Regorafenib monotherapy as second-line treatment of patients with RAS-mutant advanced colorectal cancer (STREAM): an academic, multicenter, single-arm, two-stage, phase II study

BACKGROUND

Maintaining angiogenesis inhibition and switching the chemotherapy backbone represent the current second-line therapy in patients with RAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Regorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, prolonged overall survival (OS) in the chemorefractory setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

STREAM was an academic, multicenter, single-arm phase II trial, evaluating the activity of regorafenib in RAS-mutant mCRC, in terms of the rate of patients who were progression-free after 6 months from study entry (6mo-PF). Patients were pretreated with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab. According to Simon's two-stage design, ≥18 patients 6mo-PF were needed in the overall population (N = 46). Secondary endpoints were safety, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and OS. Early metabolic response by [¹⁸F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([¹⁸F]-FDG PET/CT) scan was an exploratory endpoint. EudraCT Number: 2015-001105-13.

RESULTS

The number of patients 6mo-PF was 8/22 at the first stage and 14/46 in the overall population. The ORR was 10.9%, disease control rate was 54.6%, median (m)PFS was 3.6 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9-6.7 months], mOS was 18.9 months (95% CI 10.3-35.3 months), and mPFS2 (from study entry to subsequent-line progression) was 13.3 months (95% CI 8.4-19.7 months). Long benefiter patients (>6mo-PF) significantly more often had a single metastatic site and lung-limited disease. No unexpected toxicity was reported. Grade ≥3 events occurred in 39.1% of patients, with hand-foot syndrome (13%), fatigue, and hyperbilirubinemia (6.5%) occurring mostly. Baseline metabolic assessment was associated with OS in the multivariate analysis, while early metabolic response was not associated with clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The study did not meet its primary endpoint. However, regorafenib was well tolerated and did not preclude subsequent treatments. Patients with good prognostic features (single metastatic site and lung-limited disease) reported clinical benefit with regorafenib. The exploratory metabolic analysis suggests that baseline [¹⁸F]-FDG PET/CT might be useful to select patients with a favorable outcome. A chemotherapy-free interval with regorafenib was associated with durable disease control in a selected group of patients with favorable clinical characteristics.

Radiological assessment of peritoneal carcinomatosis: a primer for resident

The imaging has critical responsibility in the assessment of peritoneal lesions along with estimating the overall extent. Valuing disease burden is crucial for selection of combining cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment. An approach that combines the strength of several imaging tools and increases diagnostic accuracy, should be chosen, even if the preferred imaging tool in patients with suspected Peritoneal Carcinomatosis (PC) is CT. The outcomes of PC are mainly correlated to tumor spread, localization, and lesion size. Accurate assessment of these features is critical for prognosis and treatment planning. These data can be evaluated by Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), a quantitative index suggested by Harman and Sugarbaker. Additionally, precise predictive biomarkers should be established to predict PC in patients at risk. The radiomics analysis could predict PC throughout the evaluation of cancers heterogeneity.

Current status on response to treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer: what the radiologist should know

The assessment of tumor response, after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (nCRT), allows stratifying the patient in order to consider the proper therapeutical management. Histopathology analysis of the surgical specimen is considered the gold standard to assess tumour response and the definition of a complete cancer response is related to the clinical and endoscopic features, by direct evaluation of the rectal wall. However, imaging studies, especially Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have provided additional parameters, as the evaluation of nodal or mesorectal status. MRI provides a radiological tumour regression grade (mrTRG) that is correlated with the pathologic tumor regression grade (pTRG). Functional MRI parameters have additional impending in early prediction of the efficacy of therapy and can be valuable in drug development processes. Some of functional methodologies are already part of clinical practice: diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and perfusion imaging (dynamic contrast enhanced MRI [DCE-MRI]). Other technologies, such as radiomics with MRI are still in the experimental phase. An adequate radiological report describing the restaging of rectal cancer after nCRT should be a "structured report" to improve communication in a multidisciplinary team.

Liver radiologic findings of chemotherapy-induced toxicity in liver colorectal metastases patients

There are a number of chemotherapy-effects that should be assessed with liver imaging since they have an influence on surgical morbidity. Chemotherapy-related complications, steatosis, chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis (CASH), and SOS might impair the hepatic parenchyma, thus reducing the functionality and influencing the outcome following resection. The main role of a radiologist is to provide an accurate diagnosis of the lesion. With constant advances in medicine, a radiologist's role should extend beyond just reporting the data of tumor, providing additional information that may greatly improve patient care. Radiologists should assess both chemotherapy effects on the hepatic metastasis itself, as well as chemo-induced focal and diffuse modifications of non-tumor hepatic parenchyma, since it is important to avoid impaired hepatic function after hepatic resection.

Mid-transverse colon cancer and extended versus transverse colectomy: Results of the Italian society of surgical oncology colorectal cancer network (SICO CCN) multicenter collaborative study

INTRODUCTION

Transverse colon cancer (TCC) is poorly studied, and TCC cases are often excluded from large prospective randomized trials because of their complexity and their potentially high complication rate. The best surgical approach for TCC has yet to be established. The aim of this large retrospective multicenter Italian series is to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of both hemicolectomy and transverse colectomy in order to identify the best surgical approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with mid-transverse colon cancer treated with a segmental colon resection or an extended hemicolectomy (right or left) between 2006 and 2016 in 28 high-volume (more than 70 procedures/year) Italian referral centers for colorectal surgery.

RESULTS

The study included 1529 patients, 388 of whom underwent a segmental resection while 1141 underwent an extended resection. A higher number of complications has been reported in the segmental group than in the extended group (30.1% versus 23.6%; p 0.010). In 42 cases the main complication was the anastomotic leak (4.4% versus 2.2%; p 0.020). Recovery outcomes also showed statistical differences: time to first flatus (p 0.014), time to first mobilization (p 0.040), and overall hospital stay (p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the extended group. Even if overall survival were similar between the groups (95.1% versus 97%; p 0.384), 3-year disease-free survival worsened after segmental resection (78.1% versus 86.2%; p 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, an extended right colon resection for TCC seems to be surgically safer and more oncologically valid.

Multicentre randomized clinical trial of colonic J pouch or straight stapled colorectal reconstruction after low anterior resection for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colonic J pouch reconstruction has been found to be associated with a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage than straight anastomosis. However, studies on this topic are underpowered and retrospective. This randomized trial evaluated whether the incidence of anastomotic leakage was reduced after colonic J pouch reconstruction compared with straight colorectal anastomosis following anterior resection for rectal cancer.

METHODS

This multicentre RCT included patients with rectal carcinoma who underwent low anterior resection followed by colorectal anastomosis. Patients were assigned randomly to receive a colonic J pouch or straight colorectal anastomosis. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of major anastomotic leakage. The incidence of global (major plus minor) anastomotic leakage and general complications were secondary outcomes. Risk factors for anastomotic leakage were identified by regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 457 patients enrolled, 379 were evaluable (colonic J pouch arm 190, straight colorectal arm 189). The incidence of major and global anastomotic leakage, and general complications was 14·2, 19·5 and 34·2 per cent respectively in the colonic J pouch group, and 12·2, 19·0 and 27·0 per cent in the straight colorectal anastomosis group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two arms. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, male sex (odds ratio 1·79, 95 per cent c.i. 1·02 to 3·15; P = 0·042) and high ASA fitness grade (odds ratio 2·06, 1·15 to 3·71; P = 0·015) were independently associated with the occurrence of anastomotic leakage.

CONCLUSION

Colonic J pouch reconstruction does not reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage and postoperative complications compared with conventional straight colorectal anastomosis. Registration number NCT01110798 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

The First Breast Cancer Screening Program in Southern Italy: Preliminary Results from Three Municipalities of the Naples Province

Aims and Background

It has been demonstrated that breast cancer screening induces a 30% reduction of specific mortality. In May 1990, we started a pilot screening program to assess the feasibility of carrying out such a program in Campania (southern Italy). Herein we report the results of the first round of the program from three municipalities (Giugliano, Mugnano and Qualiano) that lie within the local health district no. 23, close to the city of Naples.

Methods

Women between the ages of 50 and 69 years were sent a personalized letter inviting them to attend the screening test; those not responding were sent a second invitation. The screening test consisted of clinical examination followed by two-view mammography. Second–level diagnostic tools were sonography, fine needle aspiration (manual, echo-guided and stereotaxic) and surgical biopsy.

Results

Out of 5,732 women invited for the first round, 1,813 (31.6%) attended the screening. Attendance rate was higher among younger women. Ninety-one women were positive at the screening test and underwent further examination (recall rate, 5.0%). Among them, 19 had surgical biopsy (biopsy rate, 1.0%) that led to breast cancer diagnosis in 11 cases. The benign/malignant biopsy rate was 0.73. Detection rate was 6.07 × 1,000 screened women and varied among age categories, increasing within the 60–69 subgroup; detection rate/expected incidence ratio in the overall group was 4.5 and also increased within the older age category. Seven out of 11 cancers were at UICC stage 0-I. Among 327 self-referring women, 38 were positive (recall rate, 11.6%), and 14 underwent biopsy (biopsy rate, 4.3%), which showed cancer in 7 cases (benign/malignant biopsy rate, 1.0). In addition, 2 inflammatory cancers were diagnosed without surgical biopsy. Thus 9 cancer cases were detected in this group. Self-referring women differed from responding women in that they had a higher frequency of symptoms or familiar history of cancer, and a higher educational level and awareness of preventive medicine. Clinical examination added no diagnostic advantage in the responding group but did not significantly worsen the recall rate. In the self-referring group, one case of inflammatory cancer was missed by mammography and diagnosed by clinical examination.

Conclusion

The early results (recall rate = 5%, detection rate/expected incidence ratio = 4.5, benign/malignant biopsy rate = 0.73, advanced cancers = 36.4%) are encouraging and indicate the validity of the program. Strategies to improve attendance rate are planned.

Rectal sparing approach after preoperative radio- and/or chemotherapy (RESARCH) in patients with rectal cancer: a multicentre observational study

BACKGROUND

Rectum-sparing approaches appear to be appropriate in rectal cancer patients with a major (mCR) or complete clinical response (cCR) after neoadjuvant therapy. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of rectum-sparing approaches at 2 years after the completion of neoadjuvant treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with rectal adenocarcinoma eligible to receive neoadjuvant therapy will be prospectively enrolled. Patients will be restaged 7-8 weeks after the completion of neoadjuvant therapy and those with mCR (defined as absence of mass, small mucosal irregularity no more than 2 cm in diameter at endoscopy and no metastatic nodes at MRI) or cCR will be enrolled in the trial. Patients with mCR will undergo local excision, while patients with cCR will either undergo local excision or watch and wait policy. The main end point of the study is to determine the percentage of rectum preservation at 2 years in the enrolled patients.

CONCLUSION

This protocol is the first prospective trial that investigates the role of both local excision and watch and wait approaches in patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02710812).

Transanal minimal invasive surgery for rectal lesions: should the defect be closed?

AIM

Transanal minimal invasive surgery (TAMIS) of rectal lesions is increasingly being used, but the technique is not yet standardized. The aims of this study were to evaluate peri-operative complications and long-term functional outcome of the technique and to analyse whether or not the rectal defect needs to be closed.

METHOD

Consecutive patients undergoing TAMIS using the SILS port (Covidien) and standard laparoscopic instruments were studied.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients (68% male) of mean age 67 (± 15) years underwent single-port transanal surgery at three different centres for 37 benign lesions and 38 low-risk cancers located at a mean of 6.4 ± 2.3 cm from the anal verge. The median operating time was 77 (25-245) min including a median time for resection of 36 (15-75) min and for closure of the rectal defect of 38 (9-105) min. The defect was closed in 53% using interrupted (75%) or a running suture (25%). Intra-operative complications occurred in six (8%) patients and postoperative morbidity was 19% with only one patient requiring reoperation for Grade IIIb local infection. There was no difference in the incidence of complications whether the rectal defect was closed or left open. Patients were discharged after 3.4 (1-21) days. At a median follow-up of 12.8 (2-29) months, the continence was normal (Vaizey score of 1.5; 0-16).

CONCLUSION

Transanal rectal resection can be safely and efficiently performed by means of a SILS port and standard laparoscopic instruments. The rectal defect may be left open and at 1 year continence is not compromised.

Neoadjuvant FOLFIRI+bevacizumab in patients with resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer: a phase 2 trial

Background:

Preoperative treatment of resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) is a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and activity of bevacizumab plus FOLFIRI in this setting.

Methods:

Patients aged 18–75 years, PS 0–1, with resectable liver-confined metastases from CRC were eligible. They received bevacizumab 5 mg kg⁻¹ followed by irinotecan 180 mg m⁻², leucovorin 200 mg m⁻², 5-fluorouracil 400 mg m⁻² bolus and 5-fluorouracil 2400 mg m⁻² 46-h infusion, biweekly, for 7 cycles. Bevacizumab was stopped at cycle 6. A single-stage, single-arm phase 2 study design was applied with 1-year progression-free rate as the primary end point, and 39 patients required.

Results:

From October 2007 to December 2009, 39 patients were enrolled in a single institution. Objective response rate was 66.7% (95% exact CI: 49.8–80.9). Of these, 37 patients (94.9%) underwent surgery, with a R0 rate of 84.6%. Five patients had a pathological complete remission (14%). Out of 37 patients, 16 (43.2%) had at least one surgical complication (most frequently biloma). At 1 year of follow-up, 24 patients were alive and free from disease progression (61.6%, 95% CI: 44.6–76.6). Median PFS and OS were 14 (95% CI: 11–24) and 38 (95% CI: 28–NA) months, respectively.

Conclusion:

Preoperative treatment of patients with resectable liver metastases from CRC with bevacizumab plus FOLFIRI is feasible, but further studies are needed to define its clinical relevance.

Evaluation of two different schedules of bevacizumab (BEV) with oxaliplatin (OXA), raltitrexed (TOM), levo-folinic acid (LFA), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) during preoperative (preop) pelvic RT in high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer (HR-LARC) patients (pts)

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Background: OXA, RTX, 5FU, and LFA during preop pelvic RT produced a high rate of complete (TRG1) or subtotal (TRG2) tumor regression in HR-LARC. BEV might enhance response to chemoradiotherapy (CH-RT), but scheduling of BEV could be critical. Therefore, we added BEV to CH-RT in two different schedules to evaluate their feasibility and activity. According to the Simon's two-stage design, assuming a hypothesis of a 50% TRG1 (α=0.05, β=0.20), at least 6/16 TRG1 should be obtained to continue pts accrual in every schedule. Methods: Inclusion criteria were: cT4, cN+, cT3(<5 cm from the anal verge and/or +ve CRM), resectable M1. Pts received 3 biweekly courses(c) of OXA (100 mg/m2)/TOM (2.5 mg/m2) on day 1, and 5FU (800 mg/m2)/LFA(250 mg/m2) on day 2 during pelvic RT (45 Gy). BEV (5 mg/kg) was given biweekly from day -14 for 4 c in schedule A, and from day -4 for 2 c in schedule B. Toxicity was graded with NCI-CTCv3. Changes of circulating endothelial cells (CECs)assessed by flow cytometry in 17 (7 A; 10 B) pts, and glucose metabolism evaluated by FDG-PET in 27 (15 A; 12 B) pts after 1st c of CT were used as surrogate markers of tumor response. The Mann-Whitney test assessed the differences in CECs and FDG-PET related to schedules. TME was planned 8 wks after CH- RT. Results: Until now, 28 pts (16 A; 12 B) were treated: M/F=19/9; median age 57 (range, 43–74) yrs. All but one pt (A) completed the planned CH-RT. Grade 3/4 neutropenia was the most common toxicity with schedule A (7 pts, 44%), while it never occurred with schedule B. No treatment-related or postop death occurred. CECs were more decreased by schedule B than by schedule A (median, -78% vs -29%, p< 0.05). Glucose metabolism was also more reduced by schedule B (median, -78% vs -50%, p < 0.05). All but one pt (refusal) of schedule A, and 7 pts of schedule B proceeded to TME. With schedule A, 2 pts obtained a TRG1, 8 pts a TRG2, 3 pts a TRG3 and 2 pts a TRG4. With schedule B, 4 pts obtained a TRG1 and 3 pts a TRG2. Conclusions: These data suggest the relevance of BEV scheduling during preop CT-RT to optimize safety and efficacy of the combination treatment. Updated results on the whole study population will be presented.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

High rate of TRG1–2 and prolonged RFS with OXA/TOM and FU/LFA during preoperative pelvic RT in patients with poor prognosis locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC)

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Background: We have previously reported that 3 cycles of Oxaliplatin (OXA), Raltitrexed (TOM) and 5-Fluorouracile (FU) + levo-folinic acid (LFA) during pelvic RT had an acceptable toxicity and produced a complete (TRG1, 42%) or subtotal (TRG2, 29%) pathologic tumor regression in 71% of 31 pts with poor prognosis LARC (Avallone et al, Br J Cancer 2006). Here we report an expanded experience on such treatment. Methods: We enrolled 62 eligible pts (M, 33; F, 29), with median age of 58 (27–79) yrs, and adenocarcinoma of the extraperitoneal rectum, with at least one of the following characteristics: cT4 (N pts), cN+ (N), cT3N0 with tumor location = 5 cm from the anal verge and/or CRM +ve (assessed by MRI) (N). Pts received 3 biweekly courses of OXA 100 mg/sqm + TOM 2.5 mg/sqm on day 1, and LFA 250 mg/sqm + FU 900 mg/sqm (31 pts) or 800 mg/sqm (31 pts) on day 2, and concomitant pelvic RT (1.8 Gy/day, total dose 45 Gy). TME was planned 8 weeks after the end of treatment. Pathologic response was evaluated by tumor regression grading (TRG) according to Mandard’s modified classification. Pts with cT4, pN+ and pCRM +ve received also 4 months of weekly FU/FA. Results: All pts received full dose of RT, and 98% of the planned CT cycles. Neutropenia was the most common grade = 3 toxicity (40%), while grade 3 diarrhea was seen in 19% of pts with FU 900 mg/sqm, and in only 6% of pts with FU 800 mg/sqm. All but 2 pts had a TME with R0 resection, and no treatment-related or perioperative death occurred. Median number of sampled lymph nodes was 36 (range, 10–80). 28 (45%) pts obtained a TRG1, and 17 (27%) pts a TRG2. Activity of the treatment was similar in all risk groups, regardless of FU dosage. 1 pt suffered a local recurrence (after 9 months), and 3 pts had distant metastases (after 22, 33, and 47 months). After a median follow-up of 34 (range 6–54) months, all pts are alive, and the estimated 34-month RFS was 95%. All pts achieving a TRG1, and all but one with TRG2 (pCRM +ve), were recurrence-free. Conclusions: These data confirm the feasibility and activity of the whole treatment. A slight reduction of FU dosage appeared to improve the safety of this combination. Currently, we are now evaluating the addition of bevacizumab 5 mg/kg every 2 weeks before and during this concurrent treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Thromboelastographic profiles as a tool for thrombotic risk in digestive tract cancer

BACKGROUND

Quantification of the magnitude of thrombotic risk associated with malignancy and with anti-cancer therapy is indispensable to use anticoagulant drugs which selectively interfere with haemostatic mechanisms protecting patients from venous thromboembolism (VTE) and probably from tumor progression. However, none of activation coagulation markers has any predictive value for the occurrence of the thrombotic events in one individual patient. Current clotting methods can't reveal the overall dynamic clot formation; in contrast thromboelastographic methods specifically assess overall coagulation kinetics and its strength in whole blood.

AIM

Objective of study was to evaluate if the activation of coagulation as eventually revealed by ROTEM thromboelastometry could assess an hypercoagulable state in surgical neoplastic patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with carcinoma of the digestive tract in preoperative period (23 M, 27 F aging 61.5 (45-79 years) and 147 healthy subjects (71 M, 76 F) were studied. A recent thromboelastometric method based on thrombelastography after Hartert was employed. Measurements were performed on ROTEM Coagulation Analyzer. The continuous coagulation data from 50 min course were transformed into dynamic velocity profiles of WB clot formation.

RESULTS

Standard parameters (CT, CFT, MCF) of cancer patients were similar to controls. CT (in cancer patients): females 50 s (38.3-58.7), males 50 s (42-71.2) vs 51 s (42-59), p = 0.1210 / 53 s (42-74.8), p = 0.1975 (in controls). CFT (in cancer patients): females 72 s (32- 92.4), males 80 s (50.2- 128.7) vs 78 s (62-100), p = 0.0128 / 80 s (59-124.4), p = 0.9384 (in controls). MCF (in cancer patients): females 70 mm (59.9-82.5), males 63 mm (56-73.7) vs 69 mm (59-95.8), p = 0.9911 / 69 mm (53.6-90), p = 0.0135 (in controls). Females showed a higher MaxVel when compared to males. The MaxVel was increased in cancer patients: females 19 mm /100 s (14.3-49.5) males 18 mm / 100 s (11-27) vs 15 mm 100 s (11.8-22), p < 0.001 / 13 mm / 100 s (10-21.8), p < 0.001 in controls. The t-MaxVel was shortened in cancer patients: females 65s (48.6-112.8), males 81s (50.1-135.9) vs 115s (56.8-166), p < 0.001 / 115 s (59.8-180.8), p = 0.0002 in controls. The AUC was increased in cancer patients: females 6451 mm 100(5511-8148), males 5984 mm 100 (5119-6899) vs 5778 mm 100 (4998-6655), p < 0.001 / 5662 mm 100 (4704-6385), p = 0.0105.

CONCLUSION

Unlike other assays measuring variations in a single component during coagulation, the thrombelastographic method records a profile of real-time continuous WB clot formation, and may provide extensive informations on haemostasis in neoplastic patients before surgery.

Biweekly oxaliplatin, raltitrexed, 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid combination chemotherapy during preoperative radiation therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: a phase I-II study

Oxaliplatin (OXA), raltitrexed (RTX), 5-fluorouracil (FU) and folinic acid (FA) have shown activity in metastatic colorectal cancer, radioenhancing effect and synergism when combined. We evaluated a chemotherapy (CT) combination of OXA, RTX and FU/FA during preoperative radiotherapy (RT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. Fifty-one patients with LARC at high risk of recurrence (T4, N+ or T3N0 ⩽5 cm from anal verge and/or circumferential resection margin ⩽5 mm) received three biweekly courses of CT during pelvic RT (45 Gy). Surgery was planned 8 weeks after CT-RT. Recommended doses (RDs) determined during phase I were utilised in the subsequent phase II trial, where the rate of tumour regression grade (TRG) 1 or 2 was the main end point. No toxic deaths occurred, and severe toxicity was easily managed. In phase II, RDs delivered in 31 patients were OXA 100 mg m⁻² and RTX 2.5 mg m⁻² on day 1, and FU 900 mg m⁻² and LFA 250 mg m⁻² on day 2. Main severe toxicities by patients were grade 4 neutropenia (23%) and grade 3 diarrhoea (19%). In 71% (95% confidence limits, 52–86%) of patients, TRG1 (13) or TRG2 (9) was obtained. All patients are alive and recurrence-free after a median follow-up of 29 months. Combination of OXA, RTX and FU/FA with pelvic RT has an acceptable toxicity and a high clinical activity in LARC and should be studied further in patients at high risk of recurrence.

Combined multistep approach in a locally advanced rectal cancer with sacral invasion: case report

Composite pelvic resection with sacrectomy may provide good local control in case of locally advanced rectal cancer infiltrating the sacral bone. A combined multidisciplinary approach including chemotherapy and radiotherapy is here presented for a case of rectal tumor invading the sacrum.

Multidisciplinary approach to locally advanced rectal cancer: results of a single institution trial

Locally advanced rectal cancer carries out a dismail prognosis despite optimal surgery in terms of local and distant relapses. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation offers good results with tumor downstaging and downsizing and leads to more radical surgery with conservative intent. Selection of patients and an intensive chemotherapy may improve long term results. Our experience with a combined polichemotherapy and radiotherapy for low advanced rectal cancer is presented.