The correlation between tumour regression grade and lymph node status after chemoradiation in rectal cancer

Prognostic importance of lymph node count and ratio in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: Results from a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of lymph node count (LNC) and lymph node ratio (LNR) in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

METHODS

Patients who underwent neoadjuvant CRT and total mesorectal excision (TME) for Stage I-III rectal cancer were selected from a cross-sectional study including 71 Dutch centres. Primary outcome parameters were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Prognostic significance of LNC and LNR (cut-off values 0.15, 0.20, 0.30) was tested for different (sub)groups.

RESULTS

From 2095 registered patients, 458 were included, of which 240 patients with LNC < 12 and 218 patients with LNC ≥ 12. LNC was not significantly associated with DFS (p = 0.35) and OS (p = 0.59). In univariable analysis, LNR was significantly associated with DFS and OS in the whole cohort and LNC subgroups, but not in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

LNC was not associated with long-term oncological outcome in rectal cancer patients treated with CRT, nor was LNR when corrected for N-stage. However, LNR might be used to identify subgroups of node-positive patients with a favourable outcome.

The prognostic impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on lymph node sampling in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer

According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer, at least 12 lymph nodes are required to accurately stage locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NACRT) reduces the number of lymph nodes retrieved during surgery. In this study, we evaluated the effect of NACRT on lymph node retrieval and prognosis in patients with LARC. We performed an observational study of 142 patients with LARC. Although our analysis was retrospective, data were collected prospectively. Half the patients were treated with NACRT and total mesorectal excision (TME) and the other half underwent TME only. The number of lymph nodes retrieved and the number of metastatic lymph nodes were significantly reduced in the NACRT group (P > 0.001). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, only NACRT and patient age were significantly associated with reduced lymph node retrieval. The number of metastatic lymph nodes and the lymph node ratio (LNR) both had a significant effect on prognosis when the patient population was examined as a whole (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). However, the LNR was the only significant, independent prognostic factor in both treatment groups (P = 0.007 for the NACRT group; P = 0.04 for the no-NACRT group). NACRT improves patient prognosis only when the number of metastatic lymph nodes is reduced. The number of metastatic lymph nodes and the LNR are important prognostic factors. Lymph node retrieval remains an indispensable tool for staging and prognostic assessment of patients with rectal carcinoma treated with NACRT.

'Watch and wait' after chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer

Surgery remains the cornerstone of rectal cancer treatment. However, there is significant morbidity and mortality associated with pelvic surgery, and the past decade has illustrated that a cohort of rectal cancer patients sustain a remission of local disease with chemoradiation alone. Thus, questions remain regarding the optimal management for rectal cancer; namely, accurately identifying patients who have a complete pathologic response and determining the oncologic safety of the observational approach for this patient group. This review aims to summarize the current evidence to provide an overview to the 'watch and wait' approach in rectal cancer patients with a complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy.

Pathologic complete response implies a fewer number of lymph nodes in specimen of rectal cancer patients treated by neoadjuvant therapy and total mesorectal excision

Studies have suggested that the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation results in a lower lymph nodes yield in rectal cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate factors associated with less than 12 lymph nodes harvested on patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision.

PATIENTS

This was a cohort/retrospective single cancer center study. Low and mid locally advanced rectal cancer or T2N0 under risk of sphincter resection underwent chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision with curative intent. Chemotherapy consisted of 5-FU and leucovorin IV. Total dose of pelvic radiation was 5040 Gys. All patients were staged and restaged by digital rectal examination, proctoscopy, colonoscopy, CT of abdomen and chest, and MRI of the pelvis. Patients were stratified in two groups: ≥12 and < 12 L N retrieved. The possible factors affecting number of LN were analyzed.

RESULTS

95 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean LN harvest was 23.2 (3-67). 81 patients (85%) had ≥12 L N. Gender, age, tumor size, tumor stage, tumor location, length of specimen, presence of LN involvement, type of surgery, and surgical access showed no association with number of LN retrieved. Only pathological complete response showed a statistically significant association with <12 L N on univariate (p = 0.004) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.002).

LIMITATIONS

Data were collected retrospectively. The number of patients disparity between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete pathologic response is associated with <12 L N harvested. Thus, the number of lymph nodes should not be used as a surrogate for oncologic adequacy of resection in patients with pathologic complete response.

Can clinicopathological parameters predict for lymph node metastases in ypT0-2 rectal carcinoma? Results of the CAO/ARO/AIO-94 and CAO/ARO/AIO-04 phase 3 trials

BACKGROUND

The advent of less radical surgical approaches has generated concern about leaving locoregional lymph node metastases (LNM) unresected that could lead to adverse outcome. We examined the prognostic role of clinicopathological factors for ypN-positivity in patients with ypT0-2 rectal carcinoma treated within the CAO/ARO/AIO-94 and CAO/ARO/AIO-04 randomized phase 3 trials.

METHODS

The correlation of clinicopathological factors with ypN-status (ypN0 vs ypN1/2) was examined in n = 776 patients with ypT0-2 rectal carcinoma after preoperative CRT and total mesorectal excision surgery using Pearson's Chi-squared test for categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis' test for continuous variables. Multivariable analysis was performed using binary logistic regression to identify independent prognosticators for ypN-positivity.

RESULTS

Residual LNM (ypN+) were found in 6%, 20.8% and 21.4% of patients with ypT0, ypT1 and ypT2 carcinomas, respectively. Independent prognosticators for LNM were advanced ypT category (p = 0.002) and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.020). In a separate multivariable analysis performed upon exclusion of ypT-category due to multicollinearity with residual tumor diameter (RTD), lymphatic invasion (p = 0.015) and RTD ≥10 mm (p = 0.005) demonstrated strong correlation with LNM.

CONCLUSION

Advanced ypT-stage, lymphatic invasion and RTD ≥10 mm were prognostic factors for LNM in patients ypT0-2 rectal carcinoma treated with CRT and surgery within both phase 3 trials. The high incidence of LNM in the ypT1-2 group needs to be taken into consideration in the context of oncological safety and indicate that LE should be advocated with great caution in this patient subgroup. The prognostic pathological factor identified here could help guide decision of LE vs TME after standard CRT.

Is the pathological regression level of metastatic lymph nodes associated with oncologic outcomes following preoperative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer?

Purpose

The oncologic impact of the lymph node (LN) regression level after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) has not been thoroughly evaluated. Hence, this study aimed to examine whether the regression level of metastatic LNs following PCRT is associated with oncologic outcomes in rectal cancer.

Results

The optimal number of cut points for LRG sum was determined to be three. The three LRG groups demonstrated different distributions according to the ypT and ypN stages (p < 0.001 for both). However, the distribution of the LRG groups was not associated with the TRG of the primary tumor (p = 0.527). The RFS significantly differed according to the LRG groups (p = 0.001). Moreover, the differences in RFS remained when the LRG groups were analyzed within each separate ypN stage. The LRG group was confirmed as a factor associated with RFS in the multivariate analysis (p=0.018), while the ypN stage was not (p=0.4).

Patients and Methods

We analyzed the outcomes of 142 rectal cancer patients diagnosed with ypN1 disease after PCRT followed by radical resection. The pathological responses of the primary tumor and LNs to PCRT were evaluated using the tumor regression grade (TRG) and LN regression grade (LRG), respectively. The impact of LRG on recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed. The K-adaptive partitioning for survival data method was applied to determine the optimal number of cut points for the LRG-sum and the optimal number of subgroups.

Conclusion

The LRG as an indicator of response to PCRT should be considered as a prognostic determinant in rectal cancer patients. Future large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Predictors of Sensitivity to Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy of Rectal Adenocarcinoma

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to identify predictive factors of tumor response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Ninety-eight patients with nonmetastatic rectal adenocarcinoma received preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy and underwent mesorectal excision. After treatment, tumor response according to tumor regression grade were evaluated. The correlation of clinicopathologic factors to tumor response was analyzed.

Results

The results from a univariate analysis indicated that pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen level ≤3.0 ng/ml (P = 0.002), non-fixed tumor (P = 0.001), and tumor circumferential extent ≤50% (P = 0.001) were associated significantly with a good tumor response. They also indicated that pretreatment positive lymph nodes (P = 0.032) were associated significantly with a poor tumor response. In multivariate analysis, the results indicated that pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen level (hazard ratio, 2.930; P = 0.003), tumor mobility (hazard ratio, 2.651; P = 0.002) and circumferential extent of tumor (hazard ratio, 2.394; P = 0.019) independently predicted a good pathologic response rate. Pretreatment positive lymph nodes were not significantly associated with a good response (hazard ratio, 0.361; P = 0.191).

Conclusions

Pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen level, tumor mobility and circumferential extent of tumor may be helpful in predicting responsiveness in rectal adenocarcinoma to preoperative chemoradiotherapy, although the results should be confirmed in larger, more homogeneous studies.

Associations of tumor regression grade with outcomes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with preoperative two-week course of radiotherapy

Purpose

Studies concerning tumor regression grade (TRG) after two-week course of radiotherapy (RT) are limited. We tried to assess associations of TRG and outcomes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with preoperative two-week course of RT.

Methods

356 consecutive LARC patients were retrospectively assessed. Patients with complete/intermediate (TRG1-3) and poor (TRG4-5) regressions were compared for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS).

Results

By univariate analysis, pretreatment and postoperative factors including TNM stages, ypT, ypN, surgical procedure, pathological grade, and TRG impacted survival outcomes. Complete/intermediate regressions (TRG1-3) had significantly improved survival outcomes compared with poor ones (TRG4-5) (5y-OS, 85.8% vs. 65.8%, P=0.001; 5y-DFS, 76.0% vs. 53.7%, P<0.001; 5y-MFS, 84.2% vs. 66.7%, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that ypN (P<0.001) and pathological grade (P=0.018) were the most important independent prognostic factors for DFS. ypT (P=0.014) and ypN (P=0.001) were the independent prognostic factors for MFS. Meanwhile, ypT (P=0.009), ypN (P=0.001), surgical procedure (p=0.001), and TRG (p=0.019) were the independent prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusions

Complete/intermediate TRG regressions had a more favorable prognosis than the poor group. When treated with preoperative two-week course of RT; ypT, ypN, surgical procedure, and TRG seem to affect OS.

Resected irradiated rectal cancers: Are twelve lymph nodes really necessary in the era of neoadjuvant therapy?

BACKGROUND

Our study aims to identify the minimum number of lymph nodes (LN) associated with improved survival in patients who underwent NRT for stage II-III rectal cancer.

METHODS

Adults with clinical stage II and III rectal adenocarcinoma in the National Cancer Data Base were stratified by NRT. Multivariable Cox regression modeling with restricted cubic splines was used to determine the minimum number of LNs associated with improved survival.

RESULTS

Of 38,363 patients, 76% received NRT. After adjustment, a LNY≥12 was associated with improved survival among patients receiving NRT (HR 0.79, p < 0.0001) and those without NRT (HR 0.88, p = 0.04). Among patients receiving NRT, factors independently associated with LNY≥12 were younger age, private insurance, low comorbidity score, a recent year of diagnosis, higher T stage and grade, APR resection, and academic institution.

CONCLUSIONS

A minimum LNY of 12 confers a survival benefit for rectal cancer patients regardless of receiving neoadjuvant radiation therapy.

Tumor Regression Grade After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation and Surgery for Low Rectal Cancer Evaluated by Multiple Correspondence Analysis: Ten Years as Minimum Follow-up

BACKGROUND

The role of Mandard's tumor regression grade (TRG) classification is still controversial in defining the prognostic role of patients who have undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) and total mesorectal excision. The present study evaluated multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) as a tool to better cluster variables, including TRG, for a homogeneous prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 174 patients with a minimum follow-up period of 10 years were stratified into 2 groups: group A (TRG 1-3) and group B (TRG 4-5) using Mandard's classification. Overall survival and disease-free survival were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Subsequently, MCA was used to analyze TRG plus the other prognostic variables.

RESULTS

The overall response to CRT was 55.7%, including 13.2% with a pathologic complete response. TRG group A correlated strictly with pN status (P = .0001) and had better overall and disease-free survival than group B (85.1% and 75.6% vs. 71.1% and 67.3%; P = .06 and P = .04, respectively). The TRG 3 subset (about one third of our series) showed prognostically heterogeneous behavior. In addition to multivariate analysis, MCA separated TRG 1 and TRG 2 versus TRG 4 and TRG 5 well and also allocated TRG 3 patients close to the unfavorable prognostic variables.

CONCLUSION

TRG classification should be used in all pathologic reports after neoadjuvant CRT and radical surgery to enrich the prognostic profile of patients with an intermediate risk of relapse and to identify patients eligible for more conservative treatment. Thus, MCA could provide added value.

Understanding the factors associated with reduction in the number of lymph nodes in rectal cancer patients treated by neoadjuvant treatment

INTRODUCTION

Rectal cancer patients frequently present with locally advanced disease for which the standard of care includes neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision. Positive lymph nodes are one of the most powerful risk factors for recurrence and survival in colorectal cancer. In the absence of specific rectal guidelines, the literature recommends to the pathologist to optimize the number of rectal lymph nodes (LN) retrieved. We made a literature review in order to identify factors that could potentially affect the number of LN retrieved in specimens of patients with rectal cancer treated by chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME).

RESULTS

Age did not have a significant effect on LN yield. The effect of sex on LN number is not consistent in the literature. Most of the papers did not find a relationship between lower LN obtained and gender. Laparoscopy for primary rectal cancer is associated with a greater number of LN as well as short-term benefits. Tumors in the upper rectum are associated with a higher number of LN than those in the mid and lower rectum. The type of surgery had no effect on lymph node yield either. Tumors with complete or almost complete pathologic regression were exactly the ones with lower number of lymph nodes detected. Approximately one-third of patients with neoadjuvant treatment had less than 12 LN yield.

CONCLUSION

The tumor regression grade is the most important factor for the decrease in the number of lymph nodes.

Long-Term Outcome of Rectal Cancer With Clinically (EUS/MRI) Metastatic Mesorectal Lymph Nodes Treated by Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation: Role of Organ Preservation Strategies in Relation to Pathologic Response

BACKGROUND

Organ preservation strategies are under investigation for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who achieve a complete pathologic response in the primary tumor (ypT0) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT). This study explored the value of this approach for cN+ patients.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from our institutional prospective rectal cancer database. Tumors with mesorectal lymph nodes larger than 5 mm shown on endorectal ultrasonography, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, or both were staged as cN+.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 226 patients (142 men and 84 women; median age, 64 years) with LARC who underwent CRT followed by surgery including total mesorectal excision (TME) (n = 179) and full-thickness local excision (LE) (n = 47) between 1996 and 2013. At staging, 123 patients (54.4 %) were cN+. In 65 cases (28.7 %), ypCR was observed. Metastatic mesorectal lymph nodes (ypN+) were detected in 41.6 % of the cN+ patients and in 2.8 % of the cN0 patients (P < 0.01). Among the cN+ patients, 16 % of the ypT0 cases were ypN+ compared with 51.8 % of the no-ypT0 cases (P < 0.01). Among the cN+ patients who underwent TME, the 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were respectively 100 and 91.6 % for the ypT0 patients compared with 71.2 and 58.0 % for the no-ypT0 patients (P = 0.01). Among the ypN+ patients, the 5-year DSS and DFS rates were both 100 % for the ypT0 cases compared with 59.1 and 43.3 % for the no-ypT0 patients. Among the cN+ and ypT0 patients, the 5-year DSS and DFS were respectively 100 and 85.7 % for the TME patients compared with 100 and 91.6 % for the LE patients. In the multivariate analysis, ypT0 was the only independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Protocols aimed at organ preservation in LARC that achieve ypT0 after CRT can be offered also to cN+ patients.

Locally advanced rectal cancer: Preliminary results of rectal preservation after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy

INTRODUCTION

The standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer is total mesorectal excision. However, organ preservation has been proposed for tumors with good response to neoadjuvant treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncologic results of this strategy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study (2005-2014) including a consecutive series of patients with rectal adenocarcinoma with complete or almost complete clinical response after preoperative chemo-radiotherapy, that were treated according to a strategy of preservation of the rectum.

RESULTS

A total of 204 patients with rectal cancer received neoadjuvant therapy. Thirty (14.7%) had a good response and were treated with rectal preservation (23 «Watch and Wait» and 7 local resections). Median follow-up was 46 months (interquartile range: 30-68). In the group of «Watch & Wait», 4 patients had local recurrence before 12 months (actuarial local recurrence rate=18.5%). All of them underwent salvage surgery (2 with radical surgery and 2 local resections) without any further recurrence. Disease-free survival actuarial rate at 3 years follow-up was 94.1% (95% CI 82.9-100). None of the 7 patients that were treated by local excision had local recurrence. The organ preservation rate for the whole group was 93%.

CONCLUSION

The strategy of organ preservation in locally advanced rectal cancer is feasible in cases with good response to neoadjuvant therapy. When implemented in a highly selected group of patients this strategy is associated with satisfactory oncologic results.

Assessing pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review

AIM

Pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is found in 20% of patients with rectal cancer undergoing long-course chemoradiotherapy. Some authors have suggested that these patients do not need to undergo surgery and can be managed with careful follow-up, with surgery only used in the event of clinical failure. Widespread adoption of this regimen is limited by the accuracy of methods to confirm a pathological complete response (pCR).

METHOD

A systematic search of PubMed, Medline and Cochrane databases was conducted to identify clinical, histological and radiological features in those patients with rectal cancer who achieved a pCR following chemoradiotherapy. Searches were conducted with the following keywords and MeSH search terms: 'rectal neoplasm', 'response', 'neoadjuvant', 'preoperative chemoradiation' and 'tumour response'. After review of title and abstracts, 89 articles addressing the assessment of pCR were identified.

RESULTS

Histology and clinical assessment are the most effective methods of assessment of pCR, with histology considered the gold standard. Clinical assessment is limited to low rectal tumours and is open to significant inter-rater variability, while histological examination requires a surgical specimen. Diffusion-weighted MRI and (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT demonstrate the greatest potential for the assessment of pCR, but both modalities have limited accuracy.

CONCLUSION

Determination of a pCR is crucial if a nonoperative approach is to be undertaken proactively. Various methods are available, but currently they lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity to define management. This is likely to be an area of further research in the future.

Response to chemoradiotherapy and lymph node involvement in locally advanced rectal cancer

AIM: To establish the association between lymph node involvement and the response to neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer.

METHODS: Data of 130 patients with mid and low locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by radical surgery over a 5-year period were reviewed. Tumor staging was done by endorectal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy was determined by T-downstaging and tumor regression grading (TRG). Pathologic complete response (pCR) is defined as the absence of tumor cells in the surgical specimen (ypT0N0). The varying degrees TRG were classified according to Mandard’s scoring system. The evaluation of the response is based on the comparison between previous clinico-radiological staging and the results of pathological evaluation. χ² and Spearman’s correlation tests were used for the comparison of variables.

RESULTS: Pathologic complete response (pCR, ypT0N0, TRG1) was observed in 19 cases (14.6%), and other 18 (13.8%) had only very few residual malignant cells in the rectal wall (TRG2). T-downstaging was found in 63 (48.5%). Mean lymph node retrieval was 9.4 (range 0-38). In 37 cases (28.5%) more than 12 nodes were identified in the surgical specimen. Preoperative lymph node involvement was seen in 77 patients (59.2%), 71 N1 and 6 N2. Postoperative lymph node involvement was observed in 41 patients (31.5%), 29 N1 and 12 N2, while the remaining 89 were N0 (68.5%). In relation to ypT stage, we found nodal involvement of 9.4% in ypT0-1, 22.2% in ypT2 and 43.7% in ypT3-4. Of the 37 patients considered “responders” to neoadjuvant therapy (TRG1 and 2), there were only 4 N+ (10.8%) and the remainder N0 (89.2%). In the “non responders” group (TRG 3, 4 and 5), 37 cases were N+ (39.8%) and 56 (60.2%) were N0 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in rectal cancer is associated with lymph node involvement.

Relationships between SMAD3 expression and preoperative fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy response in locally advanced rectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

SMAD3, which is accumulated in the nucleus, transcriptionally regulates TGF-β target genes, playing a significant role in mediating the activities of TGF-β. In this study, we assessed the roles of TGF-β1, SMAD3, and phosphorylated SMAD3 expressions in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer following preoperative fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

Using immunohistochemistry, we examined TGF-β1, SMAD3, and phosphorylated SMAD3 expressions in pre-chemoradiotherapy cancer tissues from 86 locally advanced rectal cancer patients. After chemoradiotherapy, 64 of 86 (74.4 %) locally advanced rectal cancer patients were classified as responders (pathological tumor regression grades of 2-4).

RESULTS

A multivariate analysis showed that phosphorylated SMAD3 overexpression correlated to poor preoperative chemoradiotherapy responses (P = 0.015; OR 7.218; 95 % CI 1.479-35.229). Furthermore, a poor response (pathological tumor regression grades of 0-1) was an independent predictor of postoperative relapse (P = 0.021; OR 5.452; 95 % CI 1.286-23.113). Additionally, patients with phosphorylated SMAD3 overexpression were found to have a worse disease-free survival (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that analyzing pre-chemoradiotherapy tumors for phosphorylated SMAD3 overexpression would assist physicians in identifying locally advanced rectal cancer patients who may have a poor response risk to preoperative fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy.

A minimum yield of twelve lymph nodes in rectal cancer remains valid in the era of neo-adjuvant treatment : results from a national cohort study

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to examine if a minimum of 12 lymph nodes (LNs) is still valid in rectal cancer after neo-adjuvant treatment.

METHODS

An analysis was carried out in a nationwide Danish cohort of 6793 patients, treated by curative resection of stage I-III rectal cancer during the period 2003-2011. The cohort was divided into two groups according to whether neo-adjuvant treatment had been given. The groups were analysed separately and were further analysed according to four lymph node yield (LNY) groups 0-5, 6-11, 12-17 and ≥18.

RESULTS

Two thousand one hundred twenty-three patients (31.0 %) received neo-adjuvant treatment. A median LNY of 10 and 15 (p < 0.0001) and rates of node-positive (N-positive) disease of 31.6 and 36.7 % (p < 0.001) were observed with and without (+/-) neo-adjuvant treatment, respectively. The rate of N-positive disease according to tumour stage ranged from 4.8 %/11.4 % (ypT0/pT1) to 42.1 %/64.1 % (ypT4/pT4). The rate of N-positive disease according to LNY ranged from 19.5 %/16.8 % (0-5 LNs) to 42.6 %/37.9 % (≥18 LNs) (-/+neo-adjuvant treatment). In a logistic regression analysis, a significant association was found between N-positive disease and pT/ypT stage as well as between N-positive disease and LNY.

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly smaller ratio of N-positive disease was observed in the group of patients who had received neo-adjuvant treatment. The ratio of N-positive disease increased significantly with more advanced tumour stage and increasing LNY irrespective of neo-adjuvant treatment. A minimum of 12 LNs is needed to ensure N-negative disease, irrespective of neo-adjuvant treatment.

Low Lymph Node Retrieval After Preoperative Chemoradiation for Rectal Cancer is Associated with Improved Prognosis in Patients with a Good Tumor Response

PURPOSE

To examine the association between the number of lymph nodes retrieved and oncologic outcome after preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer according to tumor regression grade.

METHODS

Patients with rectal cancer who underwent curative surgery between May 2004 and December 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Using multivariate analysis, the correlation between clinicopathologic variables and the number of lymph nodes retrieved was evaluated. The associations between the oncologic outcome and number of lymph nodes retrieved were also investigated according to the tumor regression grade.

RESULTS

In total, 1,332 patients were identified, of whom 433 (32.8 %) received preoperative chemoradiation. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative chemoradiation was an independent predictor of the number of lymph nodes retrieved (P = 0.002). After chemoradiation, the number of total and positive lymph nodes retrieved was inversely correlated with tumor regression. Retrieval of ≥12 lymph nodes was not an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival; however, among patients with a good tumor response, those with <12 lymph nodes retrieved had a significantly better 3-year disease-free survival (P = 0.030) than those with ≥12 lymph nodes retrieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced lymph node yield after preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer does not indicate inadequate oncologic surgery. It may represent good treatment response and better prognosis, especially in patients with good pathologic tumor regression after chemoradiation.

Tumour stage and preoperative chemoradiotherapy influence the lymph node yield in stages I-III rectal cancer: results from a prospective nationwide cohort study

AIM

The study aimed to determine whether the lymph node yield (LNY) in rectal cancer is influenced by patient-related and histopathological factors and the use of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

METHOD

An analysis was carried out of the LNY in a nationwide Danish cohort of 7950 patients, treated by curative resection of Stage I-III rectal cancer during the period 2001-2011. The impact of year of diagnosis, age, gender, pathological stage of the tumour (pT-stage) and preoperative CRT on LNY was analysed.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine per cent of the patients received preoperative CRT. The median LNY was 13 [interquartile range (IQR): 8-19]. A total of 43.4% of the patients had an LNY of < 12. The median LNY increased from 8 (IQR: 5-12) to 20 (IQR: 13-28) LNs over the years of the study period (P < 0.0001). Gender and body mass index (BMI) had no impact on the median LNY. Age had a minor impact, with a range of 12 (IQR: 8-18) to 13 (IQR: 9-20) (P < 0.0001). The LNY ranged from 9 (IQR: 6-14) to 16 (IQR: 10-26), according to pT-stage (pT0-pT4) (P < 0.0001). Median LNY, according to preoperative CRT or no preoperative CRT, was 10 (IQR: 6-16) and 14 (IQR: 8-18), respectively (P < 0.0001). The percentages of patients with an LNY of < 12, according to preoperative CRT or no preoperative CRT, were 58.7% and 37.1%, respectively (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

An increase in the LNY over the period of the study was observed, probably reflecting improved quality of surgery and histopathology. A minor significant reduction of LNY was found with increasing age of the patient. LNY was significantly related to pT-stage and to the use of preoperative chemoradiotherapy. For these reasons the minimum harvest of 12 LNs as a surrogate marker for the oncological quality of surgery should be questioned.

DPYD, TYMS, TYMP, TK1, and TK2 genetic expressions as response markers in locally advanced rectal cancer patients treated with fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy

This study is to investigate multiple chemotherapeutic agent- and radiation-related genetic biomarkers in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients following fluoropyrimidine-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for response prediction. We initially selected 6 fluoropyrimidine metabolism-related genes (DPYD, ORPT, TYMS, TYMP, TK1, and TK2) and 3 radiotherapy response-related genes (GLUT1, HIF-1α, and HIF-2α) as targets for gene expression identification in 60 LARC cancer specimens. Subsequently, a high-sensitivity weighted enzymatic chip array was designed and constructed to predict responses following CCRT. After CCRT, 39 of 60 (65%) LARC patients were classified as responders (pathological tumor regression grade 2 ~ 4). Using a panel of multiple genetic biomarkers (chip), including DPYD, TYMS, TYMP, TK1, and TK2, at a cutoff value for 3 positive genes, a sensitivity of 89.7% and a specificity of 81% were obtained (AUC: 0.915; 95% CI: 0.840–0.991). Negative chip results were significantly correlated to poor CCRT responses (TRG 0-1) (P = 0.014, hazard ratio: 22.704, 95% CI: 3.055–235.448 in multivariate analysis). Disease-free survival analysis showed significantly better survival rate in patients with positive chip results (P = 0.0001). We suggest that a chip including DPYD, TYMS, TYMP, TK1, and TK2 genes is a potential tool to predict response in LARC following fluoropyrimidine-based CCRT.

Prognostic significance of partial tumor regression after preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Complete tumor regression after preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer has been associated with better disease-free and overall survival. The survival experience for patients with partial tumor regression is less clear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic significance of partial response after preoperative chemotherapy on disease-free survival in rectal cancer patients.

DATA SOURCES

Relevant studies were identified by a search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases with no restrictions to October 31, 2012.

STUDY SELECTION

We included long-course radiotherapy that reported the association between degree of tumor regression and disease-free survival of rectal cancer.

INTERVENTIONS

Direct, indirect, and graph methods were used to extract HRs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Study-specific HRs on the disease-free survival were pooled using a random-effects model. Eleven articles in total were selected. Analysis was performed first among the 6 studies that separated partial response from the complete response and later among all 11 of the studies.

RESULTS

Pooled HR was 0.49 (95% CI, 0.28-0.85) for the 6 studies that compared partial response with poor response. It was 0.41 (95% CI, 0.25-0.67) when all 11 of the studies were analyzed together.

LIMITATIONS

The studies were limited by not being prospective, randomized trials, and the tumor regression grades were not uniform.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial tumor response is associated with a 50% improvement in disease-free survival and should be considered as a favorable prognostic factor.

New ultrasound techniques for lymph node evaluation

Conventional ultrasound (US) is the recommended imaging method for lymph node (LN) diseases with the advantages of high resolution, real time evaluation and relative low costs. Current indications of transcutaneous ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound include the detection and characterization of lymph nodes and the guidance for LN biopsy. Recent advances in US technology, such as contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), contrast enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (CE-EUS), and real time elastography show potential to improve the accuracy of US for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lymph nodes. In addition, CEUS and CE-EUS have been also used for the guidance of fine needle aspiration and assessment of treatment response. Complementary to size criteria, CEUS could also be used to evaluate response of tumor angiogenesis to anti-angiogenic therapies. In this paper we review current literature regarding evaluation of lymphadenopathy by new and innovative US techniques.

Lymph node retrieval after preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend the assessment of at least 12 lymph nodes for rectal cancer staging. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy may affect lymph node yield in this malignancy. This study investigated the impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on the number of lymph nodes retrieved from rectal cancer patients.

METHODS

An analysis of 162 rectal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery between 2005 and 2010. Seventy-one patients with stage II or III tumors received preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Using multivariate analysis, we assessed the correlation between clinicopathologic variables and number of retrieved lymph nodes. We also evaluated the association between survival and number of lymph nodes obtained.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis, preoperative chemoradiotherapy was the only variable to independently affect the number of lymph nodes obtained. The mean number of lymph nodes was 14.2 in patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy and 19.4 in those not treated (P < 0.001). In the chemoradiotherapy group, 29.6 % of patients had fewer than 12 lymph nodes obtained compared with 9.9 % in the primary surgery group (P = 0.003). After chemoradiation, the number of retrieved lymph nodes was inversely correlated with tumor regression grade. Results showed that 5-year overall and disease-free survival were similar whether the patient had 12 or more nodes retrieved or not.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy reduces the lymph node yield in rectal cancer. The number of retrieved lymph nodes is affected by degree of histopathologic response of the tumor to chemoradiation. Thus, number of lymph nodes should not be used as a surrogate for oncologic adequacy of resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer.

Shifting concepts in rectal cancer management: a review of contemporary primary rectal cancer treatment strategies

The management of rectal cancer has transformed over the last 3 decades and continues to evolve. Some of these changes parallel progress made with other cancers: refinement of surgical technique to improve organ preservation, selective use of neoadjuvant (and adjuvant) therapy, and emergence of criteria suggesting a role for individually tailored therapy. Other changes are driven by fairly unique issues including functional considerations, rectal anatomic features, and surgical technical issues. Further complexity is due to the variety of staging modalities (each with its own limitations), neoadjuvant treatment alternatives, and competing strategies for sequencing multimodal treatment even for nonmetastatic disease. Importantly, observations of tumor response made in the era of neoadjuvant therapy are reshaping some traditionally held concepts about tumor behavior. Frameworks for prioritizing and integrating complex data can help to formulate treatment plans for patients.

Histological grading of tumour regression and radiation colitis in locally advanced rectal cancer following neoadjuvant therapy: a critical appraisal

AIM

Locally advanced rectal cancer is commonly treated by neoadjuvant therapy and the resultant tumour response can be quantified histologically. This therapy may also induce radiation colitis, which also can be graded. The aim of this study was to assess the grading of tumour regression and of radiation colitis and their relationship to other prognostic parameters.

METHOD

Between 2000 and 2006, 75 patients (23 women; median duration of follow up, 58 months) with rectal cancer were evaluated. Sixty-three had short-course radiotherapy and 12 had long-course radiotherapy. Tumour regression was graded histologically using the three-point Ryan system: patients with grades 1 and 2 were considered as responders and patients with grade 3 were considered as nonresponders. Radiation colitis was graded histologically as mild, moderate or severe, as described previously (J Pathol 2006; 210: P25).

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were classified as responders and 46 as nonresponders. The former were less likely to be lymph node positive compared with the latter (P=0.001). Tumour response did not correlate with local recurrence. Responders showed a disease-free survival (not overall survival) advantage at 2 and 5 years over nonresponders. Responders showed a higher rate of postoperative abdominal complications. Histological evidence of regression was demonstrated in patients treated with short-course radiotherapy. There was no relationship between radiation colitis grade and abdominal complications.

CONCLUSION

Radiation colitis grade does not correlate with postoperative complications. More abdominal complications occurred in patients receiving long-course radiotherapy.

Tumour regression grading in patients with residual rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To explore the utility of tumour regression grading (TRG, the amount of residual tumour cells in relation to extension of fibrosis) after chemoradiation of rectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 131 patients who received preoperative chemoradiation in the frame of the randomized trial, pathological complete response (pCR, TRG0), good regression (TRG1), moderate regression (TRG2), and poor regression (TRG3) were recorded in 17%, 31%, 31%, and 22% of patients, respectively.

RESULTS

The rates of ypN-positive category for TRG0, TRG1, TRG2, and TRG3 groups were 5%, 23%, 45%, and 46%, respectively, p=0.001. When ypT-category and TRG were evaluated by the logistic regression analysis, only ypT-category remained significant for independent prediction of the risk for mesorectal nodal metastases, p=0.006. The 4-year (median follow-up) disease-free survival (DFS) for TRG0, TRG1, TRG2, and TRG3 groups were 91%, 67%, 54%, and 47%. When patients with persistent disease (TRG1 vs. TRG2 vs. TRG3) were analyzed separately, TRG had no prognostic value for DFS, p=0.402.

CONCLUSIONS

TRG in patients with residual cancer had no prognostic value for the incidence of nodal disease and for DFS. Our findings and literature data question the need for the inclusion of TRG assessment into a routine pathological report.