In a nutshell
This study examined chemoradiation (CRT) + local excision (LE) treatment for stage I/II rectal cancer patients. The study found that CRT + LE was a suitable treatment for patients with higher risk stage I disease.
Some background
Rectal cancer is often treated with complete removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues. This leads to problems with bowel and bladder function. It is necessary to find a treatment that is effective with less side effects. LE removes a much smaller area around the tumor. It has previously been an option only for early stage cancer, due to the risk of local recurrence. Local removal of the tumor with additional chemotherapy may be suitable for more high-risk cancers.
Methods & findings
In this study, stage I (53) and stage II (4) rectal cancer patients received CRT + LE. 53% of these patients had cancer which spread into the blood vessels and lymph vessels. Patients were followed for an average of 7.3 years.
20 (30%) patients experienced side effects due to CRT, including diarrhea and anal pain.
98% of Stage I patients survived for at least 5 years. 94% of Stage I patients survived without recurrence of the cancer. The study found that patients who underwent CRT+LE instead of total mesorectal excision (removal of some bowel with rectal tumor) had a better quality of life.
The bottom line
This study concluded that additional chemoradiation with local excision is a suitable treatment for patients with higher risk stage I rectal cancer to save bowel/bladder function and quality of life.
The fine print
There were only 4 Stage II patients. The study notes that this makes it difficult to assess outcomes in these patients.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about chemoradiation with local excision to maintain your quality of life
Published By :
Diseases of the colon and rectum
Date :
Sep 01, 2017
