Outcomes of resection and non-resection strategies in management of patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Predicting the surgical benefit of primary tumor resection in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

There exists continuous controversy regarding the benefit of primary tumor resection (PTR) for stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Little is known about how to predict the patients' benefit from PTR. This study aimed to develop a tool for surgical benefit prediction.

METHODS

Stage IV CRC patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database were included. Patients receiving PTR who survived longer than the median cancer-specific survival (CSS) time of those who did not undergo PTR were considered to benefit from surgery. Logistic regression analysis identified prognostic factors influencing surgical benefit, based on which a nomogram was constructed. The data of patients who underwent PTR from our institution was used for external validation. A user-friendly webserver was then built for convenient clinical use.

RESULTS

The median CSS of the PTR group was 23 months, significantly longer than that of the non-PTR group (7 months, P < 0.001). In the PTR group, 23.3% of patients did not benefit from surgery. Logistic regression analysis identified age, marital status, tumor location, CEA level, chemotherapy, metastasectomy, tumor size, tumor deposits, number of examined lymph nodes, N stage, histological grade and number of distant metastases as independently associated with surgical benefit. The established prognostic nomogram demonstrated satisfactory performance in both the internal and external validation.

CONCLUSION

PTR was associated with prolonged CSS in stage IV CRC. The proposed nomogram could be used as an evidenced-based platform for risk-to-benefit assessment to select appropriate patients for undergoing PTR.

Upfront resection versus no resection of the primary tumor in patients with synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer: the randomized phase III CAIRO4 study conducted by the Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group and the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group

BACKGROUND

Upfront primary tumor resection (PTR) has been associated with longer overall survival (OS) in patients with synchronous unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in retrospective analyses. The aim of the CAIRO4 study was to investigate whether the addition of upfront PTR to systemic therapy resulted in a survival benefit in patients with synchronous mCRC without severe symptoms of their primary tumor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This randomized phase III trial was conducted in 45 hospitals in The Netherlands and Denmark. Eligibility criteria included previously untreated mCRC, unresectable metastases, and no severe symptoms of the primary tumor. Patients were randomized (1 : 1) to upfront PTR followed by systemic therapy or systemic therapy without upfront PTR. Systemic therapy consisted of first-line fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy with bevacizumab in both arms. Primary endpoint was OS in the intention-to-treat population. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01606098.

RESULTS

Between August 2012 and February 2021, 206 patients were randomized. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 204 patients were included (n = 103 without upfront PTR, n = 101 with upfront PTR) of whom 116 were men (57%) with median age of 65 years (interquartile range 59-71 years). Median follow-up was 69.4 months. Median OS in the arm without upfront PTR was 18.3 months (95% confidence interval 16.0-22.2 months) compared with 20.1 months (95% confidence interval 17.0-25.1 months) in the upfront PTR arm (P = 0.32). The number of grade 3-4 events was 71 (72%) in the arm without upfront PTR and 61 (65%) in the upfront PTR arm (P = 0.33). Three deaths (3%) possibly related to treatment were reported in the arm without upfront PTR and four (4%) in the upfront PTR arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of upfront PTR to palliative systemic therapy in patients with synchronous mCRC without severe symptoms of the primary tumor does not result in a survival benefit. This practice should no longer be considered standard of care.

The Real-Life Impact of Primary Tumor Resection of Synchronous Metastatic Colorectal Cancer-From a Clinical Oncologic Point of View

AIM

The complex medical care of synchronous metastatic colorectal (smCRC) patients requires prudent multidisciplinary planning and treatments due to various challenges caused by the primary tumor and its metastases. The role of primary tumor resection (PTR) is currently uncertain; strong arguments exist for and against it. We aimed to define its effect and find its best place in our therapeutic methodology.

METHOD

We performed retrospective data analysis to investigate the clinical course of 449 smCRC patients, considering treatment modalities and the location of the primary tumor and comparing the clinical results of the patients with or without PTR between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018 at the Institute of Oncotherapy of the University of Pécs.

RESULTS

A total of 63.5% of the 449 smCRC patients had PTR. Comparing their data to those whose primary tumor remained intact (IPT), we observed significant differences in median progression-free survival with first-line chemotherapy (mPFS1) (301 vs. 259 days; p < 0.0001; 1 y PFS 39.2% vs. 26.6%; OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.36-0.87)) and median overall survival (mOS) (760 vs. 495 days; p < 0.0001; 2 y OS 52.4 vs. 26.9%; OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.33-0.53)), respectively. However, in the PTR group, the average ECOG performance status was significantly better (0.98 vs. 1.1; p = 0.0456), and the use of molecularly targeted agents (MTA) (45.3 vs. 28.7%; p = 0.0005) and rate of metastasis ablation (MA) (21.8 vs. 1.2%; p < 0.0001) were also higher, which might explain the difference partially. Excluding the patients receiving MTA and MA from the comparison, the effect of PTR remained evident, as the mOS differences in the reduced PTR subgroup compared to the reduced IPT subgroup were still strongly significant (675 vs. 459 days; p = 0.0009; 2 y OS 45.9 vs. 24.1%; OR 0.37 (95% CI 0.18-0.79). Further subgroup analysis revealed that the site of the primary tumor also had a major impact on the outcome considering only the IPT patients; shorter mOS was observed in the extrapelvic IPT subgroup in contrast with the intrapelvic IPT group (422 vs. 584 days; p = 0.0026; 2 y OS 18.2 vs. 35.9%; OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.18-0.89)). Finally, as a remarkable finding, it should be emphasized that there were no differences in OS between the smCRC PTR subgroup and metachronous mCRC patients (mOS 760 vs. 710 days, p = 0.7504, 2 y OS OR 0.85 (95% CI 0.58-1.26)).

CONCLUSIONS

The role of PTR in smCRC is still not professionally justified. Our survey found that most patients had benefited from PTR. Nevertheless, further prospective trials are needed to clarify the optimal treatment sequence of smCRC patients and understand this cancer disease's inherent biology.

Impact of primary tumor resection on the survival of patients with unresectable colon cancer liver metastasis at different colonic subsites: a propensity score matching analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of primary tumor resection (PTR) on the prognosis of patients with unresectable colon cancer liver metastasis (UCCLM) at seven colonic subsites using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

METHODS

Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance selection bias using all available variables that could be of potential relevance. After matching, the groups were redefined in a 1:1 ratio using the nearest method. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was compared among the patients of PTR and non-PTR groups. Cox regression models were used to identify the prognostic factors for CSS.

RESULTS

CSS was significantly different between all groups. Cox regression analysis showed that PTR was an independent prognostic factor for all groups. After PSM, PTR significantly prolonged CSS for all groups. Subgroup analysis showed that PTR did not improve the prognosis of N2 stage patients in the cecum, ascending colon, and descending colon groups; T1 + T2 stage patients in the hepatic flexure group; and patients with a tumor size ≤5 cm in the splenic flexure group. Segmental colectomy could prolong CSS of patients in the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, splenic flexure, and sigmoid colon groups, while extended colectomy could prolong CSS of patients in the hepatic flexure and descending colon groups.

CONCLUSION

At different colonic subsites, UCCLM patients had different CSS. PTR could improve their prognosis, however, N stage, T stage, and tumor size are important reference indicators. In addition to patients in the hepatic flexure and descending colon groups, we suggested that patients in other groups should choose segmental colectomy.

The Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Metastases from Colorectal Cancer

Purpose

Retroperitoneal lymph node metastases are rare in colorectal cancer. Optimal treatment strategies are still unknown.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively enrolled colorectal cancer patients who had received radiotherapy for retroperitoneal lymph node metastases from 2009 to 2018. Patients with isolated retroperitoneal lymph node metastases or retroperitoneal lymph nodes with extra-retroperitoneal metastases were all included. A median dose of 60 Gy was delivered.

Results

A total of 68 patients were enrolled in this study; 28 (41%) of them had extra-retroperitoneal metastases. In the isolated retroperitoneal lymph node metastases group, complete response was found in 5 patients (12.5%), partial response was achieved in 20 patients (50%), 9 patients (22.5%) had stable disease. The 1-, 2- and 3-year local control rates were 87.5%, 77.5%, and 70%. In the extra-retroperitoneal metastases group, the disease control rate was 75%, including complete response in 1 patient (3.6%), partial response in 4 patients (14.3%) and stable disease in 16 patients (57.1%). The 1-, 2- and 3-year local control rates were 57.1%, 42.8%, and 0%. The median overall survival was 59.4 months and 19 months in the isolated retroperitoneal lymph node metastases group and extra-retroperitoneal metastases group, respectively. In the isolated retroperitoneal lymph node metastases group, the 1-year and 3-year overall survival values were 90.2% and 75.8%, respectively. The 1-year and 3-year progression-free survival values were 57.9% and 0%, respectively. The extra-retroperitoneal metastases group experienced worse survival outcome (1-year overall survival: 57.9%, P<0.05; and 1-year progression-free survival: 22.5%, P<0.05).

Conclusion

For patients with isolated retroperitoneal lymph node metastases, radiotherapy combined with systemic treatment can be used as a method to achieve no evidence of disease and can result in good local control and survival. For patients with extra-retroperitoneal metastases, although the survival is much worse than that of isolated retroperitoneal lymph node metastases, radiotherapy is an effective palliative treatment to relieve pain and obstruction based on systemic treatment.

Surgery on primary tumor shows survival benefit in selected stage IV colon cancer patients: A real-world study based on SEER database

Objectives: Most patients with stage IV colon cancer did not have the opportunity for curative surgery, only selected patients could benefit from surgery. This study aimed to determine whether surgery on the primary tumor (SPT) should be performed in patients with stage IV colon cancer and how to select patients for SPT.

Methods: This study included 48,933 patients with stage IV colon cancer who were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database between 1998 and 2015. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was adopted to balance baseline differences between SPT and non-surgery groups. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves were utilized to compare the overall survival (OS). Prognostic nomograms were generated to predict survival based on pre- and post-operative risk factors. Patients were divided into low, middle, and high mortality risk subsets for OS by X-tile analyses based on scores derived from above nomograms.

Results: Patients with SPT had a significantly longer OS than those without surgery, regardless of the metastatic sites and diagnostic years. Nomograms, according to the pre- and post-operative risk factors, showed moderate discrimination (all C-indexes above 0.7). Based on X-tile analyses, low mortality risk subset (post-operative score ≤ 22.3, preoperative score ≤ 9.7) recommended for SPT, and high mortality risk was not.

Conclusions: SPT led to prolonged survival in stage IV colon cancer. Our nomograms would help to select suitable patients for SPT.

Does primary tumor resection contribute to overall survival in unresectable synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer?

BACKGROUND

Primary tumor resection (PTR) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has not been suggested by guidelines, since new systemic chemotherapy options have improved overall survival. However, the effect of PTR is still controversial in mCRC. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of PTR on survival in unresectable mCRC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred and fifty-two patients with unresectable mCRC were screened retrospectively between January 2007 and December 2017 and a total of 147 patients who met inclusion criteria were included. The patients with emergency or elective PTR and the patients without surgery were compared for baseline features and overall survival.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 15.6 months (range; 1.2-78.9) in whole patients. There were 91 patients in nonsurgical (NS) group and 56 patients in PTR group. The median overall survival was significantly longer in PTR group compared NS group (21.8 vs. 17.0 months, P = 0.01), but it was not associated to better overall survival in multivariate Cox analysis (hazard ratio: 0.65, 95% confidence interval: 0.41-1.02, P = 0.06). There was no significant difference in overall survival between emergency and elective surgery subgroups (22.9 vs. 16.1 months, respectively, P = 0.9).

CONCLUSION

PTR did not offer an overall survival benefit in this study. Although it is debated, we think that it is better to start treatment with chemotherapy and biological agent combinations in patients with asymptomatic mCRC. Thus, the patients can be protected from the morbidity and mortality of the surgery.

Kras-mutation influences outcomes for palliative primary tumor resection in advanced colorectal cancer-a Turkish Oncology Group study

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the prognostic effect of primary tumor resection (PTR) prior to bevacizumab-based treatments in unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected 341 mCRC cases with unresectable metastases at diagnosis. PTR was performed in 210 cases (the surgery group) and the other patients (n = 131) were followed without PTR (the no-surgery group). All the patients were treated with bevacizumab combined chemotherapy regimens.

RESULTS

The median progression free survival (PFS) of the surgery group was 10.4 months (95% CI: 8.9-11.9), which was significantly better than that of the no-surgery group (7.6 months, 95% CI: 6.4-8.8, P=0.000). The median overall survival (OS) of the surgery group was longer than that of the no-surgery group (27.4 months vs. 18.3 months, respectively, P=0.000). The median PFS and OS of the surgery group were 10.4 months and 28.2 months, which were significantly longer than that of the no-surgery group in Kras-mutant patients (7.8 months and 18.3 months; P=0.004, P=0.028, respectively). There was no difference in terms of PFS and OS between the surgery and the no-surgery groups in Kras-wild type patients.

CONCLUSION

Palliative PTR may improve the survival outcomes for unresectable mCRC patients. PTR may be preferred, particularly in Kras-mutant patients.

Meta-analysis of outcomes following resection of the primary tumour in patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

It is not clear whether resection of the primary tumour (when there are metastases) alters survival and/or whether resection is associated with increased morbidity. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the prognostic value of primary tumour resection in patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review of MEDLINE/PubMed was performed on 12 March 2016, with no language or date restrictions, for studies comparing primary tumour resection versus conservative treatment without primary tumour resection for metastatic colorectal cancer. The quality of the studies was assessed using the MINORS and STROBE criteria. Differences in survival, morbidity and mortality between groups were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Of 37 412 initially screened articles, 56 retrospective studies with 148 151 patients met the inclusion criteria. Primary tumour resection led to an improvement in overall survival of 7·76 (95 per cent c.i. 5·96 to 9·56) months (risk ratio (RR) for overall survival 0·50, 95 per cent c.i. 0·47 to 0·53), but did not significantly reduce the risk of obstruction (RR 0·50, 95 per cent c.i. 0·16 to 1·53) or bleeding (RR 1·19, 0·48 to 2·97). Neither was the morbidity risk altered (RR 1·14, 0·77 to 1·68). Heterogeneity between the studies was high, with a calculated I² of more than 50 per cent for most outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Primary tumour resection may provide a modest survival advantage in patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Phase II study on early start of chemotherapy after excising primary colorectal cancer with distant metastases (Pearl Star 02)

Initiating chemotherapy usually requires a delay of more than 4 weeks after surgically resecting colorectal cancer. However, there is little evidence regarding the required delay interval. We have previously reported a pilot study to determine the safety and feasibility of early initiation of chemotherapy after resecting primary colorectal cancer with distant metastases. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of early initiation of chemotherapy after resecting colorectal cancer with distant metastases.

This phase II study (trial number UMIN000006310) was a prospective, single-arm trial. A total of 20 patients (men, 15 and women, 5) were enrolled. They underwent XELOX therapy (130 mg/m² oxaliplatin on day 1+1000 mg/m² capecitabine twice daily on days 1-4) on postoperative day 7 and XELOX+bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg bevacizumab on day 1) after the second chemotherapy cycle.

Baseline characteristics included a median age of 64 (range, 43-72) years. Surgical procedures included right hemicolectomy in six patients, sigmoidectomy in three, anterior resection in five, and Hartmann procedure in six. All patients started chemotherapy on postoperative day 7. Median progression-free survival was 14.9 months; overall response rate was 80%. Disease control rate was 100%. Grade 3 or higher hemotoxicity and grade 3 or higher non-hematological toxicity was noted in 5.0% and 25.0% of patients, respectively. Postoperative complications were observed in two patients (superficial incisional surgical site infection and ileus).

Early initiation of chemotherapy after surgery is feasible. These findings suggest future changes of the start time of chemotherapy after surgery.

Meta-analysis of outcomes of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer managed with chemotherapy/radiochemotherapy with and without primary tumor resection

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Currently, novel chemotherapeutic agents are first-line therapy for unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer, while benefits of noncurative primary tumor resection in advanced disease remain debatable.

Objective

This meta-analysis evaluated outcomes of patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer receiving systemic chemotherapy with or without primary tumor resection.

Materials and methods

A database search of PubMed and Cochrane Library databases identified 167 studies that were screened for relevance. After 119 were excluded, 48 were assessed for eligibility and 26 were included for meta-analysis, including 24 retrospective studies, one prospective study, and one randomized, controlled trial. Extracted data included patient demographics (age, sex), clinical data (tumor stage, metastasis), targeted therapy agents, and surgical data (with/without tumor resection). Patients’ overall and progression-free survival was compared between groups with/without primary tumor resection.

Results

The 26 studies included 43,903 patients with colorectal cancer, with 29,639 receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy plus primary tumor resection, and 14,264 managed medically with chemotherapy/chemoradiotherapy alone without primary tumor resection. Patients receiving primary tumor resection plus chemotherapy/radiotherapy had longer overall survival (hazard ratio [HR 0.59], 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51–0.68; P<0.001), with significant differences in overall survival between patients with and without primary tumor resection (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.49–0.68; P<0.001). Longer overall survival was also found among patients receiving primary tumor resection who were treated with bevacizumab/cetuximab targeted therapy agents (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.86; P=0.003). Patients from three studies who received primary tumor resection had longer progression-free survival (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58–0.91; P=0.005). Results are limited by retrospective data, inconsistent complications data, and publication bias.

Conclusion

Study results support primary tumor resection in stage IV colorectal cancer, but significant biases in studies suggest that randomized trials are warranted to confirm findings.

Palliative primary tumor resection provides survival benefits for the patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and low circulating levels of dehydrogenase and carcinoembryonic antigen

BACKGROUND

It remains controversial whether palliative primary tumor resection (PPTR) can provide survival benefits to the patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have unresectable metastases. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether PPTR could improve the survival of patients with mCRC.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study on consecutive mCRC patients with unresectable metastases who were diagnosed at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, between January 2005 and December 2012. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after first-line chemotherapy failure were compared between the PPTR and non-PPTR patient groups.

RESULTS

A total of 387 patients were identified, including 254 who underwent PPTR and 133 who did not. The median OS of the PPTR and non-PPTR groups was 20.8 and 14.8 months (P < 0.001), respectively. The median PFS after first-line chemotherapy was 7.3 and 4.8 months (P < 0.001) in the PPTR and non-PPTR groups, respectively. A larger proportion of patients in the PPTR group (219 of 254, 86.2%) showed local progression compared with that of patients in the non-PPTR group (95 of 133, 71.4%; P < 0.001). Only patients with normal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels <70 ng/mL benefited from PPTR (median OS, 22.2 months for the PPTR group and 16.2 months for the non-PPTR group; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For mCRC patients with unresectable metastases, PPTR can improve OS and PFS after first-line chemotherapy and decrease the incidence of new organ involvement. However, PPTR should be recommended only for patients with normal LDH levels and with CEA levels <70 ng/mL.

Second St. Gallen European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Gastrointestinal Cancer Conference: consensus recommendations on controversial issues in the primary treatment of rectal cancer

Primary treatment of rectal cancer was the focus of the second St. Gallen European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Gastrointestinal Cancer Conference. In the context of the conference, a multidisciplinary international expert panel discussed and voted on controversial issues which could not be easily answered using published evidence. Main topics included optimal pretherapeutic imaging, indication and type of neoadjuvant treatment, and the treatment strategies in advanced tumours. Here we report the key recommendations and summarise the related evidence. The treatment strategy for localised rectal cancer varies from local excision in early tumours to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT) in combination with extended surgery in locally advanced disease. Optimal pretherapeutic staging is a key to any treatment decision. The panel recommended magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or MRI + endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) as mandatory staging modalities, except for early T1 cancers with an option for local excision, where EUS in addition to MRI was considered to be most important because of its superior near-field resolution. Primary surgery with total mesorectal excision was recommended by most panellists for some early tumours with limited risk of recurrence (i.e. cT1-2 or cT3a N0 with clear mesorectal fascia on MRI and clearly above the levator muscles), whereas all other stages were considered for multimodal treatment. The consensus panel recommended long-course RCT over short-course radiotherapy for most clinical situations where neoadjuvant treatment is indicated, with the exception of T3a/b N0 tumours where short-course radiotherapy or even no neoadjuvant therapy were regarded to be an option. In patients with potentially resectable tumours and synchronous liver metastases, most panel members did not see an indication to start with classical fluoropyrimidine-based RCT but rather favoured preoperative short-course radiotherapy with systemic combination chemotherapy or alternatively a liver-first resection approach in resectable metastases, which both allow optimal systemic therapy for the metastatic disease. In general, proper patient selection and discussion in an experienced multidisciplinary team was considered as crucial component of care.

Management of asymptomatic primary tumours in stage IV colorectal cancer: Review of outcomes

AIM: To compare outcomes for patients presenting with stage IV colorectal cancer and an asymptomatic primary tumour, undergoing primary tumour resection (PTR) plus palliative chemotherapy vs primary chemotherapy up-front.

METHODS: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included perioperative mortality, morbidity and delayed surgical intervention rates in patients undergoing PTR and subsequent complication rates in patients with an un-resected primary tumour. Tertiary outcomes included impact on systemic treatment and identification of prognostic factors relevant for survival in this cohort.

RESULTS: Twenty non-randomised studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies included comparative overall survival data. Three studies showed an overall survival advantage for PTR, 7 studies showed no statistically significant advantage, and 1 study showed a significant worsening in survival in the surgical group. The perioperative mortality rate ranged from 0% to 8.5%, and post-operative morbidity rate from 10% to 35%, mainly minor complications that did not preclude subsequent chemotherapy. The rate of delayed primary-tumour related symptoms, most commonly obstruction, in patients with an un-resected primary tumour ranged from 3% to 46%. The strongest independent poor prognostic factor was extensive hepatic metastases, in addition to poor performance status, M1b stage and non-use of modern chemotherapy agents.

CONCLUSION: Based on the current literature, both PTR and up front chemotherapy appear appropriate initial management strategies, with a trend towards an overall survival advantage with PTR. The procedure has a low post-operative mortality, and most complications are transient and minor. The results of recruiting randomised trials are eagerly anticipated.

Dendritic cell defects in the colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) results from the accumulation of both genetic and epigenetic alterations of the genome. However, also the formation of an inflammatory milieu plays a pivotal role in tumor development and progression. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a relevant role in tumor by exerting differential pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic functions, depending on the local milieu. Quantitative and functional impairments of DCs have been widely observed in several types of cancer, including CRC, representing a tumor-escape mechanism employed by cancer cells to elude host immunosurveillance.

Understanding the interactions between DCs and tumors is important for comprehending the mechanisms of tumor immune surveillance and escape, and provides novel approaches to therapy of cancer. This review summarizes updated information on the role of the DCs in colon cancer development and/or progression.

Potential Prognostic Impact of Baseline CEA Level and Surgery of Primary Tumor Among Patients with Synchronous Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: A Large Population Based Study

Prognostic role of surgical resection of the primary tumor and baseline CEA among patients with synchronous stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) remains an area of debate. The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic value of baseline CEA and surgical resection of the primary among patients with synchronous stage IV CRC in the era of modern chemotherapy and biologic therapy. The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Registry was searched to identify patients with synchronous stage IV CRC diagnosed between 2004 and 2009. Colorectal-cancer-specific survival (CCS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method. Cox models were fitted to assess the multivariable relationship of various patient and tumor characteristics and CCS. Three hundred thirty-three thousand, three hundred ninety nine patients were identified in the SEER registry. Median CCS among patients with their primary tumor removed was 21 M vs. 7 M (primary intact) respectively (p < 0.001). Median CCS among patients who had an elevated vs. non-elevated baseline CEA level was 14 M vs. 24 M respectively (p < 0.0001). By multivariable analysis, patients with an elevated baseline CEA had a 56 % increased risk of death from CRC compared to those with a non-elevated CEA level (HR = 1.56, 95%CI 1.47-1.65, p < 0.0001). Similarly patients who underwent surgical resection of the primary tumor had a 33 % decreased risk of death from CRC compared to those who did not (HR = 0.61, 95%CI 0.54-0.69, p < 0.0001). In our review of this large population SEER based study, an elevated baseline CEA level and surgical resection of the primary tumor among patients with synchronous stage IV CRC appeared to impact survival outcomes. Prospective validation of these results in a surgically unresectable patient population will be required.

Unresolved issues and controversies surrounding the management of colorectal cancer liver metastasis

Ideally, tumors that might cause morbidity and mortality should be treated, preferably early, with proven, convincing, and effective therapy to prevent tumor progression or recurrence, while maintaining a favorable risk-benefit profile for the individual patient. For patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), this diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic precision is currently impossible. Despite significant improvements in diagnostic procedures, a sizable number of patients with CRC have liver metastases either at presentation or will subsequently develop it. And in many parts of the world, most cancer-related deaths are still due to metastases that are resistant to conventional therapy. Metastases to the liver occur in more than 50% of patients with CRC and represent the major determinant of outcome following curative treatment of the primary tumor. Liver resection offers the best chance of cure for metastases confined to the liver. However, due to a paucity of randomized controlled trials, its timing is controversial and a hotly debated topic. This article reviews some of the main controversies surrounding the surgical management of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM).

GRECCAR 8: impact on survival of the primary tumor resection in rectal cancer with unresectable synchronous metastasis: a randomized multicentre study

Background

A majority of patients with rectal cancer and metastasis are not eligible to curative treatment because of an extensive and unresectable metastatic disease. Primary tumor resection is still debated in this situation. Rectal surgery treats or prevents the symptoms and avoids the risk of acute complications related to the primary tumor. Several studies on colorectal cancers seem to show interesting results in terms of survival in favor to the resection of the primary tumor. To date, no randomized trial or even a prospective study has assessed the impact of primary tumor resection on overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer with unresectable metastasis. All published studies were retrospective and included colon and rectal cancers. Rectal cancer is associated with specific problems related to the rectal surgery. Surgery is more complex, and may be source of more morbidity and postoperative functional dysfunctions (stoma, digestive, sexual, urinary) than colic surgery. On the other hand, symptoms related to the progression of rectal tumor are often very disabling: pain, rectal syndrome.

Methods/Design

GRECCAR 8 is a multicentre randomized open-label controlled trial aimed to evaluate the impact on survival of the primary tumor resection in rectal cancer with unresectable synchronous metastasis. Patients must undergo upfront systemic chemotherapy for at least 4 courses before inclusion. Patients with progressive metastatic disease during upfront chemotherapy will be excluded from the study. Patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to Arm A: primary tumor resection followed by systemic chemotherapy versus Arm B: systemic chemotherapy alone. Primary endpoint will be overall survival measured from the date of randomization to the date of death or to the end of follow-up (2 years). Secondary endpoints will include progression-free survival, quality of life, toxicity of chemotherapy, response of the primary tumor and metastatic disease to chemotherapy, postoperative morbidity and mortality, rate of patient not eligible for postoperative chemotherapy (arm A), primary tumor related complications and rate of emergency surgery (arm B). The number of patients needed is 290.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT02314182

Is primary tumour resection associated with survival improvement in patients with colorectal cancer and unresectable synchronous metastases? A pooled analysis of individual data from four randomised trials

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact on survival of primary tumour resection in patients with unresectable synchronous metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Primary tumour resection in this setting remains controversial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrieved individual data of 1155 patients with metastatic CRC included in four first-line chemotherapy trials: Fédération Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive (FFCD)-9601, FFCD-2000-05, Actions Concertées dans les cancers COloRectaux et Digestifs (ACCORD)-13, and ML-16987. Patients with unresectable synchronous metastases were eligible for this study. We used univariate and multivariate analyses (Cox models stratified on the trial) to assess the impact of primary tumour resection and other potential prognostic variables on overall survival (OS) (the primary endpoint).

RESULTS

Amongst the 1155 patients, 810 patients met the inclusion criteria and 59% (n = 478) underwent resection of their primary tumour, prior to trial entry (resection group). Compared to patients in the non-resection group (n =3 32 [41%]), those in the resection group were more likely to have a colonic primary, lower baseline carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alkaline phosphatase levels, and normal white-blood-cell count (p < 0.001 each). Primary tumour resection was independently associated to better OS in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio (HR), 0.63 [0.53-0.75]; p < 0.001, with a more favourable impact of resection on OS in case of rectal primary and low CEA level. Primary tumour resection was also independently associated to a better progression-free survival in multivariate analysis (HR, 0.82 [0.70-0.95]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Primary tumour resection was independently associated to a better OS in patients with CRC and unresectable synchronous metastases.

Nonresectional management of colorectal cancer: multidisciplinary factors that influence treatment strategy

AIM

Surgical resection of a primary colorectal tumour remains the treatment of choice and offers the best chance of cure. However, in some patients, resection is not achieved. There are few published data on this group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate this group to determine the frequency and reasons for nonresection, and to analyse the subsequent management.

METHOD

A retrospective review was performed using a Trust colorectal cancer database and individual electronic patient records. Patients who presented to our unit with a diagnosis of primary colorectal cancer managed by nonresectional intervention over a 2-year period were identified. Data analysed included: patient demographics, radiological staging, histological data, nonsurgical therapy, tumour-specific complications and requirement for palliative surgical procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 671 patients were identified with primary colorectal cancer. One hundred and fifty-six (23%) were managed without resection, following discussion at a multidisciplinary team meeting. Of 156 patients, histological confirmation was obtained in 131 (84%), with the remainder of the diagnoses being based on unequivocal radiological imaging and/or operative findings. Complete radiological staging was achieved in 150 (96%) patients. The predominant reasons for nonresectional management were: advanced metastatic disease (66%), significant medical comorbidity (19%) and patient refusal (6%). Fifty-nine of 156 patients (38%) subsequently received palliative chemotherapy, 9 (6%) radiotherapy and or 9 (6%) combination chemo-radiotherapy. Seventy-nine (51%) of 156 patients received no therapy other than best supportive palliative care, for reasons including significant medical comorbidity (62%) and patient refusal (19%). Following the initial decision not to resect, 68 (44%) patients did at some point undergo some form of palliative intervention (stenting, stoma or bypass) for obstruction - 44 (28%) electively and 24 (15%) as an emergency.

CONCLUSION

Nonresectional management of patients with primary colorectal cancer is not an uncommon outcome following discussion at a multidisciplinary meeting. In these patients, nonsurgical palliation should be employed when necessary, though is frequently limited by comorbidity. However, subsequent surgical palliation is still required in a substantial proportion of cases.

The CAIRO4 study: the role of surgery of the primary tumour with few or absent symptoms in patients with synchronous unresectable metastases of colorectal cancer--a randomized phase III study of the Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG)

Background

There is no consensus regarding resection of the primary tumour with few or absent symptoms in patients with synchronous unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). A potential benefit of resection of the primary tumour is to prevent complications of the primary tumour in later stages of the disease. We here propose a randomized trial in order to demonstrate that resection of the primary tumour improves overall survival.

Methods/design

The CAIRO4 study is a multicentre, randomized, phase III study of the Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG). Patients with synchronous unresectable metastases of CRC and few or absent symptoms of the primary tumour are randomized 1:1 between systemic therapy only, and resection of the primary tumour followed by systemic therapy. Systemic therapy will consist of fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab. The primary objective of this study is to determine the clinical benefit in terms of overall survival of initial resection of the primary tumour. Secondary endpoints include progression free survival, surgical morbidity, quality of life and the number of patients requiring resection of the primary tumour in the control arm.

Discussion

The CAIRO4 study is a multicentre, randomized, phase III study that will assess the benefit of resection of the primary tumour in patients with synchronous metastatic CRC.

Trial registration

The CAIRO4 study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01606098)

Palliative care and end-stage colorectal cancer management: The surgeon meets the oncologist

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common neoplasia in the Western countries, with considerable morbidity and mortality. Every fifth patient with CRC presents with metastatic disease, which is not curable with radical intent in roughly 80% of cases. Traditionally approached surgically, by resection of the primitive tumor or stoma, the management to incurable stage IV CRC patients has significantly changed over the last three decades and is nowadays multidisciplinary, with a pivotal role played by chemotherapy (CHT). This latter have allowed for a dramatic increase in survival, whereas the role of colonic and liver surgery is nowadays matter of debate. Although any generalization is difficult, two main situations are considered, asymptomatic (or minimally symptomatic) and severely symptomatic patients needing aggressive management, including emergency cases. In asymptomatic patients, new CHT regimens allow today long survival in selected patients, also exceeding two years. The role of colonic resection in this group has been challenged in recent years, as it is not clear whether the resection of primary CRC may imply a further increase in survival, thus justifying surgery-related morbidity/mortality in such a class of short-living patients. Secondary surgery of liver metastasis is gaining acceptance since, under new generation CHT regimens, an increasing amount of patients with distant metastasis initially considered non resectable become resectable, with a significant increase in long term survival. The management of CRC emergency patients still represents a major issue in Western countries, and is associated to high morbidity/mortality. Obstruction is traditionally approached surgically by colonic resection, stoma or internal by-pass, although nowadays CRC stenting is a feasible option. Nevertheless, CRC stent has peculiar contraindications and complications, and its long-term cost-effectiveness is questionable, especially in the light of recently increased survival. Perforation is associated with the highest mortality and remains mostly matter for surgeons, by abdominal lavage/drainage, colonic resection and/or stoma. Bleeding and other CRC-related symptoms (pain, tenesmus, etc.) may be managed by several mini-invasive approaches, including radiotherapy, laser therapy and other transanal procedures.

Primary tumor resection in colorectal cancer with unresectable synchronous metastases: A review

At the time of diagnosis, 25% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) present with synchronous metastases, which are unresectable in the majority of patients. Whether primary tumor resection (PTR) followed by chemotherapy or immediate chemotherapy without PTR is the best therapeutic option in patients with asymptomatic CRC and unresectable metastases is a major issue, although unanswered to date. The aim of this study was to review all published data on whether PTR should be performed in patients with CRC and unresectable synchronous metastases. All aspects of the management of CRC were taken into account, especially prognostic factors in patients with CRC and unresectable metastases. The impact of PTR on survival and quality of life were reviewed, in addition to the characteristics of patients that could benefit from PTR and the possible underlying mechanisms. The risks of both approaches are reported. As no randomized study has been performed to date, we finally discussed how a therapeutic strategy's trial should be designed to provide answer to this issue.

Is primary tumor resection associated with a longer survival in colon cancer and unresectable synchronous metastases? A 4-year multicentre experience

AIM

To explore the survival impact of primary tumor resection (PTR) in patients with metastatic colon cancer (mCC) and unresectable metastases.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied a multicenter cohort of consecutive mCC patients with unresectable metastases receiving first-line chemotherapy. A weighted Cox proportional regression model was used to balance for clinical variables associated with the probability of undergoing PTR, using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on a propensity score.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients were included. PTR was performed in 69 (72%). The rates of secondary resection of metastases (p = 0.02) and bevacizumab administration (p = 0.02) were higher in the PTR group. Raw median overall survival (OS) was 23.1 months (95%CI[14.6-27.8]) in the PTR group and 22.1 months (95%CI[12.3-23.7]) in the non-PTR group (p = 0.11). After adjustment on IPTW, OS was 23.1 months (95%CI[17.0-28.7]) in the PTR group and 17.2 months (95%CI[13.5-22.2]) in the non-PTR group (HR 0.68; 95%CI[0.50-0.93]; p = 0.016). This result remained significant on multivariate analysis (HR 0.71; 95%CI[0.50-1.00]; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In mCC patients with unresectable metastases receiving chemotherapy, up-front PTR was independently associated with prolonged OS. Patients eligible for secondary metastases resection and/or bevacizumab may benefit the most from PTR. Randomized controlled trials are mandatory.

Should noncurative resection of the primary tumour be performed in patients with stage iv colorectal cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Surgical resection of the primary tumour in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (crc) remains controversial. This review compares survival in patients with advanced crc who underwent surgical resection of the primary tumour with that in patients not undergoing resection, and determines rates of post-operative mortality and nonfatal complications, the primary tumour complication rate, the non-resection surgical procedures rate, and quality of life (qol).

METHODS

Reports in the central, medline, and embase databases were searched for relevant studies, which were selected using pre-specified eligibility criteria. The search was also restricted to publication dates from 1980 onward, the English language, and studies involving human subjects. Screening, evaluation of relevant articles, and data abstraction were performed in duplicate, and agreement between the abstractors was assessed. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were collected and synthesized per protocol.

RESULTS

From among the 3379 reports located, fifteen retrospective observational studies were selected. Of the 12,416 patients in the selected studies, 8620 (69%) underwent surgery. Median survival was 15.2 months (range: 10-30.7 months) in the resection group and 11.4 months (range: 3-22 months) in the non-resection group. Hazard ratio for survival was 0.69 [95% confidence interval (ci): 0.61 to 0.79] favouring surgical resection. Mean rates of postoperative mortality and nonfatal complications were 4.9% (95% ci: 0% to 9.7%) and 25.9% (95%ci: 20.1% to 31.6%) respectively. The mean primary tumour complication rate was 29.7% (95% ci: 18.5% to 41.0%), and the non-resection surgical procedures rate in the non-resection group was 27.6% (95 ci: 15.4% to 39.9%). No study provided qol data.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this review supports primary tumour resection in advanced crc, the results have significant biases. Randomized trials are warranted to confirm the findings.

Non-resection versus resection for an asymptomatic primary tumour in patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

In a majority of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer, the metastatic disease is not resectable and the focus of management is on how best to palliate the patient. How to manage the primary tumour is an important part of palliation. A small proportion of these patients present with either obstructing or perforating cancers and require urgent surgical care. However, a majority are relatively asymptomatic from their primary cancer. Chemotherapy has been shown to prolong survival in this group of patients, and a majority of patients would be treated this way. Nonetheless, A recent meta-analysis (Stillwell 2010) suggests an improved overall survival and reduced requirement for emergency surgery in those patients who undergo primary tumour resection. This review was also able to quantify the mortality and morbidity associated with surgery to remove the primary.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if there is an improvement in overall survival following resection of the primary cancer in patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer and an asymptomatic primary who are treated with chemo/radiotherapy.

SEARCH METHODS

In January 2012 we searched for published randomised and non-randomised controlled clinical trials without language restrictions using the following electronic databases: CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library (latest issue)), MEDLINE (1966 to date), EMBASE (1980 to date), Science Citation Index (1981 to date), ISI Proceedings (1990 to date), Current Controlled Trials MetaRegister (latest issue), Zetoc (latest issue) and CINAHL (1982 to date).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials and non-randomised controlled studies evaluating the influence on overall survival of primary tumour resection versus no resection in asymptomatic patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer who are treated with palliative chemo/radiotherapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We conducted the review according to the recommendations of The Cochrane Collaboration and the Cochrane Colorectal Group. "Review Manager 5" software was used.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 798 studies were identified following the initial search. No published or unpublished randomised controlled trials comparing primary tumour resection versus no resection in asymptomatic patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer who were treated with chemo/radiotherapy were identified. Seven non-randomised studies, potentially eligible for inclusion, were identified: 2 case-matched studies, 2 CCTs and 3 retrospective cohort studies. Overall, these trials included 1.086 patients (722 patients treated with primary tumour resection, and 364 patients managed first with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Resection of the primary tumour in asymptomatic patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer who are managed with chemo/radiotherapy is not associated with a consistent improvement in overall survival. In addition, resection does not significantly reduce the risk of complications from the primary tumour (i.e.  obstruction, perforation or bleeding). Yet there is enough doubt with regard to the published literature to justify further clinical trials in this area. The results from an ongoing high quality randomised controlled trial will help to answer this question.

Palliative resection of the primary tumour in stage IV rectal cancer

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of resection in a cohort of palliatively treated patients with stage IV rectal cancer. To avoid selection bias, particular attention was paid to correction for comorbidity and extent of disease.

METHOD

Patients with stage IV rectal cancer in two hospitals in Groningen were consecutively included over a 5-year period. Comorbidity was defined as major (dementia, cardiac failure or left ventricle ejection fraction <30%, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), minor (diabetes, hypertension, mild renal disease or mild pulmonary disease) or none. The effect of patient and disease characteristics on survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 88 patients, 11 (13%) underwent elective surgical resection without chemotherapy, 15 (17%) received both elective resection and chemotherapy, 21 (24%) underwent palliative chemotherapy only and 41 (47%) had supportive care only. The extent of disease (P<0.01), hospital (P=0.02) and comorbidity (P=0.04) were correlated with worse survival. Patients treated surgically survived for longer than patients treated nonsurgically, when the data were corrected for age, comorbidity, extent of disease and hospital [hazard ratio (HR)=0.4 (95% CI=0.2-0.7)]. Perioperative morbidity was seen in 38% of the patients, and 30-day mortality was 0%.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective cohort, resection was associated with longer survival independently of the extent of distant metastases, age and comorbidity.

Stage IV colorectal cancers: an analysis of factors predicting outcome and survival in 728 cases

INTRODUCTION

Stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease with many treatment options. The optimum management algorithm is yet to be established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors of survival and to determine the operative benefit of resection of the primary tumour followed by chemotherapy.

METHODS

Seven hundred twenty-eight consecutive patients who presented with stage IV CRC from 1999 to 2007 were identified. The demographics and clinicopathological characteristics of these patients were reviewed. Survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis assessed independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS

In the surgical management of the primary, 79% (n = 572) were performed electively, 18% (n = 134) as an emergency procedure and 3% (n = 22) did not have any surgery. Twelve percent (n = 78) had a permanent stoma. Major morbidity was 4.3% (n = 31), and 30-day mortality was low at 6% (n = 46). Ten percent (n = 71) had a subsequent metasectomy. Patients who underwent curative resections tended to be female (p = 0.05), of a younger age group (age, ≤ 50; p = 0.005), as well as had better haemoglobin (p = 0.0001) and albumin levels (p = 0.0001). For the study cohort, the cancer-specific survival (CSS) at 1 year was 47.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 44.2-51.6%], 3-year CSS was 10.8% (95% CI, 3.3-13.3%) and 5-year CSS was 7.0% (95% CI, 4.8-9.2%). CSS was significantly higher in patients that underwent colonic resection. In cases where resection of the primary was possible, multivariate analysis revealed that CEA value >40 ng/ml, low albumin levels ≤ 34 g/l, poorly differentiated tumours, advanced tumour stage (T3/T4), nodal disease (N1/N2) and presence of diffuse metastasis were all significant factors associated with poorer cancer-specific survival.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown a good survival benefit in stage IV CRC when an aggressive policy of primary resection is adopted. Resection of metastases with curative intent should be performed whenever possible.

Treatment dilemmas in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases

Approximately 20 % of patients with colorectal cancer have synchronous liver metastases at the time of diagnosis. In some instances it is difficult to determine the best treatment strategy in these patients. For example, should the primary tumor be removed in those patients with unresectable liver metastases and who do not have any symptoms of the primary tumor? Or which operation should be performed first in patients with rectal cancer and synchronous resectable liver metastases? Unfortunately, there are no clear answers to these questions from prospective randomized trials. In the present article retrospective studies are analyzed in order to define the best possible treatment strategy for patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases.

Elective resection of rectal cancer primary tumor in patients with stage IV disease--own experiences

Optimal management of asymptomatic generalized rectal cancer is still the matter of debate. The aim of the study was to review stage IV rectal cancer patients who were treated in our clinic since 2000 till 2008 in order to evaluate the effectiveness of surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-two generalized rectal cancer patients treated with elective resection of primary tumor were identified. Patients' age, sex, duration of hospital stay, modality of surgery, complications, postoperative mortality rate and survival rate were assessed.

RESULTS

Median survival was 16.3 months. Postoperative complications occurred in 29% patients. Postoperative mortality rate was 1.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

In properly selected group of patients elective resection of primary tumor may cause low mortality rate and acceptable morbidity rate. This surgical modality allows to avoid potential complications of tumor local growth.

Surgery of the primary in stage IV colorectal cancer with unresectable metastases

Surgery plays an important role in the treatment of patients with limited metastatic disease of colorectal cancer (CRC). Long term survival and cure is reported in 20-50% of highly selected patients with oligometastatic disease who underwent surgery. This paper describes the role of surgery of the primary tumour in patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer. Owing to the increased efficacy of chemotherapeutic regimens in stage IV colorectal cancer, complications from unresected primary tumours are relatively infrequent. The risk of emergency surgical intervention is less than 15% in patients with synchronous metastatic disease who are treated with chemotherapy. Therefore, there is a tendency among surgeons not to resect the primary tumour in case of unresectable metastases. However, it is suggested that resection of the primary tumour in case of unresectable metastatic disease might influence overall survival. All studies described in the literature (n = 24) are non-randomised and the majority is single-centre and retrospective of nature. Most studies are in favour of resection of the primary tumour in patients with symptomatic lesions. In asymptomatic patients the results are less clear, although median overall survival seems to be improved in resected patients in the majority of studies. The major drawback of all these studies is that primarily patients with a better performance status and better prognosis (less metastatic sites involved) are being operated on. Another limitation of these studies is that few if any data on the use of systemic therapy are presented, which makes it difficult to assess the relative contribution of resection on outcome. Prospective studies on this topic are warranted, and are currently being planned.

CONCLUSION

Surgery of the primary tumour in patients with synchronous metastasised CRC is controversial, although data from the literature suggest that resection might be a positive prognostic factor for survival. Therefore prospective studies on the value of resection in this setting are required.

Prognostic value of resection of primary tumor in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer: retrospective analysis of two randomized studies and a review of the literature

Background

In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with an asymptomatic primary tumor, there is no consensus on the indication for resection of the primary tumor.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on the outcome of stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with or without resection of the primary tumor treated in the phase III CAIRO and CAIRO2 studies. A review of the literature was performed.

Results

In the CAIRO and CAIRO2 studies, 258 and 289 patients had undergone a primary tumor resection and 141 and 159 patients had not, respectively. In the CAIRO study, a significantly better median overall survival and progression-free survival was observed for the resection compared to the nonresection group, with 16.7 vs. 11.4 months [P < 0.0001, hazard ratio (HR) 0.61], and 6.7 vs. 5.9 months (P = 0.004; HR 0.74), respectively. In the CAIRO2 study, median overall survival and progression-free survival were also significantly better for the resection compared to the nonresection group, with 20.7 vs. 13.4 months (P < 0.0001; HR 0.65) and 10.5 vs. 7.8 months (P = 0.014; HR 0.78), respectively. These differences remained significant in multivariate analyses. Our review identified 22 nonrandomized studies, most of which showed improved survival for mCRC patients who underwent resection of the primary tumor.

Conclusions

Our results as well as data from literature indicate that resection of the primary tumor is a prognostic factor for survival in stage IV CRC patients. The potential bias of these results warrants prospective studies on the value of resection of primary tumor in this setting; such studies are currently being planned.

Primary colectomy in patients with stage IV colon cancer and unresectable distant metastases improves overall survival: results of a multicentric study

BACKGROUND

Whether patients with stage IV colon cancer and unresectable distant metastases should be managed by primary colectomy followed by chemotherapy or immediate chemotherapy without resection of the primary tumor is still controversial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate predictive factors associated with survival in patients with stage IV colon cancer and unresectable distant metastases.

DESIGN

This large retrospective multicentric study included 6 academic hospitals.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at 6 Paris University Hospitals (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris; Saint Antoine, Henri Mondor, Ambroise Paré, Hôpital Europeen Gorges Pompidou, Bichat, and Avicenne).

PATIENTS

Between 1998 and 2007, 208 patients with good performance status and stage IV colon cancer with unresectable distant metastases received chemotherapy, either as initial management or after primary tumor resection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Survival was estimated by use of the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors associated with survival were tested by means of a log-rank test. Results were expressed as median values with 95% confidence intervals. Factors independently related to survival were tested using a Cox regression model adjusted for a propensity score.

RESULTS

Of the 208 patients, 85 underwent colectomy before chemotherapy, whereas 123 were treated with use of primary chemotherapy with or without biotherapy. At univariate analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with survival: primary colectomy (P = .031), secondary curative surgery (P < .001), well-differentiated primary tumor (P < .001), exclusive liver metastases (P < .027), absence of need for colonic stent (P = .009), and addition of antiangiogenic (P = .001) or anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (P = .013) drugs to chemotherapy. After Cox multivariate analysis and after adjusting for the propensity score, all of these factors, with the exception of two, colonic stent and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor drug, were found to be independently associated with overall survival.

LIMITATION

This study was limited by its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSIONS

In a selected population of patients with colon cancer and unresectable synchronous distant metastases, immediate colectomy followed by chemotherapy in association with targeted therapy was associated with longer overall survival. This strategy appears to be the most appropriate, especially for those with good performance status, well-differentiated tumors, and synchronous liver metastases only.

[Histopathological finding as a prognostic factor of the surgical treatment outcome in colorectal cancer]

BACKGROUND/AIM

Adenocarcinomas of the colon are the most common malignant colorectal tumors. Macroscopic and histopahtological features of colorectal cancer significantly affect its outcome. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of histopahological finding as a prognostic factor on the surgical treatment outcome and the course of the disease.

METHODS

In the first part of this study the distribution (numerical and proportional) of certain histopathological parameters in the examined groups of patients were reviewed; in the second part of the study the statistical significance of the impact of the certain elements of a histopahtological finding on the surgical treratment outcome was analyzed. The histopathological elements analyzed included: the hsitological tumor type grading according to Duke, ie Astler-Coller, and tumor, nodes, metastases (TNM) staging in the examined sample of 100 patients.

RESULTS

Statistically significant prognostic factors of the outcome of surgical treatment were selected after multivariant analysis. These factors comprise Astler-Coller-Dukes stage D (revealed in 77.78% patients died), stage IV according TNM classification (T1-4, N0-2, M1), histological structure (poorly diferentiated adenocarcinoma in 85.2% patents died) and type of tumor (mucynous adenocarcinoma was more often present in died, 77.78%). Since phi = 0.000 for four risk factors were formed using discriminant analysus, it was proved their significant influence on the outcome of surgical treatment Discriminant coefficient showed that the greatest influence on surgical treatment were registred in patients with tumor of Astler-Coller-Dukes stage D (0.255), poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (histological structure) (0.139), mucynous adenocarcinoma (type of tumor) (0.074) and stage IV according to the TNM classification (T1-4, N0-2, M1) (0.39).

CONCLUSION

The prognostic factors influencing the outcome of surgery for colorectal carcinoma were defined. Patients with pathohistological finding of Astler-Coller-Dukes stage D, stage IV according to the TNM classification (T1-4, N0-2, M1) and poorly differentiated adenocarcioma have statistically highly significant mortality during the perioperative course of the disease.

Combined first-stage hepatectomy and colorectal resection in a two-stage hepatectomy strategy for bilobar synchronous liver metastases

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the feasibility and outcomes of combined colorectal and hepatic resection as the first step of two-stage hepatectomy in patients with bilobar synchronous colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS

All patients with bilobar synchronous colorectal liver metastases who were considered for two-stage hepatectomy, combining resection of the primary tumour with the first stage of hepatectomy, between 2000 and 2008 were selected from a prospectively collected database at two institutions. Data were analysed retrospectively on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were studied. Twenty patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Combined colorectal resection and clearance of left-sided liver metastases was the first-stage procedure in all but one patient, in whom right clearance was performed. In 17 patients right portal vein ligation was undertaken at the same time. No patient died. Two patients had anastomotic leakage. Interval chemotherapy was given to 25 patients, five of whom also had percutaneous portal vein embolization. Twenty-five patients had the second-stage hepatectomy, but not eight patients with disease progression. There was one postoperative death after the second stage, and eight patients experienced morbidity. Median follow-up from the first stage was 28.7 months. Overall and disease-free survival rates for patients who completed the procedure were 80 and 44 per cent respectively at 3 years, and 48 and 22 per cent at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

In patients with bilobar synchronous colorectal liver metastases who are candidates for two-stage hepatectomy, combined resection of the primary tumour and first-stage hepatectomy reduces the number of procedures, optimizes chemotherapy administration and may improve outcome.

Primary chemotherapy with or without colonic stent for management of irresectable stage IV colorectal cancer

AIM

Management of patients with irresectable stage IV colorectal cancer is controversial. Since 2000, we have favoured primary chemotherapy with stent insertion in case of obstructive tumor. Our aim was to report the results of this strategy in an unselected consecutive series of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2000 to 2007, 68 of 115 consecutive patients admitted with stage IV colorectal cancer were considered irresectable. Data were collected prospectively. Feasibility and outcomes were analysed in an intention to treat basis.

RESULTS

Of 68 patients, 37 received the intended primary chemotherapy, with stent insertion in 19, 13 required surgery as initial management and 18 patients received supportive care only. Twelve patients in the primary chemotherapy group developed local complication, including bowel obstruction in 9, successfully managed by stent in 6 of them. In patients requiring surgery at presentation, mortality and morbidity were 31% and 77%, respectively. Overall, 41 patients received chemotherapy, of whom, 6 were downstaged to undergo curative resection. Median survival was 6.7 and 15.4 months for the whole series and patients treated by primary chemotherapy, respectively (p<0.0001). On multivariate analysis, age, CEA level, primary chemotherapy and secondary curative resection were independently associated with survival.

CONCLUSION

In unselected patients with irresectable stage IV colorectal cancer, primary chemotherapy with or without stent is feasible in more than 50% of cases and is associated with a low rate of secondary surgery for complicated primary tumor. This strategy may represent the best palliation in these patients for both duration and quality of survival.