Prognostic value of tumour regression grade in locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

The current standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer involves neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision. There is a spectrum of response to neoadjuvant therapy; however, the prognostic value of tumour regression grade (TRG) in predicting disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) is inconsistent in the literature.

METHOD

This study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was undertaken using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were Stage II and III locally advanced rectal cancer treated with long-course CRT followed by radical surgery. The aim of the meta-analysis was to assess the prognostic implication of each TRG for rectal cancer following neoadjuvant CRT. Long-term prognosis was assessed. The main outcome measures were DFS and OS. A random effects model was performed to pool the hazard ratio (HR) from all included studies.

RESULTS

There were 4875 patients from 17 studies, with 775 (15.9%) attaining a pathological complete response (pCR) and 719 (29.9%) with no response. A significant association with OS was identified from a pooled-estimated HR for pCR (HR = 0.47, P = 0.002) and nonresponding tumours (HR = 2.97; P < 0.001). Previously known tumour characteristics, such as ypN, lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion, were also significantly associated with DFS and OS, with estimated pooled HRs of 2.2, 1.4 and 2.3, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the degree of TRG was of prognostic value in predicting long-term outcomes. The current challenge is the development of a high-validity tests to predict pCR.

Phase II trial evaluating the feasibility of interdigitating folfox with chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced and metastatic rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients (pts) with metastatic rectal cancer and symptomatic primary, require local and systemic control. Chemotherapy used during chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is adequate for radiosensitisation, but suboptimal for systemic control. The aim of this phase II study was to assess tolerability, local/systemic benefits, of a novel regimen delivering interdigitating intensive chemotherapy with radical CRT.

METHODS

Eligible pts had untreated synchronous symptomatic primary/metastatic rectal cancer. A total of 12 weeks of treatment with split-course pelvic CRT (total 50.4 Gy with concurrent oxaliplatin and 5-FU infusion) alternating with FOLFOX chemotherapy. All pts staged with CT, MRI and FDG-PET pre and post treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-six pts were treated. Rectal primary MRI stage: T3 81% and T4 15%. Liver metastases in 81%. Twenty-four pts (92%) completed the 12-week regimen. All patients received planned RT dose, and for both agents over 88% of patients achieved a relative dose intensity of >75%. Grade 3 toxicities: neutropenia 23%, diarrhoea 15%, and radiation skin reaction 12%. Grade 4 toxicity: neutropenia 15%. FDG-PET metabolic response rate for rectal primary 96%, and for metastatic disease 60%.

CONCLUSIONS

Delivery of interdigitating chemotherapy with radical CRT was feasible to treat both primary and metastatic rectal cancer. High completion and response rates were encouraging.

A phase I trial of Capecitabine+Gemcitabine with radical radiation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Standard chemoradiotherapy with infusional 5FU for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) has limited efficacy in this disease. The combination of Capecitabine (Cap) and Gemcitabine (Gem) are synergistic and are potent radiosensitisers. The aim of this phase I trial was thus to determine the highest administered dose of the Cap plus Gem combination with radical radiotherapy (RT) for LAPC. Patients had LAPC, adequate organ function, ECOG PS 0–1. During RT, Gem was escalated from 20–50 mg m⁻² day⁻¹ (twice per week), and Cap 800–2000 mg m⁻² day⁻¹ (b.i.d, days 1–5 of each week). Radiotherapy 50.4 Gy/28 fractions/5.5 weeks, using 3D-conformal techniques. Three patients were entered to each dose level (DL). Dose-limiting toxicity(s) (DLTs) were based on treatment-related toxicities. Twenty patients were accrued. Dose level (DL) 1: Cap/Gem; 800/20 mg m⁻² day⁻¹ (3 patients), DL2: 1000/20 (12 patients), DL3: 1300/30 (5 patients). Dose-limiting toxicities were observed in DL3; grade 3 dehydration (1 patient) and grade 3 diarrhoea and dehydration (1 patient). Dose level 2 was the recommend phase 2 dose. Disease control rate was 75%: PR=15%, SD=60%. Median overall survival was 11.2 months. The addition of Cap and Gem to radical RT was feasible and active and achieved at relatively low doses.

A phase I/II trial of celecoxib with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with locally advanced oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

The study's aim was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of celecoxib combined with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced oesophageal cancer (OC).

METHODS

CRT comprised of 5FU (1000 mg/m(2)/day, days 1-4, weeks 1 & 5), cisplatin (75 mg/m(2), days 1 & 29) and radiotherapy (50 Gy in 25 fractions or 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions). Celecoxib was given daily during CRT at one of five doses (200 mg bd to 600 mg bd). Three to six patients were assigned per dose.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were recruited before trial closure due to external safety concerns regarding celecoxib. Median follow up was 17 months (95% CI 9 - >39). The highest administered dose was 400 mg bd (n=4) with one dose-limiting toxicity at this level: grade 3 rash. Five (38%) and 8(62%) patients had grade 3 non-haematological and haematological toxicities respectively. No grade 4 toxicities occurred. Radiological response rate was 54% (n=7: all CR). Six patients had resection with one pathological CR. Median progression-free and overall survival were 8.8 (95% CI 5.1 - >24.8) and 19.6 months (95% CI 7.3 - >39) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A MTD was not reached. The regimen was tolerable, indicating that celecoxib can be safely administered with CRT for locally advanced OC.

Preoperative radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma: the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre experience

AIM

Radiotherapy has been shown to improve local control in combination with limb-sparing or conservative surgery in the management of localised soft tissue sarcoma. Our centre's treatment protocol is to offer preoperative external beam radiotherapy (50.4Gy in 28 fractions) followed by surgery four to six weeks later. The aim of this study is to review the treatment outcome and toxicity of patients treated with this protocol.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with localised extremity or truncal soft tissue sarcoma who presented between January 1996 and December 2000 and treated with preoperative radiotherapy followed by limb-sparing surgery were reviewed. Patients with recurrent disease or metastatic disease at diagnosis and patients below the age of 16years were excluded. Local and distant recurrence, overall survival and treatment toxicity were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven cases were identified (41 males and 26 females). The median age was 52years (range 17 to 82). The majority (79%) had tumours located in the lower limb. The most common histological diagnoses were malignant fibrous histiocytoma and liposarcoma. The median follow-up was 4.1years (range 0.6 to 6.9). There were six local recurrences, two of which were successfully salvaged. Twenty patients developed distant metastases. The estimated 5-year actuarial local recurrence free, distant recurrence free and overall survival were 93%, 68% and 73% respectively. Acute radiotherapy toxicity and wound complications were acceptable and late toxicity was uncommon.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative radiotherapy followed by surgery provides effective local control in the management of soft tissue sarcoma.

Characterising atherothrombosis in Hong Kong: results of the Hong Kong data from a global atherothrombosis epidemiological survey

OBJECTIVES

To describe the characteristics of patients in Hong Kong with or at risk of atherothrombosis, to determine the proportion of symptomatic patients with more than one vascular bed affected, and to assess the relationship between ankle brachial index and disease severity.

DESIGN

Local participation in an international prevalence study.

SETTING

Five centres in Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 210 subjects were recruited (105 women and 105 men). Patients were divided into the symptomatic group (with current or previous atherothrombotic symptoms, n=101) and at-risk group (with no current or previous symptoms, but aged over 55 years with at least two specified risk factors, n=109).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient characteristics were described, including the number of arterial beds affected, ankle brachial index, presence of risk factors, and medications taken.

RESULTS

Of the symptomatic patients, 30% had more than one arterial bed involved. A total of 55.4% of the symptomatic group and 18.4% of the at-risk group had abnormal ankle brachial index values. Lower ankle brachial indices were associated with a greater number of affected arterial beds. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most prevalent risk factors in the at-risk group. Symptomatic patients were commonly treated with antihypertensive and antiplatelet agents, whereas at-risk patients were mostly treated with antihypertensive and antidiabetic agents. Only 20% of at-risk patients were taking antiplatelet agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Ankle brachial index is a useful tool for predicting those at risk of atherothrombosis. This simple measurement can be used as part of the screening process in the general practice. The role of antiplatelet agents in primary prevention of atherothrombotic events in at-risk patients deserves further attention.

Wound complications following pre-operative radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma

AIMS

We analysed wound complications in 43 patients with soft tissue sarcoma who were treated with combined pre-operative radiotherapy and surgery.

METHODS

All patients received the same protocol of pre-operative radiotherapy at our institution.

RESULTS

Thirty-six (84%) patients developed acute skin toxicity following radiotherapy. After wide local excision, 15 patients required primary soft tissue reconstruction with vascularized muscle transfer and four patients underwent free skin flap to enable wound closure as part of their primary surgery. Nineteen patients (44%) developed post-operative wound complications including 10 (23%) patients who required an additional surgical procedure. Four (27%) patients developed flap necrosis in a group of 15 who underwent primary vascularized soft tissue transfer. All required a second vascularized muscular flap. One elderly patient, who had grade 3 acute radiation skin toxicity, had an arterial graft and total hip arthroplasty for a femoral artery aneurysm and an avascular necrosis of the hip, respectively. In our series, age (> or = 40 years) was the only impact factor influencing wound complication after surgery following radiotherapy (P=0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Site of tumour, radiation field size, surgical resection volume, grade of acute radiation toxicity, co-morbidity, and smoking were not demonstrated to have predictive value in wound complication following pre-operative radiotherapy. Although previous papers suggested that vascularized soft tissue transfer could be useful reducing wound morbidity, our results could not confirm this.

Optimising treatment for resectable rectal cancer: is preoperative therapy beneficial?

Preoperative radiotherapy is becoming the standard of care for resectable locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Its practice is no longer limited to a few specialised cancer centres. Adjuvant preoperative radiotherapy can reduce the risk of local recurrence by 50% compared with surgery alone and it has a moderate effect in improving survival. Treatment-related toxicity is superior to that after postoperative radiotherapy. Early results of preoperative radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy are promising, with a low toxicity profile and a high pathological response rate. Advances in technology, endorectal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging enable selection of appropriate patients for preoperative radiotherapy.

Early toxicity from preoperative radiotherapy with continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil for resectable adenocarcinoma of the rectum: a Phase II trial for the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group

PURPOSE

To assess the toxicity and the efficacy of preoperative radiotherapy with continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the rectum.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Eligible patients had newly diagnosed localized adenocarcinoma of the rectum within 12 cm of the anal verge, Stage T3-4, and were suitable for curative resection. Eighty-two patients were treated with radiotherapy-50.4 Gy in 28 fractions in 5.6 weeks, given concurrently with continuous infusion 5-FU, using either 96-h/week infusion at 300 mg/m(2)/day or 7-days/week infusion at 225 mg/m(2)/day.

RESULTS

The median age was 59 years (range, 27-87), and 67% of patients were male. Pretreatment stages of the rectal cancer were T3, 89% and resectable T4, 11%, with endorectal ultrasound confirmation in 67% of patients. Grade 3 acute toxicity occurred in 5 of 82 patients (6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2-14%). Types of surgical resection were anterior resection, 61%; abdominoperineal resection, 35%; and other procedures, 4%. There was no operative mortality. Anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection occurred in 3 of 50 patients (6%; 95% CI, 1-17%). The pathologic complete response rate was 16% (95% CI, 9-26%). Pathologic Stages T2 or less occurred in 51%.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative radiotherapy with continuous infusion 5-FU for locally advanced rectal cancer is a safe regimen, with a significant downstaging effect. It does not seem to lead to a significant increase in serious surgical complications.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the anus: a retrospective analysis

PURPOSE

To report the clinical features and outcome of patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the anus following radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 15 patients referred to Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute between 1981 to 1998 with primary adenocarcinoma of the anus. The median follow-up was 7.5 years. Six patients underwent treatment with curative intent-either chemoradiation or radiotherapy alone. Surgery was mainly limited to either incisional or excisional biopsy. The remaining nine patients were treated with palliative intent because of advanced age, advanced disease, or poor medical status. The biological equivalent doses were calculated for all patients and correlated with time to progression.

RESULTS

None of the curative group had relapsed after a median follow-up of 6.6 years. All except one were alive and well. No patient developed any serious long-term toxicity and all patients avoided colostomy. All patients managed with palliative intent died with persistent locoregional disease with a median survival of 0.8 year.

CONCLUSION

Primary adenocarcinoma of the anus is a very rare disease that precludes a rigorous analysis. This study demonstrates that radiation and in particular chemoradiation are effective therapies consistent with other recent series and analogous to squamous cell carcinomas of the anus. It also emphasizes the poor prognosis of patients treated with palliative intent.

Radiotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities

The local treatment of soft tissue sarcoma is evolving. Limb-sparing compartmentectomy offers local control but at the expense of function and a high amputation rate. The functional outcome is improved with combined wide excision and radiotherapy, at the same time achieving a similar local control rate. Future directions should include attempts to reduce toxicity and maximise the functional result. As the limb function is ultimately related to the aggressiveness of the local treatment, the optimum surgical margin, radiation volume and dose, require further investigation. The pursuit of local control should not be compromised in the quest for reducing morbidity, as the relationship between local control and survival remains unclear.

Lengths of different routes for esophageal replacement

The lengths of the orthotopic, retrosternal, and subcutaneous routes for esophageal replacement were measured in 20 patients at autopsy. The subcutaneous route is 1.8 cm longer than the retrosternal route, which is 1.9 cm longer than the orthotopic route. The difference between the subcutaneous and the orthotopic route is 3.7 cm.