a statistically significant factor related to survival in patients with and without distant metastasis (P=0.04 and P=0.0035, respectively), with slight residual tumor (P=0.0003), or with palliative surgery (P=0.0276).

CONCLUSION

The trends seen in resection with intraoperative electron beam irradiation are encouraging with regard to improvements in survival as compared with studies not using intraoperative electron beam irradiation treatment.

Surgery for local recurrence or distant metastases in patients aged 75 years or older

Between 1982 and 1997, a total of 105 patients aged 75 years or older (median age 78 years) underwent surgical treatment for recurrent solid tumours. The most frequent primary tumours were melanoma, colorectal carcinoma and breast cancer. Sixty-one patients had complete removal of recurrent tumour. Post-operative mortality was 3.8% (four of 105 patients). The median hospital stay was 16 days and the post-operative hospital stay was 10 days. At a median follow-up of 57 months, 77 patients had died. Twenty one patients died of causes unrelated to the tumour. The overall survival of 105 patients was 35% at 3 years and 27% at 5 years. Following R0 resection, 5-year survival was 43%, (n = 61) and in the absence of post-operative complications even reached 50% (n = 47). Survival correlated with completeness of tumour resection (P<0.0001) and post-operative complications (P=0.021). No significant correlation could be established between survival and age, ASA score, blood replacement, primary tumour location or sex. Elderly patients presenting with recurrent tumour should be evaluated for surgical resection. If tumour removal is complete and post-operative complications are avoided, a 5-year survival rate of over 40% may be expected.