Abstract
Introduction: The aim was assess the oncological and functional outcome of the watch-and-wait (W&W) approach in older patients with a clinical (near)complete response after neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer.
Material and methods: Patients were included in a W&W-approach (2004-2019) when digital rectal examination, endoscopy and MRI showed a (near)clinical complete response. Patients underwent endoscopy and MRI every 3 months during the first year, and 6-monthly thereafter. Patients aged >= 75 and >= 2 years of follow-up (FU) were selected. Oncological outcomes were assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves. Functional outcome was assessed with colostomy-free rate, Vaizey incontinence score, low anterior resection syndrome-score and International Prostate Syndrome Score.
Results: 43/304 (14%) of patients in a W&W-approach met the inclusion criteria. Median FU was 37 (24-109) months. 5/43(12%) developed a local regrowth. All were treated surgically, with one patient experiencing a pelvic failure. Distant metastases occurred in 3/43 patients and 4 patients died, 3 of whom not related to rectal cancer. The 3-year local regrowth-free rate was 88%, 3-year non-regrowth disease-free survival 91%, overall survival 97% and 3-year colostomy-free rate 93%. Overall, the bowel- and urinary dysfunction scores at 3, 12 and 24 months indicated good continence, no or minor LARS and moderate urinary problems.
Conclusion: W&W for older patients with a clinical (near) complete response appears to be a safe alternative to a total mesorectal excision (TME), with a very high pelvic control rate, and few rectal cancer related deaths. Most patients can avoid major surgery and a definitive colostomy, and have a reasonable anorectal and urinary function. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd, BASO similar to The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 358-362 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | European Journal of Surgical Oncology |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2020 |
Keywords
- Rectal cancer
- Chemoradiation
- Watch-and-wait approach
- Older patients
- Oncological outcomes
- Functional outcomes
- CHEMORADIATION
- RESECTION
- THERAPY