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Chapman WC, Hunt SR, Henke LE. Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer: How Much is Enough? Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2024; 37:207-215. [PMID: 38882937 PMCID: PMC11178390 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Though resection has been the mainstay of treatment for nonmetastatic rectal cancer over the past century, radiation has become an increasingly integral component of care for locally advanced disease. Today, two predominant radiotherapy approaches-hyperfractionated chemoradiotherapy and "short-course" radiation-are widely utilized to reduce local recurrence and, in some cases, cure disease. Both have been incorporated into total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) regimens and achieved excellent local control and superior complete response rates compared to chemoradiation alone. Additionally, initial results of "watch and wait" protocols utilizing either radiation modality have been promising. Yet, differences do exist; though short course is cheaper and more convenient for patients, recently published data may show superior complete response and local recurrence rates with chemoradiation. Ultimately, direct comparisons of short-course radiotherapy against chemoradiation within the TNT framework are needed to identify optimal radiation regimens in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C Chapman
- Department of Surgery, Section of Colon Rectal Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Steven R Hunt
- Department of Surgery, Section of Colon Rectal Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lauren E Henke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio
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Smith HG, Nilsson PJ, Shogan BD, Harji D, Gambacorta MA, Romano A, Brandl A, Qvortrup C. Neoadjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer: comprehensive review. BJS Open 2024; 8:zrae038. [PMID: 38747103 PMCID: PMC11094476 DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant therapy has an established role in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. However, its role continues to evolve due to both advances in the available treatment modalities, and refinements in the indications for neoadjuvant treatment and subsequent surgery. METHODS A narrative review of the most recent relevant literature was conducted. RESULTS Short-course radiotherapy and long-course chemoradiotherapy have an established role in improving local but not systemic disease control in patients with rectal cancer. Total neoadjuvant therapy offers advantages over short-course radiotherapy and long-course chemoradiotherapy, not only in terms of increased local response but also in reducing the risk of systemic relapses. Non-operative management is increasingly preferred to surgery in patients with rectal cancer and clinical complete responses but is still associated with some negative impacts on functional outcomes. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be of some benefit in patients with locally advanced colon cancer with proficient mismatch repair, although patient selection is a major challenge. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with deficient mismatch repair cancers in the colon or rectum is altering the treatment paradigm for these patients. CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant treatments for patients with colon or rectal cancers continue to evolve, increasing the complexity of decision-making for patients and clinicians alike. This review describes the current guidance and most recent developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry G Smith
- Abdominalcenter K, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per J Nilsson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Dept. of Pelvic Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benjamin D Shogan
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Deena Harji
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Maria Antonietta Gambacorta
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologiche, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Romano
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andreas Brandl
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Camilla Qvortrup
- Department of Oncology, Rigshospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Liu IC, Gearhart S, Ke S, Hu C, Chung H, Efron J, Gabre-Kidan A, Najjar P, Atallah C, Safar B, Christenson ES, Azad NS, Lee V, Zaheer A, Birkness-Gartman JE, Reddy AV, Narang AK, Meyer J. Surgical and local control outcomes after sequential short-course radiation therapy and chemotherapy for rectal cancer. Surg Open Sci 2024; 18:42-49. [PMID: 38318322 PMCID: PMC10838936 DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is an accepted approach for the management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and is associated with a decreased risk of development of metastatic disease compared to standard neoadjuvant therapy. However, questions remain regarding surgical outcomes and local control in patients who proceed to surgery, particularly when radiation is given first in the neoadjuvant sequence. We report on our institution's experience with patients who underwent short-course radiation therapy, consolidation chemotherapy, and surgery. Methods We retrospectively reviewed surgical specimen outcomes, postoperative complications, and local/pelvic control in a large cohort of patients with LARC who underwent neoadjuvant therapy incorporating upfront short-course radiation therapy followed by consolidation chemotherapy. Results In our cohort of 83 patients who proceeded to surgery, a complete/near-complete mesorectal specimen was achieved in 90 % of patients. This outcome was not associated with the time interval from completion of radiation to surgery. Postoperative complications were acceptably low. Local control at two years was 93.4 % for all patients- 97.6 % for those with low-risk disease and 90.4 % for high-risk disease. Conclusion Upfront short-course radiation therapy and consolidation chemotherapy is an effective treatment course. Extended interval from completion of short-course radiation therapy did not impact surgical specimen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Chia Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susan Gearhart
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Research Unit, Ravitch Division of Colorectal Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Suqi Ke
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chen Hu
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haniee Chung
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Research Unit, Ravitch Division of Colorectal Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Efron
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Research Unit, Ravitch Division of Colorectal Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alodia Gabre-Kidan
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Research Unit, Ravitch Division of Colorectal Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter Najjar
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Research Unit, Ravitch Division of Colorectal Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chady Atallah
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bashar Safar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric S. Christenson
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nilofer S. Azad
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Valerie Lee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Atif Zaheer
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Abhinav V. Reddy
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amol K. Narang
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Meyer
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Rooney MK, De B, Corrigan K, Smith GL, Taniguchi C, Minsky BD, Ludmir EB, Koay EJ, Das P, Koong AC, Peacock O, Chang G, You YN, Morris VK, Nogueras-González G, Holliday EB. Patient-reported Bowel Function and Bowel-related Quality of Life After Pelvic Radiation for Rectal Adenocarcinoma: The Impact of Radiation Fractionation and Surgical Resection. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2023; 22:211-221. [PMID: 36878805 PMCID: PMC10213111 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multimodality treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) can include long-course radiotherapy (LCRT) or short course radiotherapy (SCRT). Nonoperative management is increasingly pursued for those achieving a complete clinical response. Data regarding long-term function and quality-of-life (QOL) are limited. METHODS Patients with LARC treated with radiotherapy from 2016 to 2020 completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- General (FACT-G7), the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS) and the Fecal Incontinence QOL Scale (FIQOL). Univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses identified associations between clinical variables including radiation fractionation and the use of surgery versus non-operative management. RESULTS Of 204 patients surveyed, 124 (60.8%) responded. Median (interquartile range) time from radiation to survey completion was 30.1 (18.3-43) months. Seventy-nine (63.7%) respondents received LCRT, and 45 (36.3%) received SCRT; 101 (81.5%) respondents underwent surgery, and 23 (18.5%) pursued nonoperative management. There were no differences in LARS, FIQoL or FACT-G7 between patients receiving LCRT versus SCRT. On multivariable analysis, only nonoperative management was associated with lower LARS score signifying less bowel dysfunction. Nonoperative management and female sex were associated with a higher FIQoL score signifying less disruption and distress from fecal incontinence issues. Finally, lower BMI at the time of radiation, female sex, and higher FIQoL score were associated with higher FACT-G7 scores signifying better overall QOL. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest long-term patient-reported bowel function and QOL may be similar for individuals receiving SCRT and LCRT for the treatment of LARC, but nonoperative management may lead to improved bowel function and QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Rooney
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Brian De
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kelsey Corrigan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Grace L Smith
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Cullen Taniguchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Bruce D Minsky
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ethan B Ludmir
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Eugene J Koay
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Prajnan Das
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Albert C Koong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Oliver Peacock
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - George Chang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Y Nancy You
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | - Emma B Holliday
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
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