Selected stage IV rectal cancer patients managed by the watch-and-wait approach after pelvic radiotherapy: a good alternative to total mesorectal excision surgery?

ABSTRACT:

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and oncological outcome of a selected group of stage IV rectal cancer patients managed by the watch-and-wait approach following a (near-)complete response of the primary rectal tumour after radiotherapy.

Method

Patients registered in the Dutch watch-and-wait registry since 2004 were selected when diagnosed with synchronous stage IV rectal cancer. Data on patient characteristics, treatment details, follow-up and survival were collected. The 2-year local regrowth rate, organ-preservation rate, colostomy-free rate, metastatic progression-free rate and 2- and 5-year overall survival were analysed.

Results

After a median follow-up period of 35 months, local regrowth was observed in 17 patients (40.5%). Nine patients unde

SUBMITTER: Custers PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9305558 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature