In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in patients with colorectal cancer spread to the peritoneum (inner lining of the abdominal cavity). Researchers suggested that CRS is associated with improved survival in these patients.
Some background
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. A significant number of patients present metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) disease at diagnosis. Surgery is part of the standard treatment. However, surgery might not be recommended in patients with peritoneal metastasis.
CRS consists of surgery to reduce the number of cancer cells. Prior studies showed that CRS might benefit patients with peritoneal metastasis. However, these studies had an incorrect methodology and small numbers of participants. Therefore, further studies are necessary.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 3153 patients. These patients had advanced colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis. Some patients had CRS and other patients did not have CRS.
CRS was associated with improved overall survival. The average overall survival was 19 months for patients who received CRS and 12 months for patients who did not. CRS was associated with a 1.3 times better cancer-specific survival than patients who did not have CRS.
The bottom line
This study concluded that CRS improved the survival of patients with colorectal cancer and peritoneal metastasis.
The fine print
This study was based on medical records. Some information might have been incomplete. This might affect the results.
Published By :
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
Date :
Feb 14, 2020
