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de Moraes FCA, Kelly FA, Souza MEC, Burbano RMR. Impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival after pathological complete response in rectal cancer: a meta-analysis of 31,558 patients. Int J Colorectal Dis 2024; 39:96. [PMID: 38913175 PMCID: PMC11196358 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-024-04668-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) typically involves neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery (total mesorectal excision, TME). While achieving a complete pathological response (pCR) is a strong indicator of a positive prognosis, the specific benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy after pCR remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the potential advantages of adjuvant therapy in patients who achieve pCR. METHODS In this study, we searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant research. We focused on binary outcomes, analyzing them using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To account for potential variability between studies, all endpoints were analyzed with DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. We assessed heterogeneity using the I2 statistic and employed the R statistical software (version 4.2.3) for all analyses. RESULTS Thirty-four studies, comprising 31,558 patients, were included. The outcomes demonstrated a significant difference favoring the AC group in terms of overall survival (OS) (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.60-0.94; p = 0.015; I2 = 0%), and OS in 5 years (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.21-2.24; p = 0.001; I2 = 39%). There was no significant difference between the groups for disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.76-1.17; p = 0.61; I2 = 17%), DFS in 5 years (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.82-1.74; p = 0.36; I2 = 43%), recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 1.10; 95% CI 0.87-1.40; p = 0.39; I2 = 0%), and relapse-free survival (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.78-1.51; p = 0.62; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant difference in favor of the ACT group in terms of survival after pCR. Therefore, the administration of this treatment as adjuvant therapy should be encouraged in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francinny Alves Kelly
- Department of Hypertension, Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rommel Mario Rodríguez Burbano
- Federal University of Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa, nº 01, Guamá, Belém, Pará, 66073-000, Brazil
- Ophir Loyola Hospital, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Cai Y, Chen M, Ye F, Liu Z, Luo S, Huang L, Kang L. The clinical relevance of adjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer patients achieving near pathological complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: Insights from ypT stage. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2024; 50:108001. [PMID: 38364330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108001] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Near-pathological complete response (Near-pCR) patients constitute a distinct subgroup with limited research attention. The clinical relevance of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in this patient cohort remains uncertain. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of 245 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who achieved near-pCR following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) between 2011 and 2018. Based on their receipt of ACT or not (non-ACT), patients were divided into two groups. We examined their characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes, particularly focusing on 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and 5-year overall survival (OS). RESULTS Among the 245 near-pCR patients, 191 (77.96%) received ACT, and 42 (17.14%) experienced disease recurrence. All 54 (22.04%) Patients in the non-ACT group exhibited a lower 5-year DFS rate (72.2% vs. 85.9%, P = 0.014) and a similar 5-year OS rate (87.0% vs. 91.1%, P = 0.351). Interestingly, those with ypT3-T4 stage tumors demonstrated a worse DFS (76.8% vs. 89.9%, P = 0.010) and OS (87.5% vs. 97.0%, P = 0.004) compared to their counterparts with ypT1-T2 stage tumors. Patients with Non-Downstage tumors showed inferior DFS (76.9% vs. 88.3%, P = 0.025) and OS (87.2% vs. 93.0%, P = 0.166) in comparison to patients with Downstage tumors. The ACT subgroup in patients with Downstage demonstrated statistically better 5-year DFS (93.0% vs. 71.4%, P = 0.001) but analogous survival rates for 5-year OS (OS: 94.0% vs. 89.3%, P = 0.402). Pathological T stage 3-4, perineural invasion (PNI) (positive) and ACT were independent factors influencing 5-year DFS in multivariate analysis. Both univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated a link between serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) before treatment ≥5 ng/ml and shorter 5-year OS. Notably, near-pCR patients with positive lymph nodes experienced notably diminished 5-year DFS in the absence of ACT post-surgery (61.1% vs. 93.2%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS ACT demonstrated a significant positive impact on the prognosis of select near-pCR patients, particularly those with ypT1-T2 stage tumors and positive lymph nodes. ypT staging may emerge as a valuable criterion for precise post-surgical ACT guidance in near-pCR patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yebing Cai
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Mian Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Fujin Ye
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Zhanzhen Liu
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Shuangling Luo
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
| | - Liang Kang
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
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Yang J, Deng Q, Chen Z, Chen Y, Fu Z. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in rectal cancer patients with ypT0-2N0 after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1338098. [PMID: 38406812 PMCID: PMC10889113 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1338098] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has emerged as the established treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Nevertheless, there remains a debate regarding the necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who exhibit a favorable tumor response (ypT0-2N0) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the oncological prognosis of rectal cancer patients who have a good response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Materials and methods The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. Articles were searched in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases. The primary outcomes assessed were 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, recurrence-free survival, local recurrence, and distant metastasis. The data was summarized using a random effects model. Results A meta-analysis was conducted using 18 retrospective studies published between 2009 and 2023. The studies included 9 from China and 5 from Korea, involving a total of 6566 patients with ypT0-2N0 rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The pooled data revealed that adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved 5-year overall survival (OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.15-2.65, P=0.008), recurrence-free survival (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.20-2.48, P=0.003), and reduced distant metastasis (OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.51-0.92, P=0.011). However, adjuvant chemotherapy did not have a significant effect on disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and local recurrence in ypT0-2N0 rectal cancer. Subgroup analysis indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy was beneficial in improving overall survival for ypT1-2N0 rectal cancer (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.13-3.19, P=0.003). Conclusion The findings of the meta-analysis suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy may provide benefits in terms of oncological outcomes for rectal cancer patients with ypT0-2N0 after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and radical surgery. However, further prospective clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qican Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenzhou Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yajun Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongxue Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Yang J, Deng Q, Cheng Y, Fu Z, Wu X. Effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on the oncological outcome of rectal cancer patients with pathological complete response. World J Surg Oncol 2024; 22:31. [PMID: 38273352 PMCID: PMC10809453 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03300-0] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locally advanced rectal cancer is typically treated using a combination of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal resection. While achieving pathological complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been recognized as a positive prognostic factor in oncology, the necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer patients with pathological complete response after surgery remains uncertain. The objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the oncological outcomes of rectal cancer patients who attain pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. METHODS This meta-analysis followed the guidelines outlined in the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). The Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to identify relevant literature. RESULTS A total of 34 retrospective studies, including 9 studies from the NCBD database, involving 31,558 patients with pathological complete response rectal cancer, were included in the meta-analysis. The included studies were published between 2008 and 2023. The pooled analysis demonstrated that adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival (HR = 0.803, 95% CI 0.678-0.952, P = 0.011), and no heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 0%). Locally advanced rectal cancer patients with pathological complete response who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy exhibited a higher 5-year overall survival rate compared to those who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy (OR = 1.605, 95% CI 1.183-2.177, P = 0.002). However, the analysis also revealed that postoperative ACT did not lead to improvements in disease-free survival and recurrence-free survival within the same patient population. Subgroup analysis indicated that pathological complete response patients with clinical stage T3/T4, lymph node positivity, and younger than 70 years of age may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in terms of overall survival. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy has a beneficial effect on improving overall survival among rectal cancer patients with pathological complete response. However, no such association was observed in terms of disease-free survival and recurrence-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Qican Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhongxue Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401120, China.
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