In a nutshell
This review examined the prognosis of rectal cancer patients exhibiting a partial response to treatment.
Some background
Treatment of rectal cancer generally includes chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy before surgical removal of the tumor. Response to these treatments is measured by assessing shrinkage of the tumor on a scale referred to as tumor regression grade (TRG). A TRG of 1 indicates complete response to treatments and is known to be associated with increased survival rates. However, up to two thirds of rectal cancer patients exhibit only a partial response to treatment (achieving a TRG of 2 to 3) or a poor response (receiving a TRG of 4 or 5). Current research shows conflicting results as to whether a partial response is associated with increased recurrence free survival.
Methods & findings
Eleven studies were analyzed in this review including a total of 1521 rectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy before surgery. Analysis of 6 studies comparing partial response to poor response estimated the risk of recurrence or death was reduced by 51% by achieving partial response. Analysis combining data from all 11 studies estimated that achieving either complete or partial response was associated with a decreased risk of 59%.
The bottom line
This analysis concluded that achieving only partial response to rectal cancer treatments still significantly increases survival and reduces the risk of recurrence.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician regarding the implications of tumor response to treatment on disease prognosis.
Published By :
Diseases of the colon and rectum
Date :
Sep 01, 2013
