The role of primary tumour resection in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer

Primary Tumor Resection for Metastatic Colorectal, Gastric and Pancreatic Cancer Patients: In Search of Scientific Evidence to Inform Clinical Practice

The management of the primary tumor in metastatic colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancer patients may be challenging. Indeed, primary tumor progression could be associated with severe symptoms, compromising the quality of life and the feasibility of effective systemic therapy, and might result in life-threatening complications. While retrospective series have suggested that surgery on the primary tumor may confer a survival advantage even in asymptomatic patients, randomized trials seem not to definitively support this hypothesis. We discuss the evidence for and against primary tumor resection for patients with metastatic gastrointestinal (colorectal, gastric and pancreatic) cancers treated with systemic therapies and put in context the pros and cons of the onco-surgical approach in the time of precision oncology. We also evaluate current ongoing trials on this topic, anticipating how these will influence both research and everyday practice.

Efficacy of Primary Tumor Resection in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival benefit of palliative primary tumor resection in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with unresectable metastases. MATERIAL AND METHODS Clinicopathological characteristics of eligible patients who underwent surgery to remove the primary tumor and those who did not between 2004 and 2013 were compared. We also evaluated the association between survival and different clinicopathologic characteristics in metastatic CRC. RESULTS The percentage of patients undergoing surgical resection of the primary tumor was higher during the earlier years and trended toward less use of surgery in later years. Palliative primary tumor resection was strongly associated with better cause-specific survival (hazard ratio=0.403, 95% confidence interval=0.389 to 0.417, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS We added new strong evidence supporting the survival benefit of palliative resection, which should be confirmed in future randomized controlled trials.

Surgery on primary tumor shows survival benefit in selected stage IV colon cancer patients: A real-world study based on SEER database

Objectives: Most patients with stage IV colon cancer did not have the opportunity for curative surgery, only selected patients could benefit from surgery. This study aimed to determine whether surgery on the primary tumor (SPT) should be performed in patients with stage IV colon cancer and how to select patients for SPT.

Methods: This study included 48,933 patients with stage IV colon cancer who were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database between 1998 and 2015. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was adopted to balance baseline differences between SPT and non-surgery groups. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves were utilized to compare the overall survival (OS). Prognostic nomograms were generated to predict survival based on pre- and post-operative risk factors. Patients were divided into low, middle, and high mortality risk subsets for OS by X-tile analyses based on scores derived from above nomograms.

Results: Patients with SPT had a significantly longer OS than those without surgery, regardless of the metastatic sites and diagnostic years. Nomograms, according to the pre- and post-operative risk factors, showed moderate discrimination (all C-indexes above 0.7). Based on X-tile analyses, low mortality risk subset (post-operative score ≤ 22.3, preoperative score ≤ 9.7) recommended for SPT, and high mortality risk was not.

Conclusions: SPT led to prolonged survival in stage IV colon cancer. Our nomograms would help to select suitable patients for SPT.

The outcome of primary tumor resection in the unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer patients who received the bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy

Primary tumor resection (PTR) for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients has been documented to be associated with postoperative hyper-neovascularization and enhanced growth of metastases, which may be prevented by bevacizumab. This study aimed to investigate the survival outcome of PTR in patients who received palliative bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy (BCT).From January 2006 to December 2018, medical records of 240 mCRC patients who received palliative BCT at a single tertiary colorectal cancer center were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into three groups: PTR-a (PTR before BCT, n = 60), PTR-b (PTR during BCT, n = 17), and BCT-only group (n = 163). Resectable mCRCs or recurrent diseases were excluded, and the end-point was overall survival (OS) rate.Three groups had similar age, cell differentiation, location of the primary tumor, and the number of metastatic organs. More than two-thirds of patients who received PTR experienced disease-progressions (PD) during their postoperative chemotherapy-free time (PTR-a vs PTR-b; 66.7% vs 76.5%, P = .170), but OS was not inferior to the BCT-only group (PTR-a vs BCT-only; HR 0.477 [95% CI 0.302-0.754], P = .002/PTR-b vs BCT-only; HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.406-1.462], P = .425). The postoperative chemotherapy-free time was similar between PTR-a and PTR-b (median 32.0 [14-98] days vs 41.0 [18-71] days, P = .142), but non-obstructive indications (perforation, bleeding, pain) were the more frequent in the PTR-b than PTR-a. Young age, the number of BCT, and PTR-a were the independent factors for OS.The efficacy of the PTR for unresectable mCRC has been controversial, but this study demonstrated that PTR should be considered for the unresectable mCRC patients regardless before and during BCT.

A systematic analysis highlighting deficiencies in reported outcomes for patients with stage IV colorectal cancer undergoing palliative resection of the primary tumour

BACKGROUND

Management of the primary tumour in the presence of unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is controversial. The role of primary tumour resection (PTR) has been investigated by a number of retrospective cohort studies, with a number on going randomised controlled trials. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical and patient-reported outcomes currently reported in studies that evaluate the role of PTR in mCRC.

METHODS

Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE (via OvidSP) (1966-June 2017), EMBASE (via OvidSP) and the Cochrane Library using terms related to colorectal cancer and primary tumour resection. All studies documenting outcomes following palliative PTR were included. Eligible articles were assessed using the Risk of Bias In Non-Randomised Studies of Intervention (ROBINS-I) tool.

RESULTS

Of 11,209 studies screened, 59 non-randomised studies reporting outcomes on 331,157 patients were included. Patient characteristics regarding performance status and co-morbidity were recorded in 26 (44.1%) and 17 (28.8%) studies. The chemotherapy regime used was reported in 27 (45.8%) studies. The operative setting and the operative approach was reported in 42 (71%) and 14 (23.7%) studies. Post-operative mortality and morbidity were reported in 33 (55.9%) and 35 (59.3%) studies. Overall survival was reported in 49 (83.1%) studies, with 5 different definitions identified. Quality of life was only reported in 1 (1.7%) study.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates significant heterogeneity in the selection and definition of outcomes reported following PTR in mCRC. There is significant heterogeneity with a significant under-reporting of important outcomes such as treatment related adverse events and patient reported outcomes.

Prognostic value of primary tumour resection in synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer: Individual patient data analysis of first-line randomised trials from the ARCAD database

Indication for primary tumour resection (PTR) in asymptomatic metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients is unclear. Previous retrospective analyses suggest a survival benefit for patients who underwent PTR. The aim was to evaluate the prognostic value of PTR in patients with synchronous mCRC by analysis of recent large RCTs including systemic therapy with modern targeted agents. Individual patient data (IPD) of 3423 patients enrolled into 8 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with first-line systemic therapy in the ARCAD (Aide et Recherche en Cancérologie Digestive) database were analysed. The number of patients with unresected synchronous mCRC, resected synchronous mCRC and metachronous mCRC was 710 (21%), 1705 (50%) and 1008 (29%), respectively. Adjusting for age, gender, performance status (PS) and prior chemotherapy, the unresected group had a significantly worse median overall survival (16.4 m) compared with the synchronous resected (22.2 m; hazard ratio [HR] 1.60, 95% CI 1.43-1.78) and metachronous (22.4 m; HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.58-2.07) groups. Similarly, median progression-free survival was significantly worse for the unresected group compared with the synchronous resected (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.19-1.44) and metachronous (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.30-1.66) groups. In a multivariate analysis, the observed associations remained significant. This largest IPD analysis of mCRC trials to date demonstrates an improved survival in synchronous mCRC patients after PTR. These results may be subject to bias since reasons for (non)resection were not available. Until results of ongoing RCTs are available, both upfront PTR followed by systemic treatment and upfront systemic treatment are considered appropriate treatment strategies.

Meta-analysis of outcomes following resection of the primary tumour in patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

It is not clear whether resection of the primary tumour (when there are metastases) alters survival and/or whether resection is associated with increased morbidity. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the prognostic value of primary tumour resection in patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review of MEDLINE/PubMed was performed on 12 March 2016, with no language or date restrictions, for studies comparing primary tumour resection versus conservative treatment without primary tumour resection for metastatic colorectal cancer. The quality of the studies was assessed using the MINORS and STROBE criteria. Differences in survival, morbidity and mortality between groups were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Of 37 412 initially screened articles, 56 retrospective studies with 148 151 patients met the inclusion criteria. Primary tumour resection led to an improvement in overall survival of 7·76 (95 per cent c.i. 5·96 to 9·56) months (risk ratio (RR) for overall survival 0·50, 95 per cent c.i. 0·47 to 0·53), but did not significantly reduce the risk of obstruction (RR 0·50, 95 per cent c.i. 0·16 to 1·53) or bleeding (RR 1·19, 0·48 to 2·97). Neither was the morbidity risk altered (RR 1·14, 0·77 to 1·68). Heterogeneity between the studies was high, with a calculated I² of more than 50 per cent for most outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Primary tumour resection may provide a modest survival advantage in patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Meta-analysis of outcomes of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer managed with chemotherapy/radiochemotherapy with and without primary tumor resection

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Currently, novel chemotherapeutic agents are first-line therapy for unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer, while benefits of noncurative primary tumor resection in advanced disease remain debatable.

Objective

This meta-analysis evaluated outcomes of patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer receiving systemic chemotherapy with or without primary tumor resection.

Materials and methods

A database search of PubMed and Cochrane Library databases identified 167 studies that were screened for relevance. After 119 were excluded, 48 were assessed for eligibility and 26 were included for meta-analysis, including 24 retrospective studies, one prospective study, and one randomized, controlled trial. Extracted data included patient demographics (age, sex), clinical data (tumor stage, metastasis), targeted therapy agents, and surgical data (with/without tumor resection). Patients’ overall and progression-free survival was compared between groups with/without primary tumor resection.

Results

The 26 studies included 43,903 patients with colorectal cancer, with 29,639 receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy plus primary tumor resection, and 14,264 managed medically with chemotherapy/chemoradiotherapy alone without primary tumor resection. Patients receiving primary tumor resection plus chemotherapy/radiotherapy had longer overall survival (hazard ratio [HR 0.59], 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51–0.68; P<0.001), with significant differences in overall survival between patients with and without primary tumor resection (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.49–0.68; P<0.001). Longer overall survival was also found among patients receiving primary tumor resection who were treated with bevacizumab/cetuximab targeted therapy agents (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.86; P=0.003). Patients from three studies who received primary tumor resection had longer progression-free survival (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58–0.91; P=0.005). Results are limited by retrospective data, inconsistent complications data, and publication bias.

Conclusion

Study results support primary tumor resection in stage IV colorectal cancer, but significant biases in studies suggest that randomized trials are warranted to confirm findings.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) protocol in patients undergoing laparoscopic resection for stage IV colorectal cancer

Background

There is strong evidence for the use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol with colorectal surgery. However, in most studies on ERAS, patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) are commonly excluded. It is not certain if the ERAS protocol combined with laparoscopy improves outcomes in this group of patients as well.

The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of the ERAS protocol implementation in patients operated laparoscopically due to stage IV CRC.

Methods

A prospective analysis of patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery was performed. Group 1 included patients with stages I–III, and group 2 included patients with stage IV CRC. Demographic, surgical factors, length of stay (LOS), complications, readmissions, ERAS implementation and early postoperative recovery were compared between the groups.

Results

Group 1 included 168 patients, and group 2 included 20 patients. There was no difference in the age, sex, BMI, ASA, cancer localisation or surgical parameters. No statistically significant difference was noted in complications (26.8 vs 20 %, p = 0.51344), LOS (4.7 vs 5.7 days, p = 0.28228) or readmissions (6 vs 10 %, p = 0.48392). The ERAS protocol compliance was 86.3 and 83.0 %, respectively (p = 0.17158).

Conclusions

Implementation of the ERAS protocol and laparoscopic surgery among patients with stage IV CRC is feasible and provides similar short-term clinical outcomes and recovery as with patients with stages I–III.

Up-front systemic chemotherapy is a feasible option compared to primary tumor resection followed by chemotherapy for colorectal cancer with unresectable synchronous metastases

Background

In stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) with unresectable metastases, whether or not resection of the primary tumor should be indicated remains controversial. We aim to determine the impact of primary tumor resection on the survival of stage IV CRC patients with unresectable metastases.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 103 CRC patients with stage IV colorectal cancer with metastases, treated at Hiroshima University Hospital between 2007 and 2013. Of these, those who had resectable primary tumor but unresectable metastases and received any chemotherapy were included in the study. We analyzed the overall survival (OS) and short-term outcomes between the patients who received up-front systemic chemotherapy (USC group) and those who received primary tumor resection followed by chemotherapy (PTR group).

Results

Of the 57 included patients, 15 underwent USC and 42 PTR. The median survival times were 13.4 and 23.9 months in the USC and PTR groups, respectively (P = 0.093), but multivariate analysis for the overall survival showed no significant difference between the two groups (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60 to 2.73, P = 0.495). In the USC group, the disease control rate of primary tumor was observed in 12 patients (80.0%), but emergency laparotomy was required for 1 patient. Morbidity in the PTR group was observed in 18 cases (42.9%).

Conclusions

The overall survival did not differ significantly between the USC and PTR groups. USC may help avoid unnecessary resection and consequently the high morbidity rate associated with primary tumor resection for stage IV CRC with unresectable metastases.

GRECCAR 8: impact on survival of the primary tumor resection in rectal cancer with unresectable synchronous metastasis: a randomized multicentre study

Background

A majority of patients with rectal cancer and metastasis are not eligible to curative treatment because of an extensive and unresectable metastatic disease. Primary tumor resection is still debated in this situation. Rectal surgery treats or prevents the symptoms and avoids the risk of acute complications related to the primary tumor. Several studies on colorectal cancers seem to show interesting results in terms of survival in favor to the resection of the primary tumor. To date, no randomized trial or even a prospective study has assessed the impact of primary tumor resection on overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer with unresectable metastasis. All published studies were retrospective and included colon and rectal cancers. Rectal cancer is associated with specific problems related to the rectal surgery. Surgery is more complex, and may be source of more morbidity and postoperative functional dysfunctions (stoma, digestive, sexual, urinary) than colic surgery. On the other hand, symptoms related to the progression of rectal tumor are often very disabling: pain, rectal syndrome.

Methods/Design

GRECCAR 8 is a multicentre randomized open-label controlled trial aimed to evaluate the impact on survival of the primary tumor resection in rectal cancer with unresectable synchronous metastasis. Patients must undergo upfront systemic chemotherapy for at least 4 courses before inclusion. Patients with progressive metastatic disease during upfront chemotherapy will be excluded from the study. Patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to Arm A: primary tumor resection followed by systemic chemotherapy versus Arm B: systemic chemotherapy alone. Primary endpoint will be overall survival measured from the date of randomization to the date of death or to the end of follow-up (2 years). Secondary endpoints will include progression-free survival, quality of life, toxicity of chemotherapy, response of the primary tumor and metastatic disease to chemotherapy, postoperative morbidity and mortality, rate of patient not eligible for postoperative chemotherapy (arm A), primary tumor related complications and rate of emergency surgery (arm B). The number of patients needed is 290.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT02314182

Comparative effectiveness in colon and rectal cancer

Treatment of colorectal cancer is becoming more uniform, with wider acceptance of standardized guidelines. However, areas of controversy exist where the appropriate treatment is not clear, including: should a segmental colectomy or a more extensive resection be performed in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer? should an asymptomatic primary cancer be resected in the presence of unresectable metastatic disease? what is the role of extended lymph node resection in colon and rectal cancer? are there clinically significant benefits for a robotic approach to colorectal resection versus a laparoscopic approach? This chapter will examine these issues and discuss how they may be resolved.

Low nutritional prognostic index correlates with poor survival in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer following palliative resection of the primary tumor

BACKGROUND

We retrospectively investigated the prognostic significance of various clinicopathological factors and preoperative nutritional status to select patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) who will have a poor prognosis after palliative resection of the primary tumor.

METHODS

A total of 100 stage IV CRC patients who underwent palliative resection were enrolled. Various clinicopathological factors and Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) were evaluated to identify any possible relationship with the prognosis.

RESULTS

At the time of the analysis, 83 patients had died, and the median survival time was 21 months. Of the 100 patients, 24 had primary tumor-related symptoms such as obstruction or bleeding. No significant correlation was noted between the OPNI and various clinicopathological factors. The multivariate analysis of patients without primary tumor-related symptoms revealed that the OPNI was an independent prognostic factor. The overall survival of the low-OPNI group was significantly worse than that of the high-OPNI group.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study suggested that patients with a low OPNI may not be candidates for palliative resection, because it provides no survival benefit to these patients.

Palliative care and end-stage colorectal cancer management: The surgeon meets the oncologist

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common neoplasia in the Western countries, with considerable morbidity and mortality. Every fifth patient with CRC presents with metastatic disease, which is not curable with radical intent in roughly 80% of cases. Traditionally approached surgically, by resection of the primitive tumor or stoma, the management to incurable stage IV CRC patients has significantly changed over the last three decades and is nowadays multidisciplinary, with a pivotal role played by chemotherapy (CHT). This latter have allowed for a dramatic increase in survival, whereas the role of colonic and liver surgery is nowadays matter of debate. Although any generalization is difficult, two main situations are considered, asymptomatic (or minimally symptomatic) and severely symptomatic patients needing aggressive management, including emergency cases. In asymptomatic patients, new CHT regimens allow today long survival in selected patients, also exceeding two years. The role of colonic resection in this group has been challenged in recent years, as it is not clear whether the resection of primary CRC may imply a further increase in survival, thus justifying surgery-related morbidity/mortality in such a class of short-living patients. Secondary surgery of liver metastasis is gaining acceptance since, under new generation CHT regimens, an increasing amount of patients with distant metastasis initially considered non resectable become resectable, with a significant increase in long term survival. The management of CRC emergency patients still represents a major issue in Western countries, and is associated to high morbidity/mortality. Obstruction is traditionally approached surgically by colonic resection, stoma or internal by-pass, although nowadays CRC stenting is a feasible option. Nevertheless, CRC stent has peculiar contraindications and complications, and its long-term cost-effectiveness is questionable, especially in the light of recently increased survival. Perforation is associated with the highest mortality and remains mostly matter for surgeons, by abdominal lavage/drainage, colonic resection and/or stoma. Bleeding and other CRC-related symptoms (pain, tenesmus, etc.) may be managed by several mini-invasive approaches, including radiotherapy, laser therapy and other transanal procedures.

Primary tumor resection in colorectal cancer with unresectable synchronous metastases: A review

At the time of diagnosis, 25% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) present with synchronous metastases, which are unresectable in the majority of patients. Whether primary tumor resection (PTR) followed by chemotherapy or immediate chemotherapy without PTR is the best therapeutic option in patients with asymptomatic CRC and unresectable metastases is a major issue, although unanswered to date. The aim of this study was to review all published data on whether PTR should be performed in patients with CRC and unresectable synchronous metastases. All aspects of the management of CRC were taken into account, especially prognostic factors in patients with CRC and unresectable metastases. The impact of PTR on survival and quality of life were reviewed, in addition to the characteristics of patients that could benefit from PTR and the possible underlying mechanisms. The risks of both approaches are reported. As no randomized study has been performed to date, we finally discussed how a therapeutic strategy's trial should be designed to provide answer to this issue.

The impact of primary tumor resection on overall survival in patients with colorectal carcinoma and unresectable distant metastases: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

To compare the patients with primary colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and non-resectable distant metastases with or without primary colorectal tumor resection as a primary treatment in terms of postoperative mortality and overall survival (OS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinicopathological data of 188 CRC patients with non-resectable distant metastases was analyzed. All patient data were collected prospectively. Colorectal tumor was resected in 121 patients (64.3%). Kaplan-Meier method was used for calculation and plotting of the OS curves of the patient groups, and log-rank test was used for the comparison of the survival curves. The relative importance of the prognostic features was investigated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

In the whole series and in the patient group undergoing emergency surgical intervention, mortality rate was lower in patients having colorectal tumor resection compared with non-resected patients, with differences approaching the significance level (p = 0.072 and p = 0.076, respectively). Median OS time was significantly longer in resection group (11.0 months), compared with non-resection group (5.5 months) (p < 0.001); in the multivariate Cox analysis colorectal tumor resection had independent prognostic significance (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Resection of colorectal tumor in primary CRC patients with non-resectable distant metastasis gives significant survival advantage without increasing postoperative mortality compared with non-resection.

Role of primary tumor resection among chemotherapy-treated patients with synchronous stage IV colorectal cancer: a survival analysis

INTRODUCTION

The benefit of an operation to remove the primary tumor among patients with synchronous stage IV colorectal cancer is controversial. This study analyzed the survival benefits associated with primary tumor resection among chemotherapy-treated stage IV colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS

The study analyzed 11,716 chemotherapy-treated stage IV colorectal cancer patients in the California Cancer Registry between 1996 and 2007, with follow-up through 2009. Patients were stratified into operation and non-operation groups. Estimates of median overall and colorectal cancer-specific survival were generated.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing operation compared to those who are not had higher median overall and colorectal cancer-specific survival, 21 versus 10 months (p < 0.0001) and 22 versus 12 months (p < 0.0001), respectively. Patients who were offered surgery but refused had decreased median overall and colorectal cancer-specific survival when compared to patients who underwent resection, 8 versus 21 months (p < 0.001) and 7 versus 22 months (p < 0.001), respectively. In multivariate regression models, patients who underwent resection of primary tumor had improved overall (hazard ratio (HR), 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40-0.44, p < 0.0001) and colorectal cancer-specific survival (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.41-0.45; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Primary tumor resection is associated with improved survival among stage IV chemotherapy-treated colorectal cancer patients.

Trends in treatment and survival in older patients presenting with stage IV colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Trends in the use of modern chemotherapeutic regimens, primary tumor resection, and the timing of chemotherapy and resection in older patients with stage IV colorectal cancer have not been evaluated.

METHODS

We used Cancer Registry- and Medicare-linked data (2000-2009) to describe time trends in resection of the primary tumor and receipt of chemotherapy in patients ≥ 66 presenting with stage IV colorectal cancer (N = 16,168).

RESULTS

The mean age was 77.8 ± 7.3 years; 53.8 % were women and 82.9 % were white. Primary cancer sites were colon in 83.4 % and rectum in 16.6 %. Resection of the primary tumor decreased from 64.6 to 57.1 % (P < 0.0001) from 2001 to 2009. Systemic chemotherapy was given to 45.1 % of the patients. While the use of chemotherapy was stable over time (P = 0.48), the use of modern regimens containing oxaliplatin or irinotecan increased from 40.9 to 75.4 % (P < 0.0001). Bevacizumab use increased from 0.10 to 54.2 % (P < 0.0001). Survival improved by 4 % per year even after controlling for treatment and tumor location (HR = 0.96, 95 % CI 0.95-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival in older patients with stage IV disease is improving over time. Surgical resection is still performed in the majority of patients. Resection rates decreased while modern chemotherapy was rapidly adopted perhaps suggesting a shift in practice patterns.

[Treatment of colorectal cancer with unresectable metastasis with chemotherapy without primary tumor resection: analysis of tumor-related complications]

INTRODUCTION

Although the conventional treatment of patients with stage iv colorectal cancer involves resection of the primary tumor followed by chemotherapy, several studies suggest that in patients with few symptoms the first and only treatment should be chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to analyze the complications related to the primary tumor in a series of patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy without surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective descriptive study. The study included all patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy without resection of the primary tumor (January 2007-February 2011).

RESULTS

The mean age of the 61 patients analyzed was 67±13 years and the performance status was 0-1 in 53 (87%). Twenty (33%) patients developed complications during follow-up. The most common complication was intestinal obstruction in 15 (25%) patients followed by perforation. Complications required surgery in 6 (10%) cases. We did not find differences in patient characteristics between those who had a complication and those without, although the complication rate in patients with a colonic stent (53%) was twice that of other patients (26%).

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy without surgery is a good option in most patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. However, although the percentage of patients requiring surgery is low, the total number of complications related to the primary tumor is not negligible. Studies are needed to identify those patients in whom a prophylactic colectomy could be indicated.

Should noncurative resection of the primary tumour be performed in patients with stage iv colorectal cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Surgical resection of the primary tumour in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (crc) remains controversial. This review compares survival in patients with advanced crc who underwent surgical resection of the primary tumour with that in patients not undergoing resection, and determines rates of post-operative mortality and nonfatal complications, the primary tumour complication rate, the non-resection surgical procedures rate, and quality of life (qol).

METHODS

Reports in the central, medline, and embase databases were searched for relevant studies, which were selected using pre-specified eligibility criteria. The search was also restricted to publication dates from 1980 onward, the English language, and studies involving human subjects. Screening, evaluation of relevant articles, and data abstraction were performed in duplicate, and agreement between the abstractors was assessed. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were collected and synthesized per protocol.

RESULTS

From among the 3379 reports located, fifteen retrospective observational studies were selected. Of the 12,416 patients in the selected studies, 8620 (69%) underwent surgery. Median survival was 15.2 months (range: 10-30.7 months) in the resection group and 11.4 months (range: 3-22 months) in the non-resection group. Hazard ratio for survival was 0.69 [95% confidence interval (ci): 0.61 to 0.79] favouring surgical resection. Mean rates of postoperative mortality and nonfatal complications were 4.9% (95% ci: 0% to 9.7%) and 25.9% (95%ci: 20.1% to 31.6%) respectively. The mean primary tumour complication rate was 29.7% (95% ci: 18.5% to 41.0%), and the non-resection surgical procedures rate in the non-resection group was 27.6% (95 ci: 15.4% to 39.9%). No study provided qol data.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this review supports primary tumour resection in advanced crc, the results have significant biases. Randomized trials are warranted to confirm the findings.

Data on the characteristics and the survival of korean patients with colorectal cancer from the Korea central cancer registry

Purpose

The incidence rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Korea have been increasing during the past decade. Therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics, including survival, of Korean CRC patients. The aim of this study was to use the nationwide cancer registry to evaluate the characteristics of Korean CRC, focusing on the survival, according to tumor location, sex, and specific age groups.

Methods

Using the Korea Central Cancer Registry (KCCR), we analyzed a total of 226,352 CRC cases diagnosed from 1993 to 2010. The five-year relative survivals were compared for the proximal colon, the distal colon, and the rectum. Survival rates were compared between men and women and between patients of young age (less than 40 years old) and patients of advanced age (70 years old or older).

Results

The 5-year survival rates were improved in all subsites between 1993 and 2010. Distal colon cancer showed favorable survival compared to proximal colon or rectal cancer. Females demonstrated worse survival for local or regional cancers, and this difference was significant in for patients in their seventies. Young patients (<40 years old) showed better survival rates for overall and proximal colon cancer comparable to those for older patients (≥40 years old), but advanced age patients (≥70 years old) had worse survivals for all tumor subsites compared to their younger counterparts (<70 years old). These trends were similar in distant CRC.

Conclusion

Korean CRC has certain distinct characteristics of survival according to tumor location, sex, and age. Despite the limitations of available data, this study contributes to a better understanding of survival differences in Korean CRC.

Late complications related to palliative stenting in patients with obstructing colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) are increasingly used for the palliative treatment of incurable obstructing colorectal cancer. The aim of the current study was to evaluate clinical outcome, including technical and clinical success of stenting, and to identify factors associated with late complications of SEMS in palliation of incurable obstructing colorectal cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2003 and 2010 details of 56 patients who underwent an attempt of SEMS insertion for obstructive incurable colorectal cancer at Turku University Hospital were recorded to our database prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in 42 patients (75%) and clinical success in 39 patients (70%). Late complications related to SEMS occurred in 13 patients (31%). Ten patients (24%) needed re-intervention because of a complication: Eight ostomies, one Hartmann´s procedure due to late perforation and one re-stenting because of stent migration. Three patients with stent-related complications were treated conservatively. Chemotherapy and prolonged survival were risk factors for SEMS-related late complications and re-intervention.

CONCLUSION

SEMS insertion is a feasible procedure for the palliative treatment of obstructing colorectal cancer in patients with severe comorbidities and short life expectancy. However, for patients who are candidates for chemotherapy and have a longer life expectancy, other treatment options such as palliative tumor resection should also be considered.

Surgery in asymptomatic patients with colorectal cancer and unresectable liver metastases: the authors' experience

PURPOSE

In asymptomatic patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer, the debate continues over the efficacy of primary resection compared to chemotherapy alone. The aim of this study was to define the optimal management for asymptomatic patients with colorectal cancer and unresectable liver metastases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients receiving elective surgery (n = 17) were compared to patients receiving chemotherapy only (n = 31). Data concerning patients' demographics, location of primary tumor, comorbidities, performance status, Child-Pugh score, extension of liver metastases, size of primary, and other secondary locations were collected.

RESULTS

Thirty-day mortality after chemotherapy was lower than that after surgical resection (19.3% versus 29.4%; not significant). In patients with >75% hepatic involvement, mortality at 1 month was higher after receiving surgical treatment than after chemotherapy alone (50% versus 25%). In patients with <75% hepatic involvement, 30-day mortality was similar in both groups (not significant). Thirty-day mortality in patients with Stage T3 was lower in those receiving chemotherapy (16.7% versus 30%; not significant). Overall survival was similar in both groups. The risk of all-cause death after elective surgery (2.1) was significantly higher than in patients receiving chemotherapy only (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that in palliative treatment of asymptomatic unresectable Stage IV colorectal cancer, the overall risk of death was significantly higher after elective surgery compared to patients receiving chemotherapy alone. However, in the literature, there is no substantial difference between these treatments. New studies are required to better evaluate outcomes.

Palliative excisional surgery for primary colorectal cancer in patients with incurable metastatic disease. Is there a survival benefit? A systematic review

AIM

Patients with stage IV colorectal cancer with unresectable metastases can either receive chemotherapy or palliative resection of the primary lesion. In the absence of any randomized data the choice of initial treatment in stage IV colorectal cancer is not based on firm evidence.

METHOD

A search of MEDLINE, Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library database was performed from 1980 to 2010 for studies comparing palliative resection in stage IV colorectal cancer with other treatment modalities. Audits and observational studies were excluded. Median survival was the primary outcome measure. The morbidity and mortality of surgical and nonsurgical treatments were compared.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies (no randomized controlled trials) were identified. Most demonstrated a survival benefit for patients who underwent palliative resection. Multivariate analysis indicates that tumour burden and performance status are both major independent prognostic variables. Selection bias, incomplete follow up and nonstandardized reporting of complications make the data difficult to interpret.

CONCLUSION

The studies indicate that there may be a survival benefit for primary resection of colorectal cancer in stage IV disease. The findings suggest that resection of the primary tumour should be based on tumour burden and performance status rather than on the presence or absence of symptoms alone.

Laparoscopic versus open colorectal resections in patients with symptomatic stage IV colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate short-term and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic resection (LR) for patients with symptomatic stage IV colorectal cancer compared with open resection (OR).

METHODS

This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospective database. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after LR or OR for metastatic colorectal cancer were included. All analyses were performed on an "intention-to-treat" basis.

RESULTS

A total of 162 consecutive patients submitted to LR and 127 submitted to OR were included. In the LR group, conversion rate was 26.5 %, mostly due to locally advanced disease (88.4 %). A greater risk of conversion was observed among patients with a tumor size greater than 5 cm regardless the tumor site (P = 0.07). Early postoperative outcome was significantly better for LR group, with a shorter hospital stay (P = 0.008), earlier onset of adjuvant treatment, and similar postoperative complications (P = 0.853) and mortality rates (P = 0.958). LR for rectal cancer was associated with a higher morbidity compared with colon cancer (P = 0.058). During a median follow-up time of 72 months, there was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups (P = 0.622).

CONCLUSIONS

LR for symptomatic metastatic CRC is safe and, compared with OR, is associated with a shorter hospital stay and with similar survival rates. Concerns remain about LR of bulky tumors and rectal cancers due to the increased risk of conversion and postoperative complications.

Palliative resection of the primary tumour in stage IV rectal cancer

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of resection in a cohort of palliatively treated patients with stage IV rectal cancer. To avoid selection bias, particular attention was paid to correction for comorbidity and extent of disease.

METHOD

Patients with stage IV rectal cancer in two hospitals in Groningen were consecutively included over a 5-year period. Comorbidity was defined as major (dementia, cardiac failure or left ventricle ejection fraction <30%, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), minor (diabetes, hypertension, mild renal disease or mild pulmonary disease) or none. The effect of patient and disease characteristics on survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 88 patients, 11 (13%) underwent elective surgical resection without chemotherapy, 15 (17%) received both elective resection and chemotherapy, 21 (24%) underwent palliative chemotherapy only and 41 (47%) had supportive care only. The extent of disease (P<0.01), hospital (P=0.02) and comorbidity (P=0.04) were correlated with worse survival. Patients treated surgically survived for longer than patients treated nonsurgically, when the data were corrected for age, comorbidity, extent of disease and hospital [hazard ratio (HR)=0.4 (95% CI=0.2-0.7)]. Perioperative morbidity was seen in 38% of the patients, and 30-day mortality was 0%.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective cohort, resection was associated with longer survival independently of the extent of distant metastases, age and comorbidity.

Surgery of the primary in stage IV colorectal cancer with unresectable metastases

Surgery plays an important role in the treatment of patients with limited metastatic disease of colorectal cancer (CRC). Long term survival and cure is reported in 20-50% of highly selected patients with oligometastatic disease who underwent surgery. This paper describes the role of surgery of the primary tumour in patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer. Owing to the increased efficacy of chemotherapeutic regimens in stage IV colorectal cancer, complications from unresected primary tumours are relatively infrequent. The risk of emergency surgical intervention is less than 15% in patients with synchronous metastatic disease who are treated with chemotherapy. Therefore, there is a tendency among surgeons not to resect the primary tumour in case of unresectable metastases. However, it is suggested that resection of the primary tumour in case of unresectable metastatic disease might influence overall survival. All studies described in the literature (n = 24) are non-randomised and the majority is single-centre and retrospective of nature. Most studies are in favour of resection of the primary tumour in patients with symptomatic lesions. In asymptomatic patients the results are less clear, although median overall survival seems to be improved in resected patients in the majority of studies. The major drawback of all these studies is that primarily patients with a better performance status and better prognosis (less metastatic sites involved) are being operated on. Another limitation of these studies is that few if any data on the use of systemic therapy are presented, which makes it difficult to assess the relative contribution of resection on outcome. Prospective studies on this topic are warranted, and are currently being planned.

CONCLUSION

Surgery of the primary tumour in patients with synchronous metastasised CRC is controversial, although data from the literature suggest that resection might be a positive prognostic factor for survival. Therefore prospective studies on the value of resection in this setting are required.

Colorectal cancer with multiple metastases: is palliative surgery needed?

In patients with symptomatic incurable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the goal of resection of the primary lesion is to palliate cancer-related morbidity, including obstruction, bleeding, or perforation. In patients with asymptomatic primary tumors and incurable metastatic disease, however, the necessity of primary tumor resection is less clear. Although several retrospective analyses suggest survival benefit in patients who undergo resection of the primary tumor, applying this older evidence to modern patients is out of date for several reasons. Modern chemotherapy regimens incorporating the novel cytotoxic agents oxaliplatin and irinotecan, as well as the target agents bevacizumab and cetuximab, have improved median survival from less than 1 year with the only available single-agent 5-fluorouracil until the mid-1990s to over 2 years. In addition to significant prolongation of overall survival, combinations of novel chemotherapeutic and target agents have allowed improved local and distant tumor control, decreasing the likelihood of local tumor-related complications requiring surgical resection. Resection of an asymptomatic primary tumor risks surgical complications and may postpone the administration of chemotherapy that may offer both systemic and local control. In conclusion, the morbidity and the mortality of unnecessary surgery or surgery that does not improve quality of life or survival in patients with mCRC of a limited life expectancy should be carefully evaluated. With the availability of effective combinations of chemotherapy and target agents, systemic therapy for the treatment of life-threatening metastases would be a preferable treatment strategy for unresectable asymptomatic patients with mCRC.

Outcome and natural history of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy without primary tumor resection

BACKGROUND

There is a trend toward nonsurgical management of patients with nonobstructing metastatic (stage IV) colorectal cancer (CRC), although some will eventually undergo surgery. We examined patients with metastatic CRC who were managed with an intact primary tumor.

METHODS

An institutional review board (IRB)-approved database was retrospectively reviewed. All patients presenting with stage IV CRC from 2000 to 2008 were identified and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 255 patients identified, 112 were taken directly to the operating room for either primary tumor resection or colostomy/bypass. Among the remaining 143 patients, 97 were managed without developing primary tumor-related symptoms, and 14 (9.8%) developed significant primary tumor-related symptoms necessitating operative or endoscopic management. Of the patients who developed symptoms, oxaliplatin and/or irinotecan was used among 71.4% of patients, and bevacizumab in 50%. Forty-two patients in the series underwent elective primary tumor resection after receiving chemotherapy. No independent predictors for development of primary tumor-related symptoms could be identified after controlling for age, gender, tumor location, number of metastatic sites, and type of chemotherapy. Median overall survival was 34 months for those who underwent elective primary tumor resection after chemotherapy, and 16 months for those who failed chemotherapy and developed symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with metastatic CRC without an initial indication for surgery, incidence of obstruction or perforation after initiating chemotherapy was low (9.8%). No predictors of primary tumor-related complications could be identified. Survival was favorable among the highly selected cohort of patients who underwent elective primary tumor resection after chemotherapy.

Prognostic value of resection of primary tumor in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer: retrospective analysis of two randomized studies and a review of the literature

Background

In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with an asymptomatic primary tumor, there is no consensus on the indication for resection of the primary tumor.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on the outcome of stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with or without resection of the primary tumor treated in the phase III CAIRO and CAIRO2 studies. A review of the literature was performed.

Results

In the CAIRO and CAIRO2 studies, 258 and 289 patients had undergone a primary tumor resection and 141 and 159 patients had not, respectively. In the CAIRO study, a significantly better median overall survival and progression-free survival was observed for the resection compared to the nonresection group, with 16.7 vs. 11.4 months [P < 0.0001, hazard ratio (HR) 0.61], and 6.7 vs. 5.9 months (P = 0.004; HR 0.74), respectively. In the CAIRO2 study, median overall survival and progression-free survival were also significantly better for the resection compared to the nonresection group, with 20.7 vs. 13.4 months (P < 0.0001; HR 0.65) and 10.5 vs. 7.8 months (P = 0.014; HR 0.78), respectively. These differences remained significant in multivariate analyses. Our review identified 22 nonrandomized studies, most of which showed improved survival for mCRC patients who underwent resection of the primary tumor.

Conclusions

Our results as well as data from literature indicate that resection of the primary tumor is a prognostic factor for survival in stage IV CRC patients. The potential bias of these results warrants prospective studies on the value of resection of primary tumor in this setting; such studies are currently being planned.

An evolutionary explanation for the perturbation of the dynamics of metastatic tumors induced by surgery and acute inflammation

Surgery has contributed to unveil a tumor behavior that is difficult to reconcile with the models of tumorigenesis based on gradualism. The postsurgical patterns of progression include unexpected features such as distant interactions and variable rhythms. The underlying evidence can be summarized as follows: (1) the resection of the primary tumor is able to accelerate the evolution of micrometastasis in early stages, and (2) the outcome is transiently opposed in advanced tumors. The objective of this paper is to give some insight into tumorigenesis and surgery-related effects, by applying the concepts of the evolutionary theory in those tumor behaviors that gompertzian and tissular-centered models are unable to explain. According to this view, tumors are the consequence of natural selection operating at the somatic level, which is the basic mechanism of tumorigenesis, notwithstanding the complementary role of the intrinsic constrictions of complex networks. A tumor is a complicated phenomenon that entails growth, evolution and development simultaneously. So, an evo-devo perspective can explain how and why tumor subclones are able to translate competition from a metabolic level into neoangiogenesis and the immune response. The paper proposes that distant interactions are an extension of the ecological events at the local level. This notion explains the evolutionary basis for tumor dormancy, and warns against the teleological view of tumorigenesis as a process directed towards the maximization of a concrete trait such as aggressiveness.

Guidelenines in the management of obstructing cancer of the left colon: consensus conference of the world society of emergency surgery (WSES) and peritoneum and surgery (PnS) society

BACKGROUND

Obstructive left colon carcinoma (OLCC) is a challenging matter in terms of obstruction release as well of oncological issues. Several options are available and no guidelines are established. The paper aims to generate evidenced based recommendations on management of OLCC.

METHODS

The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were queried for publications focusing on OLCC published prior to April 2010. A extensive retrieval, analyses, and grading of the literature was undertaken. The findings of the research were presented and largely discussed among panellist and audience at the Consensus Conference of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and Peritoneum and Surgery (PnS) Society held in Bologna July 2010. Comparisons of techniques are presented and final committee recommendation are enounced.

RESULTS

Hartmann's procedure should be preferred to loop colostomy (Grade 2B). Hartmann's procedure offers no survival benefit compared to segmental colonic resection with primary anastomosis (Grade 2C+); Hartmann's procedure should be considered in patients with high surgical risk (Grade 2C). Total colectomy and segmental colectomy with intraoperative colonic irrigation are associated with same mortality/morbidity, however total colectomy is associated with higher rates impaired bowel function (Grade 1A). Segmental resection and primary anastomosis either with manual decompression or intraoperative colonic irrigation are associated with same mortality/morbidity rate (Grade 1A). In palliation stent placement is associated with similar mortality/morbidity rates and shorter hospital stay (Grade 2B). Stents as a bridge to surgery seems associated with lower mortality rate, shorter hospital stay, and a lower colostomy formation rate (Grade 1B).

CONCLUSIONS

Loop colostomy and staged procedure should be adopted in case of dramatic scenario, when neoadjuvant therapy could be expected. Hartmann's procedure should be performed in case of high risk of anastomotic dehiscence. Subtotal and total colectomy should be attempted when cecal perforation or in case of synchronous colonic neoplasm. Primary resection and anastomosis with manual decompression seems the procedure of choice. Colonic stents represent the best option when skills are available. The literature power is relatively poor and the existing RCT are often not sufficiently robust in design thus, among 6 possible treatment modalities, only 2 reached the Grade A.

Guidelenines in the management of obstructing cancer of the left colon: consensus conference of the world society of emergency surgery (WSES) and peritoneum and surgery (PnS) society

BACKGROUND

Obstructive left colon carcinoma (OLCC) is a challenging matter in terms of obstruction release as well of oncological issues. Several options are available and no guidelines are established. The paper aims to generate evidenced based recommendations on management of OLCC.

METHODS

The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were queried for publications focusing on OLCC published prior to April 2010. A extensive retrieval, analyses, and grading of the literature was undertaken. The findings of the research were presented and largely discussed among panellist and audience at the Consensus Conference of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and Peritoneum and Surgery (PnS) Society held in Bologna July 2010. Comparisons of techniques are presented and final committee recommendation are enounced.

RESULTS

Hartmann's procedure should be preferred to loop colostomy (Grade 2B). Hartmann's procedure offers no survival benefit compared to segmental colonic resection with primary anastomosis (Grade 2C+); Hartmann's procedure should be considered in patients with high surgical risk (Grade 2C). Total colectomy and segmental colectomy with intraoperative colonic irrigation are associated with same mortality/morbidity, however total colectomy is associated with higher rates impaired bowel function (Grade 1A). Segmental resection and primary anastomosis either with manual decompression or intraoperative colonic irrigation are associated with same mortality/morbidity rate (Grade 1A). In palliation stent placement is associated with similar mortality/morbidity rates and shorter hospital stay (Grade 2B). Stents as a bridge to surgery seems associated with lower mortality rate, shorter hospital stay, and a lower colostomy formation rate (Grade 1B).

CONCLUSIONS

Loop colostomy and staged procedure should be adopted in case of dramatic scenario, when neoadjuvant therapy could be expected. Hartmann's procedure should be performed in case of high risk of anastomotic dehiscence. Subtotal and total colectomy should be attempted when cecal perforation or in case of synchronous colonic neoplasm. Primary resection and anastomosis with manual decompression seems the procedure of choice. Colonic stents represent the best option when skills are available. The literature power is relatively poor and the existing RCT are often not sufficiently robust in design thus, among 6 possible treatment modalities, only 2 reached the Grade A.

Palliative endoscopic trans-anal resection of advanced rectosigmoid carcinoma

There is no consensus on optimal treatment of patients with rectosigmoid cancer and unresectable metastatic disease. This is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent palliative endoscopic trans-anal resection (ETAR) of rectosigmoid cancer over a 10-year period. Fourteen patients (11 male) with a mean age 69.7 years (range 51-86) underwent ETAR; 11 for rectal tumours and 3 for rectosigmoid tumours. Indications included tenesmus (5), troublesome bleeding (6), mucous discharge (1) and obstructed defaecation (8). The number of treatment episodes varied from 1 to 4 (median 1). The symptom-free interval was mean 6.25 months (range 2-15). Eight patients had lifelong relief of symptoms and four patients are currently symptom free. There were two short-term failures treated with stenting (1) and abdominoperineal resection (1). There were no immediate post-treatment complications. One patient developed increasing incontinence and another pelvic pain after ETAR attributable to local tumour infiltration. ETAR provides a convenient and safe method of palliation for patients with local symptoms of advanced rectosigmoid carcinoma.

Meta-analysis of survival of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer managed with surgical resection versus chemotherapy alone

BACKGROUND There is no consensus regarding the appropriate management of asymptomatic and minimally symptomatic patients with stage IV colorectal cancer and irresectable metastases. METHODS A literature search was conducted on Medline and Embase. Outcome measures included: survival; postoperative morbidity and mortality; complications from the primary tumor and the need for surgery to manage complications; the likelihood of curative surgery after initial response to primary therapy; and length of hospital stay. Quantitative meta-analysis was performed where appropriate. RESULTS Eight retrospective studies, including 1,062 patients, met the criteria for inclusion in this study. Meta-analysis has shown an improvement in the survival of patients managed with palliative resection of their primary tumor, with an estimated standardized median difference of 6.0 months (standardized difference, 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.29, 0.82; p < 0.001). Patients managed with chemotherapy alone were 7.3 times more likely to have a complication from the primary tumor (95% CI, 1.7, 34.4; p = 0.008). There was no difference in the response rates to chemotherapy, making metastatic disease amendable to curative resection (0.85; 95% CI 0.40, 1.8; p = 0.662). CONCLUSIONS To date, only retrospective data are available, showing that palliative resection of the primary tumor in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients with stage IV colorectal cancer is associated with longer survival. Resection of the primary tumor reduces the likelihood of complications from the primary tumor and avoids the need for emergency procedures.

Impact of palliative chemotherapy and surgery on management of stage IV incurable colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Recent trials proposed chemotherapy (CHT) as the treatment of choice for patients affected by incurable colorectal cancer (ICRC). Nevertheless, surgery is still commonly offered to these patients. On the other hand, CHT is offered to ICRC patients regardless of the pattern of spread of the disease, local or distant, despite some evidence suggesting that metastatic pattern may influence the response to treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 133 patients undergoing palliative treatment for ICRC from 1994 through 2007. Palliation consisted of surgery alone until 2002 and surgery with CHT (FOLFOX-FOLFIRI) thereafter. The impact of CHT and surgery was evaluated in the whole series as well as with respect to metastatic pattern (locally aggressive primary tumor and distant metastasis only), tumor site, and grading.

RESULTS

Chemotherapy prolonged survival by 9 months (p = 0.001). In patients undergoing CHT, resective surgery did not prolong survival (p = 0.931), whereas in patients not undergoing CHT, it improved prognosis by 5 months (p = 0.023). Considering patients with distant metastasis only, CHT significantly prolonged survival (p < 0.001), whereas it did not improve the prognosis of patients with a locally aggressive primary tumor (p = 0.943). No difference in CHT effectiveness with respect to tumor site and grading was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

CHT should be the preferred option in patients undergoing elective treatment for ICRC, whereas surgery should be considered whenever CHT is not administered. CHT significantly increases survival of patients with unresectable distant metastasis only, whereas it seems to be useless in patients with locally aggressive primary tumors.

Severe complications limit long-term clinical success of self-expanding metal stents in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVES

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are increasingly being used to treat malignant colorectal obstruction. However, complications have been reported in up to 50% of patients. There is limited information on long-term outcomes of these patients. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the long-term clinical success of SEMS in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction in a single tertiary center and to identify possible predictive factors of developing complications.

METHODS

A total of 47 attempts to insert colorectal SEMS were made in 47 patients during a 5-year period. Stents of 9-cm length were placed under endoscopic and radiologic monitoring. After 24 h, all patients underwent abdominal X-ray to verify correct positioning of the stent. Patients were followed at the outpatient clinic.

RESULTS

Insertion success was achieved in 44 (94%) patients. Acceptable initial colonic decompression was observed in 44 out of 47 (94%) attempts and in all (100%) successfully inserted stents. The stents were placed in the rectum (n=7, 15%), sigmoid (n=33, 70%), left colon (n=4, 9%), or anastomosis (n=3, 6%). The majority of patients had stage IV disease (n=40, 85%). SEMS served as a bridge to scheduled surgery in 9 (20%) patients and as a palliative definitive treatment in 38 (80%) cases. Three patients were lost to follow-up, so the outcome was evaluated in 41 patients. Long-term clinical failure occurred in 21 (51%) patients and was due to complications such as: migration (n=9, 22%), obstruction (n=7, 17%), perforation (n=3, 7%), and tenesmus (n=2, 5%). Perforations occurred 3, 4, and 34 days after insertion, and all patients died. In the bridge-to-surgery group, primary anastomosis was possible in only four of nine patients (44%). Clinical failure was not associated with any tumor-related factor. However, eight of nine patients with stent migration and two of three patients with perforation had been previously treated with chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of SEMS does not seem to be as effective as suggested because of late complications. For patients with potentially curable lesions, the use of colonic stents for malignant obstruction should only be considered when surgery is scheduled shortly after the stent insertion. Moreover, in patients with incurable obstructing colorectal cancer eligible for chemotherapy and a long life expectancy, palliative treatments other than SEMS should be considered.

Ten years experience of managing the primary tumours in patients with stage IV colorectal cancers

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 20% of patients with colorectal cancer have metastases at the time of presentation. Such patients are often offered systemic chemotherapy but debate continues as to whether these patients benefit from resection of the primary tumour. We describe our ten years experience of managing the primary tumours in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to describe the overall survival of patients undergoing surgery in these circumstances and to determine whether any prognostic indicators could be identified.

PATIENTS & METHODS

920 consecutive patients presenting with stage IV colorectal cancer disease were identified from the Leicester Colorectal Cancer database. Patients undergoing resection of the primary tumour (Resection Group) with the residual metastatic disease were compared to those patients who had not their primary tumour excised (Non-Resection Group). Various different variables in two groups were compared by using Mann-Whitney U test. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were used to compare the overall survivals. Univariate analysis was performed for each group to elicit the significant prognostic factors whereas Cox regression model was used to identify the independent predictors of overall survival.

RESULTS

The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of two groups showed prolonged survival for Resection Group compared to the Non-Resection Group (median; 14.5 Vs 5.83 months, p = <0.005). The multivariate analysis of different survival predicting variables, revealed the resection of the primary tumour as an independent predictor of overall survival (p < 0.001). The univariate analysis of resection group identified age at presentation, tumour site, tumour stage (pT), lymph nodal stage (pN), complete histological resection, tumour fixity, ASA grade, mode of surgery, post-operative chemotherapy and sites of metastasis as significant factors (p < 0.05) for survival prediction. When these factors were used in Cox-Regression model, only the age at presentation (p = 0.001), tumour fixity (p = 0.012) and lymph nodal involvement (p = 0.042) were independent predictors for overall survival. Treatment with post-operative chemotherapy and a smaller volume of liver metastases were associated with prolonged survival (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection of primary tumour for stage IV colorectal cancers is associated with prolonged survival for selected patients. Age at presentation, extent of liver involvement, tumour fixity and ASA grade can help to decide the patients who will benefit from surgery.

Surgical management of colorectal cancer: A review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer management continues to evolve with significant advances in chemotherapy, surgical technique and palliative interventions. As the options of therapy have improved, so have the challenges of management of primary colon cancer.

REVIEW

A review of historical and up to date literature was undertaken utilising Medline/PubMed to examine relevant topics of interest-related to the surgical management. Enhanced knowledge of genetics associated with colon cancer has improved our care of patients with hereditary colon cancer syndromes. Additionally, traditional approaches to surgical intervention for primary colon cancer have been questioned and will be discussed in this review including the role of laparoscopy, use of mechanical bowel preparation, management of the primary tumour in the face of metastatic disease, as well as the role of palliative intervention in select patients.

CONCLUSION

Colon cancer has seen improvement and expansion of therapeutic approaches to primary colon cancer. Laparoscopy and palliative interventions have become widely accepted with level I evidence to demonstrate good patient outcomes. Traditional dogma with mechanical bowel preparation has been challenged and debunked with regards to the efficacious benefits previously accepted. The management of the primary tumour has now become increasingly complex as it appears to be a reasonable approach to manage the primary tumour non-operatively in select cases of extracolonic disease requiring management.

Resection of the primary colorectal cancer is not necessary in nonobstructed patients with metastatic disease

Asymptomatic patients with metastatic colorectal cancer do not routinely need to undergo resection of the primary tumor. Although several retrospective analyses suggest that patients who undergo resection of the primary tumor live longer, most of these reviewed data prior to the advent of modern polychemotherapy and are subject to considerable bias, as patients who were considered able to undergo surgery likely had better overall prognoses than those who were not. In addition to significant prolongation of overall survival, current combinations of systemic chemotherapeutic agents and targeted agents have allowed improved local and distant tumor control, decreasing the likelihood of local tumor-related complications requiring colon resection.