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Ke TW, Liao YM, Chang SC, Lin CH, Chen WTL, Liang JA, Chien CR. Re-evaluating the role of pelvic radiation in the age of modern precision medicine and systemic therapy. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:1-4. [PMID: 38292660 PMCID: PMC10823942 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of pelvic radiation in the management of locally advanced stage rectal cancer has come under scrutiny in the context of modern precision medicine and systemic therapy as evidenced by recent clinical trials such as FOWARC (J Clin Oncol 2019; 37: 3223-3233), NCT04165772 (N Engl J Med 2022; 386: 2363-2376), and PROSPECT (N Engl J Med 2023; 389: 322-334). In this review, we comprehensively assess these pivotal trials and offer additional insights into the evolving role of pelvic radiation in contemporary oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Wei Ke
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Min Liao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chi Chang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Che-Hung Lin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - William Tzu-Liang Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Hsinchu 30272, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ji-An Liang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ru Chien
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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Miura T, Morohashi H, Sakamoto Y, Kagiya T, Hasebe T, Nakayama Y, Fujita H, Hakamada K. Neoadjuvant S-1 and oxaliplatin plus bevacizumab therapy for high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer: A prospective multicenter phase II study. Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2024; 8:71-79. [PMID: 38250676 PMCID: PMC10797815 DOI: 10.1002/ags3.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Miura
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
| | - Hajime Morohashi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
| | - Yoshiyuki Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
| | - Takuji Kagiya
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
| | - Tatsuya Hasebe
- Department of SurgeryOdate Municipal General HospitalOdateJapan
| | | | - Hiromasa Fujita
- Department of RadiologyHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
| | - Kenichi Hakamada
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
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Rouanet P, Castan F, Mazard T, Lemanski C, Nougaret S, Deshayes E, Chalbos P, Gourgou S, Taoum C. GRECCAR 14 - a multicentric, randomized, phase II-III study evaluating the tailored management of locally advanced rectal carcinoma after a favourable response to induction chemotherapy: Study protocol. Colorectal Dis 2023; 25:2078-2086. [PMID: 37697712 DOI: 10.1111/codi.16740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM Total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) is becoming standard in patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma (LARC). Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has proven side effects on bowel and genitourinary function. An early tumoral response to induction chemotherapy demonstrates its high prognostic value. Tailored management could be used as an alternative to systematic CRT. The GRECCAR 14 trial will attempt to personalize treatment strategy according to the patient's early tumour response to intensive chemotherapy with the aim of achieving the best toxicity-efficiency ratio. METHOD GRECCAR 14 is a multicentric, randomized, two-arm, phase II-III noninferiority trial. Patients with mid or low LARC with a predictive circumferential resection margin ≤2 mm or T3c-d stage with extramural venous invasion will be included. Evaluation of the tumoral response will be performed after six courses of high-dose FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. Good responders (GRs) will be defined by a 60% decrease in tumoral volume on magnetic resonance imaging. Patients will be randomized to CRT before surgery. The primary endpoints will be R0 resection for phase II and the 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) for phase III. RESULTS Tailored management of LARC is becoming an exciting challenge for the modality of neoadjuvant treatment and for the type of surgery or its omission. Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX has established efficacy, with a significant increase in the 3-year DFS. Better control of systemic disease must be accompanied by the same locoregional control, with the lowest morbidity. Our previous GRECCAR 4 trial demonstrated the high value of the early tumoral response after induction chemotherapy and the long-term safety of tailored management for GRs. CONCLUSION If GRECCAR 14 demonstrates the ability to tailor TNT for LARC, this could lead to changes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Rouanet
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Castan
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
| | - Thibault Mazard
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Lemanski
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
| | | | - Emmanuel Deshayes
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Chalbos
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
| | - Sophie Gourgou
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Taoum
- Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
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Paroder V, Fraum TJ, Nougaret S, Petkovska I, Rauch GM, Kaur H. Key clinical trials in rectal cancer shaping the current treatment paradigms: reference guide for radiologists. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2023; 48:2825-2835. [PMID: 37221342 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-03931-z] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), which includes chemotherapy and radiation prior to surgical resection, has been recently accepted as the new standard of care for patients with locally advanced low and mid rectal cancers. Multiple clinical trials have evaluated this approach in the last several decades and demonstrated improvement in, local control and reduced risk of recurrence. In addition, in the course of these investigations, it has been shown that between a third and a half of patients experience a clinical complete response (cCR) after being treated with the TNT approach, leading to the development of new organ preservation protocol, now known as watch-and-wait (W&W). On this protocol, cCR patients are not referred for surgery after total neoadjuvant treatment. Instead, they remain on close surveillance and, thus, avoid potential complications associated with surgical resection. Multiple clinical trials are ongoing, investigating the long-term outcomes of these new approaches and the development of less toxic and more effective TNT regimens for LARC. Improvements in technology and rectal MRI protocols position radiologists as vital members of multidisciplinary rectal cancer management teams. Rectal MRI has become a critical tool for rectal cancer initial staging, treatment response assessment, and surveillance on W&W protocols. In this review, we summarize the findings of the pivotal clinical trials that contributed to establishing the current treatment paradigms in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) management, with the intention of helping radiologists play more effective roles in their multidisciplinary teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriya Paroder
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tyler J Fraum
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stephanie Nougaret
- Department of Radiology, Montpellier Cancer Institute (ICM), Montpellier, France
| | - Iva Petkovska
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gaiane M Rauch
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Harmeet Kaur
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Zhang W, Zhou H, Jiang J, Zhu Y, Zou S, Jiang L, Tang Y, Liang J, Sun Y, Jiang Z, Qu W, Li Y, Zhou A. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with modified FOLFOXIRI for locally advanced rectal cancer to transform effectively EMVI and MRF from positive to negative: results of a long-term single center phase 2 clinical trial. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:592. [PMID: 37370032 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11103-x] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remains the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This phase 2 clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant triplet chemotherapy with mFOLFOXIRI (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) in LARC. PATIENTS AND METHODS The patients with LARC (the lower edge more than 5 cm from the anal verge) received up to 5 cycles of mFOLFOXIRI. MRI was performed to assess the baseline and postchemotherapy TN stage. Radical resection was performed within 4-6 weeks from the last dose of chemotherapy if the tumor shrank or remained stable. Adjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 or XELOX was recommended. Postoperative radiation was planned for R1 resection, ypT4b, ypN2 and a positive CRM. The primary endpoint was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. RESULTS From February 2016 to March 2019, 50 patients were enrolled. Forty-eight (96%) were clinically node-positive, 28 (56.5%) with MRF invasion and 39 (78.4%) were EMVI positive. The median cycle of neoadjuvant mFOLFOXIRI chemotherapy was 5 (range,1-5). A total of 46/50 (92%) patients underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery, all with R0 resection. The pCR rate was 4.3% (2/46). Twenty-three of 46 (50%) patients with cN + achieved a pathological node-negative status. The proportions of pathologically positive CRM and EMVI were 2.2% and 34.7%, respectively. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given to 14/46 (30.4%) patients. The most common Grade 3 or > toxicities included neutrocytopenia (50%), leukopenia (14%) and diarrhea (12%) during the neoadjuvant chemotherapy period. Clinically meaningful postoperative complications included pneumonia (n = 1), pelvic infection (n = 1) and anastomotic fistula (n = 1). With a median follow-up time of 51.2 months, local recurrences and distant metastases were confirmed in 3 (6.5%) and 9 (19.6%) of cases, respectively. The 3-year disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS)rates were 75.8% and 86.8%. CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFOXIRI yielded a significant down-staging effect and seemed to be effective in eliminating EMVI and transforming the positive MRF to negative in LARC. The survival results are promising. The long-term follow-up showed promising DFS and OS rates accompanied by a favorable safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03443661, 23/02/2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17, Nanli, Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Haitao Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yuelu Zhu
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shuangmei Zou
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Liming Jiang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yuan Tang
- Department of Radiotherapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jianwei Liang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yongkun Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17, Nanli, Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhichao Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17, Nanli, Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wang Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17, Nanli, Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Aiping Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17, Nanli, Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Aschele C, Glynne-Jones R. Selecting a TNT Schedule in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Can We Predict Who Actually Benefits? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092567. [PMID: 37174033 PMCID: PMC10177050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many consider the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) to be preoperative chemoradiotherapy, radical surgery involving a total mesorectal excision, and post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy based on the pathology of the specimen. The poor impact on distant control is a major limitation of this strategy, with metastasis rates remaining in the 25-35% range and recovery after radical surgery leading to reluctance with prescription and inconsistent patient compliance with adjuvant chemotherapy. A second limitation is the low rate of pathologic complete response (pCR) (around 10-15%) despite multiple efforts to potentiate preoperative chemoradiation regimens, which in turn means it is less effective at achieving non-operative management (NOM). Total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) is a pragmatic approach to solving these problems by introducing systemic chemotherapy at an early timepoint. Enthusiasm for delivering TNT for patients with LARC is increasing in light of the results of published randomized phase III trials, which show a doubling of the pCR rate and a significant reduction in the risk of subsequent metastases. However, there has been no demonstrated improvement in quality of life or overall survival. A plethora of potential chemotherapy schedules are available around the radiotherapy component, which include preoperative induction or consolidation with a range of options (FOLFOXIRI, FOLFOX, or CAPEOX,) and a varying duration of 6-18 weeks, prior to long course chemoradiation (LCCRT) or consolidation NACT following short-course preoperative radiation therapy (SCPRT) using 5 × 5 Gy or LCCRT using 45-60 Gy, respectively. The need to maintain optimal local control is a further important factor, and preliminary data appear to indicate that the RT schedule remains a crucial issue, especially in more advanced tumors, i.e., mesorectal fascia (MRF) invasion. Thus, there is no consensus as to the optimum combination, sequence, or duration of TNT. The selection of patients most likely to benefit is challenging, as clear-cut criteria to individuate patients benefiting from TNT are lacking. In this narrative review, we examine if there are any necessary or sufficient criteria for the use of TNT. We explore potential selection for the individual and their concerns with a generalized use of this strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Aschele
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, Ospedale Sant'Andrea, Via Vittorio Veneto 197, 19121 La Spezia, Italy
| | - Robert Glynne-Jones
- Radiotherapy Department, Mount Vernon Centre for Cancer Treatment, Mount Vernon Hospital, Rickmansworth Rd., Northwood, London HA6 2RN, UK
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The Evolving Neoadjuvant Treatment Paradigm for Patients with Locoregional mismatch Repair Proficient Rectal Cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:453-473. [PMID: 35312962 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00961-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT The standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has included preoperative chemoradiation, total mesorectal excision surgery and post operative adjuvant chemotherapy based on histopathology. The current therapeutic landscape in LARC has many different options with different directions of travel - depending on the goal of treatment. Enthusiasm for delivering total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is increasing in the light of recently published randomised phase III trials - RAPIDO and PRODIGE-23. There is a wide diversity of different potential schedules and a multitude of approaches, which include induction neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with a range of chemotherapy options (CAPEOX, FOLFOX, FOLFOXIRI) and a varying duration of 6-18 weeks, or consolidation NACT. These schedules either precede or follow short-course preoperative radiation therapy (SCPRT) using 5 × 5Gy or long-course chemoradiation (LCCRT) using 45-60Gy respectively. The different strategies of induction and consolidation neoadjuvant chemotherapy have been compared and have similar long-term outcomes, but consolidation chemotherapy may facilitate organ-sparing. The results are driving novel paradigms with both intensification and de-intensification treatment strategies. The ideal combination, sequence or duration of such a TNT approach remains undefined. As yet, there are no robust clinical, genetic, molecular, immune or imaging features (alone or integrated), which either direct or aid these choices. Currently, the selection of neoadjuvant treatment is driven by the impact on avoidance or feasibility of surgery or reducing the risk of metastases rather than prevention of local recurrence. Most believe that TNT will improve overall survival, despite the present lack of evidence. Both the inherent heterogeneity in LARC and the observed range of different responses underline the need for response biomarkers to individually tailor therapy rather than 'a one size fits all' approach.
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