Essential updates 2020/2021: Advancing precision medicine for comprehensive rectal cancer treatment

Cylindrical abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer using the Hugo RAS system: The first ever case report for rectal cancer

In May 2023, the Hugo RAS system obtained pharmaceutical approval for use in gastroenterological surgery in Japan. It is expected to be particularly effective in rectal cancer surgery, which require the manipulation of the deep pelvic cavity and communication with surgeons operating from the intraperitoneal and anal approaches. A 68-year-old woman presented to our hospital with bloody stools and was diagnosed with cStage I (cT2N0M0) rectal cancer and underwent abdominoperineal resection employing the Hugo RAS system. Two arm carts were placed on the left and right lateral sides with an interleg space, and trocars were placed in a straight line between the right superior iliac spine and umbilicus. Herein, we report the first abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer using the Hugo RAS system.

Two-Team Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision and En Bloc Resection of the Lateral Pelvic Lymph Nodes, Main Iliac Vessels, and Pelvic Plexus for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer With Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis

BACKGROUND

Here, we describe the precise surgical technique for a novel procedure involving 2-team transanal total mesorectal excision with en bloc lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) dissection combined with resection of the involved main internal iliac vessels and pelvic plexus.

METHODS

From September 2020 to May 2023, 4 patients underwent the procedure at our hospital.

RESULTS

The operation time and blood loss were 272 to 412 minutes and 10 to 124 mL, respectively. No patients required conversion to open surgery or exhibited Clavien-Dindo grade III or worse postoperative complications, although 2 developed grade II urinary dysfunction. All surgical margins were negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel 2-team method can facilitate safe and satisfactory surgery, even for highly advanced rectal cancer. The transanal approach offers excellent visibility and operability, even during LPLN and adjacent structure dissection. Furthermore, initial dissection of the distal branches of the iliac vessels prevents excessive lymphatic tissue congestion, facilitating easier, and clearer dissection.

Neoadjuvant S-1 and oxaliplatin plus bevacizumab therapy for high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer: A prospective multicenter phase II study

Aim

We report the short/mid-term results of surgery for high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC, four courses of S-1 + oxaliplatin+ bevacizumab) without radiotherapy with the primary aim of ypT0-2.

Methods

High-risk LARC was defined as cT4b, mesorectal fascia (MRF) ≤1 mm (MRF+), or lateral lymph node metastasis (cLLN+) on high-resolution MRI. The planned 32 cases from April 2018 to December 2021 were all included.

Results

There were 10 patients at cT4b (31.2%), 26 MRF+ (81.3%), and 22 cLLN+ (68.8%). Thirteen (40.6%) underwent NAC after a colostomy for stenosis. NAC was completed in 26 (81.2%) cases. Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in six (18.7%). One patient developed progressive disease (3.2%). Eleven were ycT0-3MRF-LLN- (34.3%). Curative-intent surgery was performed on 31, with sphincter-preserving surgery in 20, abdominoperineal resection in nine, total pelvic exenteration in two, and lateral lymph node dissection in 24. Two had R1/2 resection (6.4%). A Grade 3 or higher postoperative complication rate occurred in 3.2%. Pathological complete response and ypT0-2 rates were 12.9% and 45.1%. Three-year disease-free survival rates (3yDFS) for ypT0-2 and ypT ≥3 were 81.2%, 46.6% (p = 0.061), and 3-year local recurrence rates (3yLR) were 0%, 48.8% (p = 0.015). 3yDFS for ycT0-3MRF-LLN- and ycT4/MRF+/LLN+ were 87.5%, 48.0% (p = 0.031) and 3yLR were 0%, 42.8% (p = 0.045).

Conclusion

NAC yielded a clinically significant effect in about half of high-risk LARC patients. If NAC alone is ineffective, radiotherapy should be added, even if extended surgery is intended.

Advances in MRI-Based Assessment of Rectal Cancer Post-Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Comprehensive Review

Rectal cancer presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, with neoadjuvant therapy playing a pivotal role in improving resectability and patient outcomes. MRI serves as a critical tool in assessing treatment response. However, differentiating viable tumor tissue from therapy-induced changes on MRI remains a complex task. In this comprehensive review, we explore treatment options for rectal cancer based on resectability status, focusing on the role of MRI in guiding therapeutic decisions. We delve into the nuances of MRI-based evaluation of treatment response following neoadjuvant therapy, paying particular attention to emerging techniques like radiomics. Drawing from our insights based on the literature, we provide essential recommendations for post-neoadjuvant therapy management of rectal cancer, all within the context of MRI-based findings.

World-first report of low anterior resection for rectal cancer with the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System: a case report

BACKGROUND

The hinotori™ Surgical Robot System was approved for use in colorectal cancer surgery in Japan in 2022. This robot has advantages, such as an operation arm with eight axes, an adjustable arm base, and a flexible three-dimensional viewer, and is expected to be utilized in rectal cancer surgery. Herein, we report the world's first surgery for rectal cancer using the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 71-year-old woman presented to our hospital with bloody stools. A colonoscopy revealed type 2 advanced cancer in the rectum, and a histological examination exposed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography divulged rectal wall thickening without significant swelling of the lymph nodes or distant metastasis. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed tumor invasion beyond the intrinsic rectal muscle layer. The patient was diagnosed with cStage IIa (cT3N0M0) rectal cancer and underwent low anterior resection using the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System. Based on an adequate simulation, surgery was safely performed with appropriate port placement and arm base-angle adjustment. The operating time was 262 min, with a cockpit time of 134 min. Subsequently, the patient was discharged 10 days postoperatively without complications. The pathological diagnosis was pStage IIA (cT3N0M0) and the circumferential resection margin was 6 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first case of low anterior resection for rectal cancer using the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System, in which a safe and appropriate oncological surgery was performed.