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Complete pathologic response after preoperative rectal cancer chemoradiotherapy
Article first published online: 25 JUN 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2009.04950.x
© 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
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How to Cite
Ciccocioppo, A., Stephens, J. H., Hewett, P. J. and Rieger, N. A. (2009), Complete pathologic response after preoperative rectal cancer chemoradiotherapy. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 79: 481–484. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2009.04950.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 25 JUN 2009
- Article first published online: 25 JUN 2009
- Accepted for publication 16 July 2008.
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- adjuvant chemotherapy;
- adjuvant radiotherapy;
- rectal neoplasm;
- recurrence;
- survival rate
Abstract
Background: Following preoperative treatment of rectal cancer with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), a complete pathological response (CPR) can be seen in the surgical specimen. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of these patients as compared with those who did not have a complete response.
Methods: A retrospective study of the outcome of patients managed with preoperative CRT for their rectal cancer was conducted.
Results: Between November 1998 and July 2004, there were 530 new presentations of rectal cancer at The Queen Elizabeth and Royal Adelaide hospitals. Forty of these patients (7.5%) were treated with long-course preoperative CRT. After resection, a CPR was seen in seven patients (17.5%). These patients were all disease free at January 2006 after a median follow-up of 6.0 years (range 1.42–7.02 years). One patient had died from non-tumour-/surgery-related causes. Tumour recurrence, but not mortality, in this group was superior to the comparison group of patients without a CPR.
Conclusions: None of our patients who had a CPR after preoperative CRT have recurred or died from their disease.