The Role of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Sphincter-Saving Surgery for Mid and Distal Rectal Cancer

Effect of Biofeedback Therapy during Temporary Stoma Period in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Prospective Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

This prospective randomized controlled study was designed to evaluate the effect of biofeedback therapy (BFT) during temporary stoma period to prevent defecation dysfunction after sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS).

METHODS

Following SPS with temporary stoma, patients were divided according to whether (BFT group) or not (Control group) they received BFT. BFT was performed once or twice a week during the temporary stoma period. Kegel exercise were advised to all the patients. Subjective defecation symptoms were evaluated according to Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) as primary outcome at 12 months postoperatively. Manometric data of five time-points were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients in the BFT group and 23 patients in the control group received anorectal physiologic testing. The incidence of CCIS of more than 9 points, which is the primary end point in this study, was not statistically different between BFT group and control group (p = 1.000). The liquid stool incontinence in the BFT group showed a better tendency (p = 0.06) at 12 months post-SPS. Time-dependent serial changes in maximal sensory threshold (Max RST) was significantly different between the BFT and control groups (p = 0.048). Also, the change of mean resting pressure (MRP) tended to be more stable in the BFT group (p = 0.074).

CONCLUSIONS

The BFT in the period of temporary stoma may be related to liquid stool incontinence at 12 months post-SPS and lead to stable MRP and better Max RST. Therefore, BFT during temporary stoma might be helpful for preventing and minimizing defecation dysfunction in high risk patients after SPS, NCT01661829).

A prospective, single-arm, multicenter trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 plus panitumumab without radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer

PURPOSE

The present study evaluated the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with modified 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) plus panitumumab in clinical stage III rectal cancer with KRAS wild-type.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective multicenter phase II trial. KRAS wild-type clinical stage III rectal cancer patients were enrolled. Patients received 6 cycles of mFOLFOX6 with 6 mg/kg panitumumab as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The primary outcome was the response rate (RR) defined by RECIST. Lateral lymph node dissection (LLDN) was performed when patients had a locally advanced tumor < 9 cm from the anal margin.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients were enrolled. Twelve (24.0%) experienced grade 3-4 adverse events during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The RR was 88.0% (complete response 2.0%, partial response 86.0%), which met the primary outcome. All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery and achieved R0 resection. Seven patients underwent resection of other adjacent organs, and 43 underwent LLND. Twelve patients (24.0%) experienced grade 3-4 postoperative complications, and 4 (8.0%) had pathological complete response (pCR). Thirteen patients (26.0%) had lymph node metastasis. Forty-five patients (90.0%) received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 79.0% and 93.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy of mFOLFOX6 plus panitumumab without radiotherapy resulted in a low pCR rate but a high PR rate, low local recurrence rate, and good long-term outcome, suggesting that this treatment strategy may be a viable option for patients unable or unwilling to receive radiotherapy. The trial was registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, number 000006039.

Intersphincteric Resection Pushing the Envelope for Sphincter Preservation

During the last 15 years, a significant evolution has emerged in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer and restoration of bowel continuity has been one of the main goals. For many years the treatment of distal rectal cancer would necessarily require an abdominoperineal resection and end colostomy. The surgical procedure of intersphincteric resection has been proposed to offer sphincter preservation in patients with low rectal cancer and has been legitimized if executed according to adequate oncologic criteria. This article will discuss the best indications, technical aspects, functional, and oncological outcomes of intersphicteric resection in the management of rectal cancer.

Anorectal dysfunction after laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection for rectal cancer with and without radiotherapy (manometry study)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aim was to evaluate the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on anorectal function of patients with low rectal cancer undergoing low anterior resection (LAR).

METHODS

Prospective clinical cohort study conducted to assess the functional outcome by means of high-resolution anorectal manometry and LARS score.

RESULTS

In total, 65 patients were enrolled in the study (27 patients underwent LAR without RT, 38 patients underwent RT and LAR). There were no statistically significant differences between study subgroups regarding demographic and clinical data; postoperative morbidity was significantly higher in irradiated patients. One year after the surgery, mean LARS score was significantly higher in patients who underwent RT and surgery. Major LARS was detected in 37.0% of irradiated patients and in 14.8% of patients after surgery alone. Anorectal manometry revealed significantly lower resting pressures in patients after RT and LAR; the squeeze pressures were similar. Rectal compliance and all volumes describing rectal sensitivity (first sensation, urge to defecate, and discomfort volume) were significantly lower in irradiated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

RT significantly deteriorates the functional outcome of patients after LAR. Manometry revealed internal sphincter dysfunction, reduced capacity, and compliance of neorectum, which seem to have a significant correlation with LARS presence/seriousness.

The risk of definitive stoma formation at 10 years after low and ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancer

AIM

The long-term risk of definitive stoma after sphincter-saving resection (SSR) for rectal cancer is underestimated and has never been reported for ultralow conservative surgery. We report the 10-year risk of definitive stoma after SSR for low rectal cancer.

METHOD

From 1994 to 2008, patients with low rectal cancer who were suitable for SSR were analysed retrospectively. Patients were divided into the following four groups: low colorectal anastomosis (LCRA); coloanal anastomosis (CAA); partial intersphincteric resection (pISR); and total intersphincteric resection (tISR). The end-point was the risk of a definitive stoma according to the type of anastomosis.

RESULTS

During the study period, 297 patients had SSR for low rectal cancer. The incidence of definitive stoma increased from 11% at 1 year to 22% at 10 years. The reasons were no closure of the loop ileostomy (4.7%), anastomotic morbidity (6.5%), anal incontinence (8%) and local recurrence (5.2%). The risk of definitive stoma was not influenced by type of surgery: 26% vs 18% vs 18% vs 19% (P = 0.578) for LCRA, CAA, pISR and tISR, respectively. Independent risk factors for definitive stoma were age > 65 years and surgical morbidity.

CONCLUSION

The risk of a definitive stoma after SSR increased two-fold between 1 and 10 years after surgery, from 11% to 22%. Ultralow conservative surgery (pISR and tISR) did not increase the risk of definitive stoma compared with conventional CAA or LCRA.

Comparative analysis of late functional outcome following preoperative radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy and surgery or surgery alone in rectal cancer

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the anorectal and genitourinary function of patients treated by preoperative short-term radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery and surgery alone for rectal cancer.

METHODS

For this study, a total of 613 patients, who were identified from a prospective rectal cancer database, underwent anterior resection of the rectum between October 2001 and December 2007. Standardized questionnaires were used to determine fecal incontinence, urinary, and sexual function. Relevant clinical variables were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Independent predictors of functional outcome were identified by a binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The data of 263 (43 %) patients were available for analysis. On multivariate analysis, neoadjuvant RT (P < 0.01) and low anterior resection (LAR) (P = 0.049) were associated with fecal incontinence. In univariate analysis, fecal incontinence was linked to preoperative neoadjuvant treatment (RT and/or CRT vs. LAR) (P < 0.01). The hazard ratio for developing fecal incontinence was 3.3 (1.6-6.8) for patients who received RT. One hundred twenty-five patients (51.2 %) experienced urinary incontinence following surgery, the majority of whom were female (P < 0.01). On univariate analysis, male sexual function was associated with age (P < 0.01), ASA class (P = 0.01) and LAR (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Multimodal therapy of low rectal cancer increases the incidence of fecal incontinence and negatively affects sexual function. The potential benefits of RT or CRT need to be balanced against the risk of increased bowel dysfunction when determining the appropriate treatment for individual patients with rectal cancer.