Outcome of anterior resection for stage II rectal cancer without radiation: the role of adjuvant chemotherapy

Risk factors for postoperative recurrence in patients with stage II colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Recurrences are the main reasons for unfavorable outcomes for patients with stage II colorectal cancer (CRC). To obtain a clear understanding of the high-risk factors, further investigation is warranted. The present study aimed to analyze the risk factors associated with postoperative recurrence in patients with stage II CRC.

METHODS

Eligible patients with pathologically confirmed stage II CRC were enrolled in the study retrospectively based on a prospectively maintained database from April 2008 to March 2019. The Kaplan-Meier method were used to calculate the overall survival (OS) rate and the cumulative recurrence rate. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for recurrence.

RESULTS

There were 2515 patients included, of whom 233 (9.3%) developed local or distant recurrence. Recurrence was associated with a significantly worse 5-year OS (45.4% vs. 95.5%, p < 0.0001). The 5-year cumulative recurrence rate was 13.0% in patients with stage II CRC. On multivariable Cox analysis, tumor size (Hazard Ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.79[1.38, 2.33]), preoperative carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125 level (HR [95% CI] = 1.78[1.17, 2.70]), preoperative CA 199 level (HR [95% CI] = 1.56[1.09, 2.22]), and ulcerating tumor (HR [95% CI] = 1.61[1.19, 2.17]) were found to be associated with postoperative recurrence. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a lower cumulative recurrence rate in patients with these risk factors (p = 0.00096).

CONCLUSION

The tumor diameter, preoperative CA125 level, preoperative CA199 level, and an ulcerative tumor can predict postoperative recurrence in patients with stage II CRC, and postoperative chemotherapy could reduce the cumulative recurrence rate in patients with these high-risk factors.

Defunctioning stomas may reduce chances of a stoma-free outcome after anterior resection for rectal cancer

AIM

To investigate the conflicting consequences of faecal diversion on stoma outcomes and anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer, including interaction effects determined by the extent of mesorectal excision.

METHOD

Anterior resections between 2007 and 2016 were identified using the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. National Patient Registry data were added to determine stoma outcome 2 years after surgery. Tumour distance from the anal verge constituted a proxy for extent of mesorectal excision [total mesorectal excision (TME): ≤10 cm; partial mesorectal excision (PME): 13-15 cm]. With confounder-adjusted probit regression, the total effect of defunctioning stoma on permanent stoma, and the interaction effect of extent of mesorectal excision, were estimated together with the indirect effect through anastomotic leakage. Baseline risks, risk differences (RDs) and relative risks (RRs) were reported.

RESULTS

The main study cohort included 4529 patients. Defunctioning stomas influenced the absolute permanent stoma risk (TME: RD 0.11 [95% CI 0.09-0.13]; PME: RD 0.15 [95% CI 0.13-0.16]). The baseline risk was higher in TME, with a resulting greater RR in PME (2.23 [95% CI 1.43-3.02] vs 4.36 [95% CI 3.05-5.68]). The indirect reduction in permanent stoma rates, due to the alleviating effect of faecal diversion on anastomotic leakage, was small (TME: 0.89 [95% CI 0.81-0.96]; PME: 0.96 [95% CI 0.91-1.00]).

CONCLUSION

In anterior resection for rectal cancer, defunctioning stomas may reduce chances of a stoma-free outcome. Considering leakage reduction benefits, consequences of routine diversion in TME might be fairly balanced, while this seems questionable in PME.

Circumferential Resection Margin Status as a Predictive Factor for Recurrence in Preoperative MRI for Advanced Lower Rectal Cancer Without Preoperative Therapy

BACKGROUND

In Japan, total mesorectal excision plus lateral lymph node dissection without preoperative therapy is the standard treatment for advanced lower rectal cancer. Although long-term oncologic outcomes with preoperative therapy based on circumferential resection margin status in preoperative MRI has been reported, outcomes without preoperative therapy are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated long-term oncologic outcomes of radical surgery without preoperative therapy in advanced lower rectal cancer based on circumferential resection margin status in preoperative MRI, with the aim of defining appropriate patient populations for preoperative therapy.

DESIGN

This retrospective analysis compared long-term oncologic outcomes with preoperative MRI in patients with lower rectal cancer.

SETTINGS

Patients were identified through a database managed by our institute.

PATIENTS

In total, 338 patients with lower rectal cancer who underwent radical surgery between 2000 and 2014 at the National Cancer Center Hospital without preoperative therapy were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome was relapse-free survival.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 61.7 months (range, 3-153 months). Five-year relapse-free survival rates in MRI-predicted circumferential resection margin negative patients and positive patients were 76.0% and 55.6% (p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed pN stage (HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.470-3.770; p < 0.001), lymphatic invasion (HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.302-3.176; p = 0.002), venous invasion (HR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.184-3.9; p = 0.01), surgical procedure (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.115-2.665; p = 0.01), and MRI-predicted circumferential resection margin (HR, 1.850; 95% CI, 1.206-2.838; p = 0.0051) to be independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence.

LIMITATIONS

This study was retrospective in design.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance imaging-predicted circumferential resection margin was associated with relapse-free survival without preoperative therapy, indicating its potential for use in selecting optimal preoperative therapy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B335. ESTADO DEL MARGEN DE RESECCIÓN CIRCUNFERENCIAL COMO FACTOR PREDICTIVO DE RECURRENCIA EN LA RESONANCIA MAGNÉTICA PREOPERATORIA, PARA EL CÁNCER RECTAL BAJO AVANZADO SIN TERAPIA PREOPERATORIA: En Japón, la escisión mesorrectal total con disección de ganglios linfáticos laterales y sin terapia preoperatoria, es el tratamiento estándar para el cáncer rectal bajo avanzado. Aunque se han reportado resultados oncológicos a largo plazo con terapia preoperatoria, basada en el estado del margen de resección circunferencial en la resonancia magnética preoperatoria, se desconocen los resultados sin terapia preoperatoria.Este estudio evaluó los resultados oncológicos a largo plazo de cirugía radical sin terapia preoperatoria, en cáncer rectal bajo avanzado, basado en el estado del margen de resección circunferencial en la resonancia magnética preoperatoria, con el objetivo de definir poblaciones de pacientes apropiadas para terapia preoperatoria.Este análisis retrospectivo comparó los resultados oncológicos a largo plazo con resonancia magnética preoperatoria, en pacientes con cáncer rectal bajo.Los pacientes fueron identificados a través de una base de datos administrada por nuestro instituto.Se incluyeron un total de 338 pacientes con cáncer rectal bajo, que se sometieron a cirugía radical entre 2000 y 2014 en el Hospital Nacional del Centro de Cáncer, sin terapia preoperatoria.El resultado principal fue la supervivencia libre de recaídas.La mediana del período de seguimiento fue de 61,7 meses (rango, 3-153 meses). Las tasas de supervivencia sin recaídas a cinco años, con margen de resección circunferencial predicho por resonancia magnética, en pacientes negativos y pacientes positivos fueron 76.0% y 55.6% (p <0.001), respectivamente. Los análisis univariados y multivariados revelaron estadio pN (razón de riesgo [HR], 2.35; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1.470-3.770; p <0.001), invasión linfática (HR, 2.03; IC del 95%, 1.302-3.176; p = 0.002), invasión venosa (HR, 2.15; IC 95%, 1.184-3.9; p = 0.01), procedimiento quirúrgico (HR, 1.72; IC 95%, 1.115-2.665; p = 0.01) y circunferencial predicho por resonancia magnética en margen de resección (HR, 1.850; IC 95%, 1.206-2.838; p = 0.0051), como factores de riesgo independientes, para la recurrencia postoperatoria.Este estudio fue retrospectivo en diseño.El margen de resección circunferencial predicho de resonancia magnética, se asoció con una supervivencia libre de recaída sin terapia preoperatoria, lo que indica su potencial para uso en la selección de la terapia óptima preoperatoria. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B335.

Lymphovascular invasion is a high risk factor for stage I/II colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The prognostic value of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in stage I/II colorectal cancer (CRC) does not reach a consensus. To systematically assess prognostic significance of LVI, databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched from inception up to 10 Dec 2016. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine the prognostic effects. Nineteen relevant studies including 9881 total patients were enrolled. Our results showed that LVI is significantly associated with poor prognosis in overall survival (OS) (HR=2.15, 95 % CI=1.72–2.68, P < 0.01) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR=1.73, 95% CI=1.50–1.99, P < 0.01), which is similar in stage II patients. Further subgroup analysis revealed that the significance of the association between LVI and worse prognosis in CRC patients is not affected by below factors, including geographic setting, LVI positive rate, treatment, tumor site, and quality of the study. The current meta-analysis suggests that LVI may be a poor prognostic factor for stage I/II CRC patients.

Radiotherapy for stage IIA rectal cancer may not benefit all

This study sought to determine whether additional radiotherapy is necessary in patients after optimal surgery for stage IIA rectal cancer and how the different covariates influence the efficacy of radiotherapy. The first primary rectal cancer was identified from the 1988–December 2013 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. We identified 13647 patients with IIA rectal cancer, in which 39.6% received neo-adjuvant radiotherapy and in another 14.96% patients the adjuvant radiotherapy were performed. Neo-adjuvant or adjuvant radiotherapy group had better survival with 10-Year cancer-specific survival estimates as 75.1% and 73.8% compared to 68.4% of no radiotherapy group (P < 0.01). Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) demonstrated neo-adjuvant and adjuvant radiotherapy (HR: 0.814 and 0.848) were all associated with significantly decreased risk for cancer death. However, radiotherapy did not seem to yield the same survival benefit in selected population. Adjusted stratified analysis demonstrated patients with increasing age, relative large tumor size, and more retrieved regional lymph nodes had no additional benefit for cancer specific survival based on radiation use. In conclusions, unselected patients with stage IIA rectal cancer receiving radiotherapy experienced better survival in comparison to patients without radiation. However, additional radiotherapy is not beneficial for all.

Multimodal Rectal Cancer Treatment: In Some Cases, Less May Be More

A series of clinical trials in the last several decades has resulted in the development of multimodality treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer that includes neoadjuvant (preoperative) chemoradiotherapy, total mesorectal excision, and postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Owing to this regimen, patients with locally advanced rectal cancer have better survival rates than patients with colon cancer, but at the cost of substantial morbidity and reduced quality of life. The challenge is to identify treatment approaches that maintain or even improve oncologic outcomes while preserving quality of life. We have identified different tumor characteristics that are associated with recurrence and probability of survival for locally advanced rectal cancer. This risk stratification, based on baseline clinical staging and tumor response to chemoradiotherapy, has led us to question whether all patients with locally advanced rectal cancer require every component of the multimodal regimen. In this article, we will review recent evidence that some patients with locally advanced rectal cancer can be spared one or more treatment modalities without compromising long-term oncologic outcomes and while preserving quality of life.

Distal dissection in total mesorectal excision, and preoperative chemoradiotherapy and lateral lymph node dissection for rectal cancer

The local recurrence rate after total mesorectal excision (TME) appears to be markedly lower than that after conventional operations. We reviewed all relevant articles identified from the MEDLINE databases and clarified the rationale for TME. It is clear that distal intramural spread is rare. Even when present, such spread is not likely to extend beyond 2 cm. Data with attention to mesorectal cancer deposits suggest that mesorectal clearance of at least 4-5 cm distal to the tumor should be sufficient. TME should be performed for most tumors of the mid- and lower rectum. This does not mean that the gut tube needs to be divided at the same level in every case. Dissection of the distal mesorectum off the gut tube can be performed, so the distal line of division of the bowel wall can be made at a minimum of 2 cm below the tumor if such a maneuver would ensure that the sphincters are preserved. In cases with cancer in the upper third of the rectum, the mesorectum and gut tube can safely be divided 5 cm below the tumor without jeopardizing the recurrence rates. Our findings indicate that TME is an essential treatment approach for rectal cancer, and lateral lymph node dissection and preoperative chemoradiotherapy are additional therapies that should be considered for advanced rectal cancer.

Tailored rectal cancer treatment--a time for implementing contemporary prognostic factors?

AIM

To report data supporting the development of tailored treatment strategies for rectal cancer.

METHOD

A comprehensive review of the literature on the impact of prognostic factors cur-rently not included in international guidelines in rectal cancer management.

RESULTS

There is considerable variation in treatment guidelines for rectal cancer worldwide, especially for Stage II and Stage III disease. Long-term side effects of chemoradiotherapy are not considered in any guideline. Detailed knowledge, and the prognostic impact, of the circumferential resection margin, tumour grade and venous invasion should be factored into the development of a treatment strategy.

CONCLUSION

Factors additional to the TNM system should improve decision making for contemporary rectal cancer treatment. Optimized radiological and pathological evaluations, and a focus on detailed clinical factors, should be the basis for treatment decisions. International guidelines should consider all known prognostic factors for long-term oncological and functional outcomes.

Neoadjuvant therapy before surgical treatment

Neoadjuvant treatment in terms of preoperative radiotherapy reduces local recurrence in rectal cancer, but this improvement has little if any impact on overall survival. Currently performed optimal quality-controlled total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery for patients in the trial setting can be associated with very low local recurrence rates of less than 10% whether the patients receive radiotherapy or not. Hence metastatic disease is now the predominant issue. The concept of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is a potentially attractive additional or alternative strategy to radiotherapy to deal with metastases. However, randomised phase III trials, evaluating the addition of oxaliplatin at low doses plus preoperative fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT), have in the main failed to show a significant improvement on early pathological response, with the exception of the German CAO/ARO/AIO-04 study. The integration of biologically targeted agents into preoperative CRT has also not fulfilled expectations. The addition of cetuximab appears to achieve relatively low rates of pathological complete responses, and the addition of bevacizumab has raised concerns for excess surgical morbidity. As an alternative to concurrent chemoradiation (which delivers only 5-6 weeks of chemotherapy), potential options include an induction component of 6-12 weeks of NACT prior to radiotherapy or chemoradiation, or the addition of chemotherapy after short-course preoperative radiotherapy (SCPRT) or chemoradiation (defined as consolidation chemotherapy) which utilises the "dead space" of the interval between the end of chemoradiation and surgery, or delivering chemotherapy alone without any radiotherapy.

Should quality measures for lymph node dissection in colon cancer be extrapolated to rectal cancer?

BACKGROUND

A minimum of 12 lymph nodes has been endorsed as a quality measure to confirm node-negative colon cancer, but its relevance to early-stage rectal cancer is unclear.

METHODS

Patients with stage I or II rectal cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results tumor registries from 1998 to 2002 were identified. Patients were grouped by the number of lymph nodes sampled. Groups were compared for patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and 5-year overall survival.

RESULTS

Of the 6,214 patients (57% men) identified, only 33% had ≥12 lymph nodes examined in the surgical specimen. Multivariate analysis identified sex, race, age, T stage, and number of lymph nodes examined as independent predictors of 5-year overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Five-year overall survival improved as the number of sampled nodes increased. A thorough lymphadenectomy should routinely be performed to optimize staging and to improve survival of patients with early-stage rectal cancer.

Neoadjuvant vs adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: Which is superior?

The treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer including timing and dosage of radiotherapy, degree of sphincter preservation with neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and short and long term effects of radiotherapy are controversial topics. The MEDLINE, Cochrane Library databases, and meeting proceedings from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, were searched for reports of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses comparing neoadjuvant and adjuvant radiotherapy with surgery to surgery alone for rectal cancer. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy shows superior results in terms of local control compared to adjuvant radiotherapy. Neither adjuvant or neoadjuvant radiotherapy impacts overall survival. Short course versus long course neoadjuvant radiotherapy remains controversial. There is insufficient data to conclude that neoadjuvant therapy improves rates of sphincter preserving surgery. Radiation significantly impacts anorectal and sexual function and includes both acute and long term toxicity. Data demonstrate that neoadjuvant radiation causes less toxicity compared to adjuvant radiotherapy, and specifically short course neoadjuvant radiation results in less toxicity than long course neoadjuvant radiation. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy is the preferred modality for administering radiation in locally advanced rectal cancer. There are significant side effects from radiation, including anorectal and sexual dysfunction, which may be less with short course neoadjuvant radiation.

Adjuvant radiotherapy following total mesorectal excision for stage IIA rectal cancer: is it beneficial?

PURPOSE

The benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with stage IIA (T3N0) rectal cancer following total mesorectal excision (TME) is controversial. We evaluated the effect of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) versus chemotherapy (CT) alone on the local recurrence and survival of patients with stage IIA rectal cancer after TME.

METHODS

Between 1996 and 2004, patients with stage IIA rectal cancer who received adjuvant CT (n = 29) or CRT (n = 122) following TME were enrolled. Oncologic outcomes were compared between groups, and risk factors for local recurrence and overall survival rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 78 months. No significant differences were observed in the 5-year local recurrence (3.4% versus 9.0%; P = 0.348) or 5-year overall survival rates (86.2% versus 80.3%; P = 0.924) between CT and CRT. However, involvement of the circumferential resection margin and age >60 years were associated with adverse oncologic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional postoperative radiotherapy did not alter local recurrence or survival after TME in patients with stage IIA rectal cancer. Postoperative radiation may be an overtreatment as an adjuvant therapy in patients with stage IIA rectal cancer if they had no other risk factors. However, randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm this suggestion.

[Rectal cancer: which patients benefit from radiotherapy?]

The prognosis of patients with rectal cancer has improved in recent years, particularly as regards the lower probability of local recurrence. These positive results are obtained through correct preoperative staging and an adequate surgical resection of the affected lesion, as well as a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. Based on the available scientific evidence, our aim is to clarify the framework in which options for the right therapy can be taken, especially in relation to the preoperative staging and its limitations, with regards to radiotherapy and its indications. We also emphasize the need of a tailor-made approach for each case.

Regional lymph node metastasis and locoregional recurrence of rectal carcinoma in the era of TME [corrected] surgery. Implications for treatment decisions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

For rectal carcinoma treated according to the concept of total mesorectal excision (TME surgery), the independent influence of regional lymph node metastasis on the locoregional recurrence risk is still in discussion. A reliable assessment of this risk is important for an individualised selective indication for neoadjuvant radio-/radiochemotherapy.

METHODS

Analysis of literature, especially of the last 20 years, and consideration of pathological and oncological basic research. Multivariate analysis of data of the Erlangen Registry of Colorectal Carcinoma.

RESULTS

The clinical assessment of the pretherapeutic regional lymph node status by the present available imaging methods is still unreliable. The analysis of the association between pretherapeutic regional lymph node status and locoregional recurrence risk has to be based on follow-up data of patients treated by primary surgery and has to be distinguished between patients treated by conventional and optimised quality-assured TME surgery, respectively. Data from Erlangen show an increase of the local recurrence risk for patients with at least four involved regional lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with at least four involved regional lymph nodes, a neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy may be indicated. However, today, the pretherapeutic diagnosis is uncertain and results in overtherapy in 40%. Thus, in case of positive lymph node findings by imaging methods, the benefits and risk of neoadjuvant therapy in such situations should always be discussed with the patient in the sense of informed consent and shared decision.

Comparison of outcome of open and laparoscopic resection for stage II and stage III rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic resection for advanced rectal cancer has not been widely accepted, and there are only few studies with survival data. This study aimed to compare the survival of patients who underwent laparoscopic and open resection for stage II and III rectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients (open resection: n = 310; laparoscopic resection: n = 111) who underwent curative resection for stage II and III rectal cancer from June 2000 to December 2006 were included. The operative details, postoperative complications, postoperative outcomes, and survival data were collected prospectively. Comparison was made between patients who had laparoscopic and open surgery.

RESULTS

The age, gender, medical morbidity, types of operation, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status were similar between the two groups. There was also no difference in the mortality, morbidity, and pathological staging. Laparoscopic resection was associated with significantly less blood loss and shorter hospital stay. With the median follow-up of 34 months, there was no difference in local recurrence rates. The 5-year actuarial survivals were 71.1% and 59.3% in the laparoscopic and open groups, respectively (P = .029). In the multivariate analysis, laparoscopic resection was one of the independent significant factors associated with better survival (P = .03, hazards ratio: 0.558, 95% confidence interval: 0.339-0.969). Other independent poor prognostic factors included lymph node metastasis, poor differentiation, perineural invasion, presence of postoperative complications, and no chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic resection for locally advanced rectal cancer is associated with more favorable overall survival when compared with open resection.

Outcome of patients with clinical stage II or III rectal cancer treated without adjuvant radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

To clarify the indications for preoperative adjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer, the outcome of patients who underwent curative surgery without adjuvant radiotherapy was investigated.

METHODS

A total of 817 consecutive patients who underwent curative surgery for clinical stage II or III rectal cancer without preoperative adjuvant radiotherapy between 1988 and 2002 were reviewed.

RESULTS

The actuarial 5-year local recurrence rate in the examined patients was 6.2%. Univariate analysis showed that sex, pathological T classification (pT), clinical N classification (cN), pathological N classification (pN), tumor site, distance from the anal verge, type of surgery, pathological stage, a positive radical margin, lymphatic invasion, and venous invasion were significantly correlated with local recurrence. Multivariate analysis of preoperative factors identified cN, distance from the anal verge, and sex as statistically significant risk factors for local recurrence. In patients with rectal cancer located less than 5 cm from the anal verge and with positive cN, the local recurrence rate was more than 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with rectal cancer located less than 5 cm from the anal verge and with clinically positive lymph nodes should be given preoperative adjuvant radiotherapy.

No prognostic impact of isolated lymphovascular invasion after radical resection of rectal cancer--results of a multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND

The prognostic impact of isolated lymphovascular invasion (LVI) after radical resection of rectal cancer is controversially discussed. However, it could be relevant to decide for an adjuvant treatment.

AIM

The aim of the analysis was, based on the data of an observational study, to determine the prognostic relevance of the isolated LVI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients after radical resection of rectal cancer with no hemangioinvasion were subdivided in three groups: I-no LVI, no lymph node metastases (LNM); II-positive LVI, no LNM; III-positive LNM. Five-year local recurrence rate, distant metastases-free and disease-free survival were determined uni- and multivariate.

RESULTS

Patients, n = 846, were studied (I, n = 471; II, n = 75; III, n = 300). The univariate comparison between the groups revealed the following 5-year results: local recurrence rate: 9.4 vs 10.0 vs 14.0%; distant metastases-free survival: 84.1 vs 82.5 vs 49.3%; disease-free survival: 83.2 vs 80.7 vs 45.5%. The differences between groups I and III were significant, but not between groups I and II. The determined higher disease-free survival rate in group II vs group III was significant (P = 0.041), but the differences in local recurrence rate and rate of distant metastases did not reach statistical significance. The multivariate analysis revealed no impact of the isolated LVI on the oncological outcome.

CONCLUSION

The isolated LVI has no independent prognostic impact on the local recurrence rate and long-term survival after radical resection of rectal cancer. Based on this finding, no indication for an adjuvant treatment in these patients can be derived.

Prognostic groups in 1,676 patients with T3 rectal cancer treated without preoperative radiotherapy

PURPOSE

The use of preoperative radiotherapy in patients with T3 tumors shows considerable variation among countries and institutions. The Norwegian guidelines have been very restrictive, limiting the indication to T4. This study was designed to identify subgroups of patients with T3 tumors with presumed high risks on adverse outcome and to use these results to reevaluate the national guidelines for preoperative radiotherapy.

METHODS

This was a national cohort study of 2,460 patients with pT3 rectal adenocarcinoma, undergoing major surgery without preoperative radiotherapy from November 1993 to December 2002. Circumferential resection margin in millimeters was given for 1,676 patients.

RESULTS

Multivariate analyses identified circumferential resection margin and nodal status as independent prognostic factors for local recurrence, metastases, and overall mortality. Analyses based on 12 combinations of N stage and circumferential resection margin showed that the estimated five-year rate of local recurrence increased from 11.1 percent (circumferential resection margin >3 mm; N0) to 36.5 percent (circumferential resection margin < or =1 mm; N2). The rate of distant metastases increased from 18.5 to 77.7 percent and the five-year survival decreased from 68.6 to 25.7 percent, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There is great variation in outcome for patients with T3 cancers, and the outcome is not acceptable for the groups of patients with circumferential resection margin <3 mm or involved lymph nodes. These groups should be considered for neoadjuvant therapy.