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Braicu V, Fulger L, Nelluri A, Maganti RK, Shetty USA, Verdes G, Brebu D, Dumitru C, Toma AO, Rosca O, Duta C. Three-Year Analysis of the Rectal Cancer Care Trajectory after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Diseases 2023; 11:181. [PMID: 38131987 PMCID: PMC10742543 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11040181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The global pandemic period from 2020 to 2022 caused important alterations in oncology care. This study aimed to describe the trends and variations in patient characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment approaches during this time in Romania. We conducted a retrospective database search to identify patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgical intervention between 2020 and 2022 and the year 2019, which served as a pre-pandemic period control. This study included 164 patients, with a yearly increase of approximately 10% in surgical interventions noted from 2020 (1709 interventions) to 2022 (2118 interventions), but an overall 34.4% decrease compared with the pre-pandemic period. Notable shifts were observed in the type of surgeries performed, with laparoscopic procedures doubling from 2020 (25%) to 2022 (47.5%), confirming the decrease in emergency presentations during the last year of the COVID-19 pandemic and a recovery to normality with planned, elective interventions. Elective interventions increased significantly in 2022 (79.7%) compared with the previous years (p = 0.043), with a concurrent rise in neoadjuvant therapy uptake in 2022 (35.6%). However, significant alterations in the TNM staging, from 12.5% stage IV cases in 2020 to 25.4% in 2022 (p = 0.039), indicated an increased diagnosis of advanced stages of rectal cancer as the years progressed. There was a significant difference in albumin levels over the years (p = 0.019) and in the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores (from 6.2% ASA stage IV in 2020 to 16.9% in 2022), denoting an increase in case complexity (p = 0.043). This study reveals a trend of increasing surgical interventions and the prevalence of more advanced stages of rectal cancer during the pandemic years. Despite the subtle fluctuations in various patient characteristics and treatment approaches, notable shifts were documented in the severity at diagnosis and surgery types, pointing toward more advanced disease presentations and changes in surgical strategies over the period studied. Nevertheless, the trends in ICU admission rates and mortality did not alter significantly during the pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Braicu
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.B.); (C.D.)
- Department of General Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.F.); (G.V.); (D.B.)
| | - Lazar Fulger
- Department of General Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.F.); (G.V.); (D.B.)
| | - Aditya Nelluri
- School of General Medicine, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumakuru 572107, India;
| | - Ram Kiran Maganti
- School of General Medicine, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Kolar 563101, India;
| | | | - Gabriel Verdes
- Department of General Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.F.); (G.V.); (D.B.)
| | - Dan Brebu
- Department of General Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.F.); (G.V.); (D.B.)
| | - Catalin Dumitru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Ana-Olivia Toma
- Department of Dermatology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Rosca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ciprian Duta
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.B.); (C.D.)
- Department of General Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.F.); (G.V.); (D.B.)
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Boublikova L, Novakova A, Simsa J, Lohynska R. Total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer: the evidence and expectations. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 192:104196. [PMID: 37926376 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current management of locally advanced rectal cancer achieves high cure rates, distant metastatic spread being the main cause of patients' death. Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) employs (chemo)radiotherapy and combined chemotherapy prior to surgery to improve the treatment outcomes. TNT has been shown to reduce significantly distant metastases, increase disease-free survival by 5 - 10% in 3 years, and finally also overall survival (≈ 5% in 7 years). It proved to double the rate of pathologic complete responses, making it an attractive strategy for non-operative management to avoid permanent colostomy in patients with distal tumors. In addition, it endorses adherence to the therapy due to better tolerance and, potentially, shortens its overall duration. A number of questions related to TNT remain currently unresolved including the indications, preferred radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimens, their sequence, timing of surgery, and role of adjuvant therapy. A stratified approach may be the optimal way to go.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Boublikova
- Department of Oncology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic; CLIP - Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital in Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Alena Novakova
- Department of Oncology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaromir Simsa
- Department of Surgery, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Lohynska
- Department of Oncology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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Eng C, Jácome AA, Agarwal R, Hayat MH, Byndloss MX, Holowatyj AN, Bailey C, Lieu CH. A comprehensive framework for early-onset colorectal cancer research. Lancet Oncol 2022; 23:e116-e128. [PMID: 35090673 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00588-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sporadic colorectal cancer has traditionally been viewed as a malignancy of older individuals. However, as the global prevalence of the disease diagnosed in younger individuals (<50 years) is expected to increase within the next decade, greater recognition is now being given to early-onset colorectal cancer. The cause of the predicted rise in prevalence is largely unknown and probably multifactorial. In this Series paper, we discuss the potential underlying causes of early-onset colorectal cancer, the role of energy balance, biological and genomic mechanisms (including microbiome aspects), and the treatment of early-onset colorectal cancer. We have specifically considered the psychosocial challenges of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger age and the potential financial toxicity that might ensue. This Series paper brings a comprehensive review based on the existing data in the hopes of optimising the overall outcomes for patients with early-onset colorectal cancer.
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Kohl VKB, Weber K, Brunner M, Geppert CI, Fietkau R, Grützmann R, Semrau S, Merkel S. Factors influencing downstaging after neoadjuvant long-course chemoradiotherapy in rectal carcinoma. Int J Colorectal Dis 2022; 37:1355-1365. [PMID: 35545701 PMCID: PMC9167202 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-022-04174-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This single-centre cohort study was designed to identify factors that can predict primary tumour downstaging by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in rectal carcinoma. METHODS Prospectively collected data from 555 patients with clinical T category (cT) cT3-4 rectal carcinoma treated between 1995 and 2019 were retrospectively analysed. All patients received long-term neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery with curative intent at the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Germany. Patient-, tumour- and treatment-related factors with a potential impact on the downstaging of rectal carcinoma to pathological T category (pT) ≤ ypT2 and ypT0 were analysed in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The prognosis of patients with and without downstaging of the primary tumour was compared. RESULTS A total of 288 (51.9%) patients showed downstaging to ≤ ypT2. Eighty-six (15.5%) patients achieved clinical complete regression (ypT0). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the factors cT category, BMI, ECOG score, CEA, histological type, extension in the rectum and year of the start of treatment were found to be independent factors for predicting downstaging to ≤ ypT2 after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The year of treatment initiation also remained an independent significant predictor for pathological complete regression. The prognosis was superior in patients with downstaging to ≤ ypT2 in terms of locoregional and distant recurrence as well as disease-free and overall survival. CONCLUSION Factors predicting downstaging after long-term nCRT could be identified. This may be helpful for counselling patients and selecting the optimal treatment for patients with advanced rectal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie K. B. Kohl
- Department of Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany ,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Klaus Weber
- Department of Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany ,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Brunner
- Department of Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany ,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carol I. Geppert
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany ,Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany ,Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert Grützmann
- Department of Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany ,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sabine Semrau
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany ,Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Susanne Merkel
- Department of Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany ,Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany ,Department of Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Krankenhausstr. 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Kang S, Wilkinson KJ, Brungs D, Chua W, Ng W, Chen J, Nasser E, Lee M, Wong K, Bokey L, Winn R, Putnis S, Lee CS, Lim SHS. Rectal cancer treatment and outcomes in elderly patients treated with curative intent. Mol Clin Oncol 2021; 15:256. [PMID: 34712486 PMCID: PMC8548997 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2021.2418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The elderly population comprises a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer. However, there is a lack of evidence to guide treatment decisions in this group. Thus, this multicentre study compares the histopathology, treatment patterns and outcomes between the elderly and young populations with non-metastatic rectal cancer. The present study reported on the clinicopathological variables, treatment modalities and survival outcomes in 736 patients diagnosed with non-metastatic rectal cancer between 2006 and 2015. Patients were divided into the following two groups, <70 and ≥70 years of age, which were compared using Chi-square and survival outcome analysis using Kaplan-Meier. Elderly patients made up nearly half of the cohort and were less likely to undergo trimodality therapy or be discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting. Surgery in the elderly patients was associated with increased mortality. Elderly patients had worse cancer-specific survival (75 vs. 85%), which was particularly evident in stage III disease (hazard ratio, 2.1). Elderly patients in this subgroup treated with trimodality therapy had similar survival outcomes to younger patients. Elderly patients with locally advanced rectal cancer comprise a large proportion of the patient cohort. Consideration should be given for trimodality therapy in this group, taking into account biological age, especially in the context of increasing life expectancy and improvement in the management of age-related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharlyn Kang
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500, Australia
| | - Kate J Wilkinson
- Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales 2560, Australia.,Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - Daniel Brungs
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500, Australia
| | - Wei Chua
- Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales 2560, Australia.,Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia.,Medical Oncology Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - Weng Ng
- Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales 2560, Australia.,Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia.,Medical Oncology Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - James Chen
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500, Australia
| | - Elias Nasser
- Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500, Australia
| | - Mark Lee
- Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - Karen Wong
- Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia.,Medical Oncology Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - Les Bokey
- Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales 2560, Australia.,Medical Oncology Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, New South Wales 2170, Australia.,Colorectal Unit, Division of Surgery, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - Robert Winn
- Colorectal Unit, Division of Surgery, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500, Australia
| | - Soni Putnis
- Colorectal Unit, Division of Surgery, Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500, Australia
| | - Cheok Soon Lee
- Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales 2560, Australia.,Medical Oncology Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, New South Wales 2170, Australia.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - Stephanie Hui-Su Lim
- Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales 2560, Australia.,Medical Oncology Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, New South Wales 2170, Australia.,Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Campbelltown, New South Wales 2560, Australia
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