Long-term results of a phase II trial of high-dose radiotherapy (60 Gy) and UFT/l-leucovorin in patients with non-resectable locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC)

Planning target volume margin assessment for online adaptive MR-guided dose-escalation in rectal cancer on a 1.5 T MR-Linac

PURPOSE

This study assessed the margins needed to cover tumor intrafraction motion during an MR-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) dose-escalation strategy in intermediate risk rectal cancer.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with rectal cancer were treated with neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy, 5x5 Gy, according to an online adaptive workflow on a 1.5 T MR-linac. Per patient, 26 3D T2 weighted MRIs were made; one reference scan preceding treatment and five scans per treatment fraction. The primary tumor was delineated on each scan as gross tumor volume (GTV). Target coverage margins were assessed by isotropically expanding the reference GTV until more than 95% of the voxels of the sequential GTVs were covered. A margin with a coverage probability threshold of 90% was defined as adequate. Intra- and interfraction margins to cope with the movement of the GTV in the period between scans were calculated to indicate the target volume margins. Furthermore, the margin needed to cover GTV movement was calculated for different time intervals.

RESULTS

The required margins to cover inter- and intrafraction GTV motion were 17 mm and 6 mm, respectively. Analysis based on time intervals between scans showed smaller margins were needed for adequate GTV coverage as time intervals became shorter, with a 4 mm margin required for a procedure of 15 min or less.

CONCLUSION

The shorter the treatment time, the smaller the margins needed to cover for the GTV movement during an online adaptive MRgRT dose-escalation strategy for intermediate risk rectal cancer. When time intervals between replanning and the end of dose delivery could be reduced to 15 min, a 4 mm margin would allow adequate target coverage.

Recent advances in (chemo-)radiation therapy for rectal cancer: a comprehensive review

The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of (colo)-rectal cancer has changed dramatically over the past decades. Introduced with the aim of reducing the high rates of local recurrences after conventional surgery, major developments in imaging, surgical technique, systemic therapy and radiation delivery have now created a much more complex environment leading to a more personalized approach. Functional aspects including reduction of acute or late treatment-related side effects, sphincter or even organ-preservation and the unsolved problem of still high distant failure rates have become more important while local recurrence rates can be kept low in the vast majority of patients. This review summarizes the actual role of radiation therapy in different subgroups of patients with rectal cancer, including the current standard approach in different subgroups as well as recent developments focusing on neoadjuvant treatment intensification and/or non-operative treatment approaches aiming at organ-preservation.

Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy Dose Escalation in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Modern Treatment Approaches and Outcomes

AIMS

Improving pathological complete response (pCR) rates after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer may facilitate surgery-sparing treatment paradigms. Radiotherapy boost has been linked to higher rates of pCR; however, outcomes in moderately escalated inverse-planning studies have not been systematically evaluated. We therefore carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of radiation dose-escalation studies in the context of neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for synonyms of 'rectal cancer', 'radiotherapy' and 'boost' was carried out. Studies were screened for radiotherapy prescription >54 Gy. Prespecified quality assessment was carried out for meta-analysis inclusion suitability. Pooled estimates of pCR, acute toxicity (grade ≥3) and R0 resection rates were determined with random-effects restricted maximum-likelihood estimation. Heterogeneity was assessed with Higgins I² and Cochran Q statistic. Subset analysis examined outcomes in modern inverse-planning studies. Meta-regression with permutation correction was carried out for each outcome against radiation dose, radiotherapy technique, boost technique, chemotherapy intensification and other patient- and treatment-related cofactors.

RESULTS

Forty-nine primary and three follow-up publications were included in the systematic review. Pooled estimates of pCR, toxicity and R0 resection across 37 eligible publications (n = 1817 patients) were 24.1% (95% confidence interval 21.2-27.4%), 11.2% (95% confidence interval 7.2-17.0%) and 90.7% (95% confidence interval 87.9-93.8%). Within inverse-planning studies (17 publications, n = 959 patients), these rates were 25.7% (95% confidence interval 21.0-31.1%), 9.8% (95% confidence interval 4.6-19.7%) and 95.3% (95% confidence interval 91.6-97.4%). Regression analysis did not identify any significant predictor of pCR (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy dose escalation above 54 Gy is associated with high rates of pCR and does not seem to increase the risk of acute grade ≥3 toxicity events. pCR rates approaching 25% may be achievable utilising moderate escalation (54-60 Gy) with modern inverse-planning techniques; however, a clear dose-response relationship was not identified in regression analysis and additional evidence is awaited given the prevalence of heterogenous single-arm studies to date.

Feasibility of Gold Fiducial Markers as a Surrogate for Gross Tumor Volume Position in Image-Guided Radiation Therapy of Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of fiducial markers as a surrogate for gross tumor volume (GTV) position in image-guided radiation therapy of rectal cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We analyzed 35 fiducials in 19 patients with rectal cancer who received short-course radiation therapy or long-course chemoradiation therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed before and after the first week of radiation therapy, and daily pre- and postirradiation cone beam computed tomography scans were acquired in the first week of radiation therapy. Between the 2 magnetic resonance imaging examinations, the fiducial displacement relative to the center of gravity of the GTV (COG_GTV) and the COG_GTV displacement relative to bony anatomy were determined. Using the cone beam computed tomography scans, inter- and intrafraction fiducial displacement relative to bony anatomy were determined.

RESULTS

The systematic error of the fiducial displacement relative to the COG_GTV was 2.8, 2.4, and 4.2 mm in the left-right, anterior-posterior (AP), and craniocaudal (CC) directions, respectively. Large interfraction systematic errors of up to 8.0 mm and random errors up to 4.7 mm were found for COG_GTV and fiducial displacements relative to bony anatomy, mostly in the AP and CC directions. For tumors located in the mid and upper rectum, these errors were up to 9.4 mm (systematic) and 5.6 mm (random) compared with 4.9 mm and 2.9 mm for tumors in the lower rectum. Systematic and random errors of the intrafraction fiducial displacement relative to bony anatomy were ≤2.1 mm in all directions.

CONCLUSIONS

Large interfraction errors of the COG_GTV and the fiducials relative to bony anatomy were found. Therefore, despite the observed fiducial displacement relative to the COG_GTV, the use of fiducials as a surrogate for GTV position reduces the required margins in the AP and CC directions for a GTV boost using image-guided radiation therapy of rectal cancer. This reduction in margin may be larger in patients with tumors located in the mid and upper rectum compared with the lower rectum.

MRI-based tumor inter-fraction motion statistics for rectal cancer boost radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

In patients diagnosed with rectal cancer, dose escalation is currently being investigated in a large number of studies. Since there is little known on gross tumor volume (GTV) inter-fraction motion for rectal cancer, a wide variety in margins is used. Purpose of this study is to quantify GTV inter-fraction motion statistics on different timescales and to give estimates of planning target volume (PTV) margins.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients, diagnosed with rectal cancer, were included. To investigate motion from week-to-week, 16 patients underwent a pretreatment and five weekly MRIs, prior to a radiotherapy (RT) fraction of the chemoradiotherapy treatment. To investigate motion from day-to-day, the remaining 16 patients underwent five daily MRIs before each fraction in one week of RT. GTV was delineated on all scans according to guidelines. Scans were aligned on bony anatomy with the first MRI. For both datasets separately, GTV inter-fraction motion was determined based on center-of-gravity displacement. Therefrom, systematic and random errors were determined in left/right (LR), anterior/posterior and cranial/caudal (CC) direction. PTV margin estimates were calculated and evaluated on GTV coverage.

RESULTS

Systematic and random errors were found in the range of 2.3-4.8 mm and 1.5-3.3 mm from week-to-week, and 1.8-4.5 mm and 1.8-4.0 mm from day-to-day, respectively. On both timescales, similar motion patterns were found; the most motion was observed in CC whilst the least motion was observed in LR. On the week-to-week data more systematic and less random motion was observed compared to the day-to-day data. Overall, only slight differences in margin estimates were found. Derived PTV margin estimates were found to give adequate GTV coverage.

CONCLUSION

GTV inter-fraction motion, on a week-to-week and day-to-day timescale, can be accounted for using motion statistics presented in this study.

Potential Role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of XRCC1, XRCC3, and RAD51 in Predicting Acute Toxicity in Rectal Cancer Patients Treated With Preoperative Radiochemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between polymorphisms of DNA repair genes and xenobiotic with acute adverse effects in locally advanced rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients were analyzed for the current study. Genotypes in DNA repair genes XRCC1 (G28152A), XRCC3 (A4541G), XRCC3 (C18067T), RAD51 (G315C), and GSTP1 (A313G) were determined by pyrosequencing technology.

RESULTS

The observed grade ≥3 acute toxicity rates were 23.8%. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were interrupted for 46 and 14 days, respectively, due to critical complications. Four patients were hospitalized, 6 patients had been admitted to the ER, and 5 patients received invasive procedures (2 bladder catheters, 2 blood transfusions, and 1 growth factor therapy).RAD51 correlated with acute severe gastrointestinal toxicity in heterozygosity (Aa) and homozygosity (AA) (P=0.036). Grade ≥3 abdominal/pelvis pain toxicity was higher in the Aa group (P=0.017) and in the Aa+AA group (P=0.027) compared with homozygous (aa) patients. Acute skin toxicity of any grade occurred in 55.6% of the mutated patients versus 22.8% in the wild-type group (P=0.04) for RAD51. XRCC1 correlated with skin toxicity of any grade in the Aa+AA group (P=0.03) and in the Aa group alone (P=0.044). Grade ≥3 urinary frequency/urgency was significantly higher in patients with AA (P=0.01), Aa (P=0.022), and Aa+AA (P=0.031) for XRCC3 compared with aa group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that RAD51, XRCC1, and XRCC3 polymorphisms may be predictive factors for radiation-induced acute toxicity in rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative combined therapy.

Phase 2 Neoadjuvant Treatment Intensification Trials in Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Multiple phase 2 trials of neoadjuvant treatment intensification in locally advanced rectal cancer have reported promising efficacy signals, but these have not translated into improved cancer outcomes in phase 3 trials. Improvements in phase 2 trial design are needed to reduce these false-positive signals. This systematic review evaluated the design of phase 2 trials of neoadjuvant long-course radiation or chemoradiation therapy treatment intensification in locally advanced rectal cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for published phase 2 trials of neoadjuvant treatment intensification from 2004 to 2016. Trial clinical design and outcomes were assessed, with statistical design and compliance rated using a previously published system. Multivariable meta-regression analysis of pathologic complete response (pCR) was conducted.

RESULTS

We identified 92 eligible trials. Patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage II and III equivalent disease were eligible in 87 trials (94.6%). In 43 trials (46.7%), local staging on magnetic resonance imaging was mandated. Only 12 trials (13.0%) were randomized, with 8 having a standard-treatment control arm. Just 51 trials (55.4%) described their statistical design, with 21 trials (22.8%) failing to report their sample size derivation. Most trials (n=84, 91.3%) defined a primary endpoint, but 15 different primary endpoints were used. All trials reported pCR rates. Only 38 trials (41.3%) adequately reported trial statistical design and compliance. Meta-analysis revealed a pooled pCR rate of 17.5% (95% confidence interval, 15.7%-19.4%) across treatment arms of neoadjuvant long-course radiation or chemoradiation therapy treatment intensification and substantial heterogeneity among the reported effect sizes (I² = 55.3%, P<.001). Multivariable meta-regression analysis suggested increased pCR rates with higher radiation therapy doses (adjusted P=.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement in the design of future phase 2 rectal cancer trials is urgently required. A significant increase in randomized trials is essential to overcome selection bias and determine novel schedules suitable for phase 3 testing. This systematic review provides key recommendations to guide future treatment intensification trial design in rectal cancer.

Systemic Chemotherapy as Salvage Treatment for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients Who Fail to Respond to Standard Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The potential of chemotherapy as salvage treatment after failure of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has never been explored. We conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis to address this question.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed LARC who were inoperable or candidates for extensive (i.e., beyond total mesorectal excision [TME]) surgery after long-course chemoradiotherapy and who received salvage chemotherapy were included. The primary objective was to estimate the proportion of patients who became suitable for TME after chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were eligible (39 candidates for extensive surgery and 6 unresectable). Previous radiotherapy was given concurrently with chemotherapy in 43 cases (median dose: 54.0 Gy). Oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based salvage chemotherapy was administered in 40 (88.9%) and 5 (11.1%) cases, respectively. Eight patients (17.8%) became suitable for TME after chemotherapy, 10 (22.2%) ultimately underwent TME with clear margins, and 2 (4.4%) were managed with a watch and wait approach. Additionally, 13 patients had extensive surgery with curative intent. Three-year progression-free survival and 5-year overall survival in the entire population were 30.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.0-46.0) and 44.0% (95% CI: 26.0-61.0), respectively. For the curatively resected and "watch and wait" patients, these figures were 52.0% (95% CI: 27.0-73.0) and 67.0% (95% CI: 40.0-84.0), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Systemic chemotherapy may be an effective salvage strategy for LARC patients who fail to respond to chemoradiotherapy and are inoperable or candidates for beyond TME surgery. According to our study, one out of five patients may become resectable or be spared from an extensive surgery after systemic chemotherapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

High-quality evidence to inform the optimal management of rectal cancer patients who are inoperable or candidates for beyond total mesorectal excision surgery following standard chemoradiotherapy is lacking. We show for the first time that systemic chemotherapy may be beneficial and result in one out of five poor prognosis patients becoming resectable or being spared from an extensive surgical approach. Although mores studies are needed to confirm these data, administering salvage systemic chemotherapy in this setting may have the potential to minimize morbidity associated with extensive surgical procedures and improve long-term oncological outcome.

Impact of radiotherapy boost on pathological complete response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the pathological complete response (pCR) rate after preoperative (chemo)radiation with doses of ⩾60Gy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Complete response is relevant since this could select a proportion of patients for which organ-preserving strategies might be possible. Furthermore, we investigated correlations between EQD2 dose and pCR-rate, toxicity or resectability, and additionally between pCR-rate and chemotherapy, boost-approach or surgical-interval.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane libraries were searched with the terms 'radiotherapy', 'boost' and 'rectal cancer' and synonym terms. Studies delivering a preoperative dose of ⩾60 Gy were eligible for inclusion. Original English full texts that allowed intention-to-treat pCR-rate calculation were included. Study variables, including pCR, acute grade ⩾3 toxicity and resectability-rate, were extracted by two authors independently. Eligibility for meta-analysis was assessed by critical appraisal. Heterogeneity and pooled estimates were calculated for all three outcomes. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between the variables mentioned earlier.

RESULTS

The search identified 3377 original articles, of which 18 met our inclusion criteria (1106 patients). Fourteen studies were included for meta-analysis (487 patients treated with ⩾60 Gy). pCR-rate ranged between 0.0% and 44.4%. Toxicity ranged between 1.3% and 43.8% and resectability-rate between 34.0% and 100%. Pooled pCR-rate was 20.4% (95% CI 16.8-24.5%), with low heterogeneity (I2 0.0%, 95% CI 0.00-84.0%). Pooled acute grade ⩾3 toxicity was 10.3% (95% CI 5.4-18.6%) and pooled resectability-rate was 89.5% (95% CI 78.2-95.3%).

CONCLUSION

Dose escalation above 60 Gy for locally advanced rectal cancer results in high pCR-rates and acceptable early toxicity. This observation needs to be further investigated within larger randomized controlled phase 3 trials in the future.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation with concomitant boost radiotherapy associated to capecitabine in rectal cancer patients

PURPOSE

The primary end-points were complete pathological response and local control. Secondary end-points were survivals, anal sphincter preservation, and toxicity profile.

METHODS

Patients with T3/T4 and or N+ rectal cancer (n = 65) were treated with preoperative concomitant boost radiotherapy (55 Gy/25 fractions) associated to concurrent chemotherapy with oral capecitabine.

RESULTS

All patients completed the programmed treatment. The complete pathological response was achieved by 17 % of the patients. Anal sphincter preservation surgery was possible for 86 % of the patients with low rectal cancer (≤ 5 cm from the anal verge). The T-stage and N-stage downstaging were achieved by 40 and 58 % of the patients, respectively. Circumferential radial margin was involved (close/positive) in eight patients. After a median follow-up of 26 months, local and distant recurrence occurred in two and 11 patients, respectively. The 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 86.8 and 81 %, respectively. Non-hematological ≥ grade 3 toxicities were observed in 15 % of the patients. On univariate analysis N-downstaging and positive circumferential radial margin were significantly associated with worse overall survival (p = 0.003 and p = 0.023, respectively), disease-free survival (p = 0.001 and p = 0.036, respectively), and metastasis-free survival (MFS) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.038, respectively).On multivariate analysis, the N-downstaging were significantly associated with better overall survival (OS) (p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data support the efficacy of preoperative treatment for rectal cancer in terms of local outcomes. Radiation treatment intensification may have a biological rationale; longer follow-up is needed.

Consensus statement on the multidisciplinary management of patients with recurrent and primary rectal cancer beyond total mesorectal excision planes

BACKGROUND

The management of primary rectal cancer beyond total mesorectal excision planes (PRC-bTME) and recurrent rectal cancer (RRC) is challenging. There is global variation in standards and no guidelines exist. To achieve cure most patients require extended, multivisceral, exenterative surgery, beyond conventional total mesorectal excision planes. The aim of the Beyond TME Group was to achieve consensus on the definitions and principles of management, and to identify areas of research priority.

METHODS

Delphi methodology was used to achieve consensus. The Group consisted of invited experts from surgery, radiology, oncology and pathology. The process included two international dedicated discussion conferences, formal feedback, three rounds of editing and two rounds of anonymized web-based voting. Consensus was achieved with more than 80 per cent agreement; less than 80 per cent agreement indicated low consensus. During conferences held in September 2011 and March 2012, open discussion took place on areas in which there is a low level of consensus.

RESULTS

The final consensus document included 51 voted statements, making recommendations on ten key areas of PRC-bTME and RRC. Consensus agreement was achieved on the recommendations of 49 statements, with 34 achieving consensus in over 95 per cent. The lowest level of consensus obtained was 76 per cent. There was clear identification of the need for referral to a specialist multidisciplinary team for diagnosis, assessment and further management.

CONCLUSION

The consensus process has provided guidance for the management of patients with PRC-bTME or RRC, taking into account global variations in surgical techniques and technology. It has further identified areas of research priority.

ESMO Consensus Guidelines for management of patients with colon and rectal cancer. a personalized approach to clinical decision making

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common tumour type in both sexes combined in Western countries. Although screening programmes including the implementation of faecal occult blood test and colonoscopy might be able to reduce mortality by removing precursor lesions and by making diagnosis at an earlier stage, the burden of disease and mortality is still high. Improvement of diagnostic and treatment options increased staging accuracy, functional outcome for early stages as well as survival. Although high quality surgery is still the mainstay of curative treatment, the management of CRC must be a multi-modal approach performed by an experienced multi-disciplinary expert team. Optimal choice of the individual treatment modality according to disease localization and extent, tumour biology and patient factors is able to maintain quality of life, enables long-term survival and even cure in selected patients by a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Treatment decisions must be based on the available evidence, which has been the basis for this consensus conference-based guideline delivering a clear proposal for diagnostic and treatment measures in each stage of rectal and colon cancer and the individual clinical situations. This ESMO guideline is recommended to be used as the basis for treatment and management decisions.

High-dose radiotherapy (60 Gy) with oral UFT/folinic acid and escalating doses of oxaliplatin in patients with non-resectable locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC): a phase I trial

BACKGROUND

Consensus is that patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) should receive long-term chemoradiotherapy (CRT) before surgery. With the intent to offer the patients intensified concomitant chemotherapy (CT) to improve outcome and to assess tolerability and toxicity of oxaliplatin (Ox) a phase I trial of high dose pelvic radiotherapy (RT), fixed dose of oral UFT/l-leucovorin and increasing doses of weekly Ox were performed.

METHODS

Pelvic RT with 48.6 Gy/27 fractions was given to the primary tumour and the regional lymph nodes and a concurrent boost of 5.4 Gy/27 fractions with a final boost of 6 Gy/3 fractions was given to the gross tumour volume (GTV) (60 Gy/30 fractions). Concurrent with RT patients received a daily dose of UFT 300 mg/m(2) plus fixed dose l-leucovorin 22.5 mg 5/7 days and increasing weekly doses of Ox with 10 mg/m(2)/week from a start dose of 30 mg/m(2)/week to a maximum of 60 mg/m(2)/week. In addition, before and after CRT the patients received one course of TEGAFOX (UFT 300 mg/m(2) with l/leucovorin 22.5 mg Days 1-14 and Ox 130 mg/m(2) given on Day 1). Surgery was planned at least six weeks after the completion of the CRT.

RESULTS

From May 2005 to March 2009, 18 patients with LARC (16 primary, two recurrent) were included in this phase I trial. Toxicity was low with only 5-17% grade 3-4 toxicity. Fifteen patients (83%) were operated (14 R0 resection and 1 R1 resection) after completion of CRT. Five (33%) patients had a pathological complete response (ypCR). When ypCR was combined with yp few residual cells, the rate was 60%. Thirteen patients are still alive December 2011.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative high-dose RT and concomitant UFT with increasing doses of Ox up to 60 mg/m(2)/week was feasible with low toxicity, high ypCR rates and promising OS in patients with non-resectable LARC.

Phase II study of preoperative radiation plus concurrent daily tegafur-uracil (UFT) with leucovorin for locally advanced rectal cancer

Background

Considerable variation in intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) metabolism can occur due to the wide range of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme activity, which can affect both tolerability and efficacy. The oral fluoropyrimidine tegafur-uracil (UFT) is an effective, well-tolerated and convenient alternative to intravenous 5-FU. We undertook this study in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of UFT with leucovorin (LV) and preoperative radiotherapy and to evaluate the utility and limitations of multicenter staging using pre- and post-chemoradiotherapy ultrasound. We also performed a validated pretherapy assessment of DPD activity and assessed its potential influence on the tolerability of UFT treatment.

Methods

This phase II study assessed preoperative UFT with LV and radiotherapy in 85 patients with locally advanced T3 rectal cancer. Patients with potentially resectable tumors received UFT (300 mg/m/²/day), LV (75 mg/day), and pelvic radiotherapy (1.8 Gy/day, 45 Gy total) 5 days/week for 5 weeks then surgery 4-6 weeks later. The primary endpoints included tumor downstaging and the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate.

Results

Most adverse events were mild to moderate in nature. Preoperative grade 3/4 adverse events included diarrhea (n = 18, 21%) and nausea/vomiting (n = 5, 6%). Two patients heterozygous for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene (DPYD) experienced early grade 4 neutropenia (variant IVS14+1G > A) and diarrhea (variant 2846A > T). Pretreatment ultrasound TNM staging was compared with postchemoradiotherapy pathology TN staging and a significant shift towards earlier TNM stages was observed (p < 0.001). The overall downstaging rate was 42% for primary tumors and 44% for lymph nodes. The pCR rate was 8%. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for staging was poor. Anal sphincter function was preserved in 55 patients (65%). Overall and recurrence-free survival at 3 years was 86.1% and 66.7%, respectively. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 36 node-positive patients (mean duration 118 days).

Conclusion

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy using UFT with LV plus radiotherapy was well tolerated and effective and represents a convenient alternative to 5-FU-based chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of resectable rectal cancer. Pretreatment detection of DPD deficiency should be performed to avoid severe adverse events.

Outcome standards for an organ preservation strategy in stage II and III rectal adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant chemoradiation

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is the standard of care for patients with locally advanced mid and distal rectal cancer. Tumor regression is variable, and this study was designed to evaluate the pathological response and impact on long-term disease control in responders and nonresponders.

METHODS

A total of 303 consecutive patients with cStage II and III mid and distal rectal adenocarcinoma were identified. The mean age was 64 years and 63% were men. Patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (45 Gy) with a continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil. Total mesorectal excision (TME) was performed after an interval of 6-8 weeks. Tumors were stratified as responders (ypT0 or ypT1) and nonresponders (≥ypT3). All ypT2 were separately categorized.

RESULTS

Tumors of 84 patients were classified as responders (27.5%) versus nonresponders in 144 patients (47.5%). Pathological tumor stage was ypT2 in 75 patients (25%). After a median follow-up of 55 months, the 5-year cancer-specific survival rate was 98% and the disease-free survival rate was 91% in responders versus 82% (P < 0.0025) and 60% (P < 0.0001), respectively, for the nonresponders.

CONCLUSIONS

After neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and TME surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer and complete or near-complete pathological tumor response oncological outcome is very good. These results set the standards for a rectum-sparing strategy.

Long-term results of concurrent radiotherapy and UFT in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Definition and treatment options for locally advanced non-resectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC) vary. Treatment options range from palliative chemotherapy to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Several studies have shown that a number of patients become resectable after complementary treatment prior to surgery.

METHODS

From 2001 to 2005, 63 consecutive patients with unresectable LAPC received CRT. CRT was given at a dose of 50 Gy/27 fractions, combined with UFT (300 mg/m(2)/day) and folinic acid. Re-evaluation of resectability was planned 4-6 weeks after completion of CRT.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients completed all 27 treatment fractions. Toxicity was generally mild, with 18 patients experiencing CTCAE grade 3 or worse acute reactions. One patient died following a treatment-related infection. Two patients developed grade 4 upper GI bleeding. Median survival was 10.6 (8-13) months. Eleven patients underwent resection, leading to a resection rate of 17%, and a median survival of 46 (23-nr) months. All 11 patients had a R0 resection. Median survival for the patients not resected was 8.8 (8-12) months.

CONCLUSION

CRT with 50 Gy combined with UFT, is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for patients with LAPC. R0 resection was possible in 17% leading to a long median survival of 46 months in resected patients.

Pre-operative chemoradiotherapy with UFT and Leucovorin in patients with advanced rectal cancer: a phase II study

PURPOSE

The aim this study was to determine the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate defined as tumor regression grade 1 (TRG1) and toxicity profile of the combination of high-dose pre-operative radiotherapy and simultaneous UFT/leucovorin (LV) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eligibility included biopsy proven rectal adenocarcinoma; T3-T4 N0-N2; performance status < 2 (ECOG) and adequate blood, hepatic and renal function. Treatment consisted of radiotherapy 54 Gy at 1.8 Gy/day and UFT 300 mg/m(2)/day and LV 60 mg/day, given simultaneously daily for 6 weeks. Surgery was performed within 4-6 weeks period after chemoradiotherapy. Patients who did not achieve TGR1 were to receive 4 cycles of adjuvant UFT/LV on days 1-28, every 5 weeks.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients were included. All but one received full dose of radiation and 62 had the total planned pre-operative UFT/LV dose. Grade 3 toxicities were diarrhea 7% and proctitis 3%. Complete resection was achieved in 62 patients (91%). Tumor regression grade 1 (TRG1) was seen in 11 patients (16%). Forty-eight patients received adjuvant UFT/LV. Grade 3 toxicity during adjuvant UFT/LV included diarrhea 12%, asthenia 4%, neutropenia 2%, and hand-foot syndrome 2%. The 3-year disease-free survival was 71%.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous high-dose pre-operative localized radiation therapy concurrent with UFT/LV is feasible and has a low toxicity profile. This schedule is highly effective and merits further investigation.