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International Journal of Colorectal Disease

Published in:

01-03-2014 | Original Article

Clinical tumour size and nodal status predict pathologic complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer

Authors: Mikaela L. Garland, Ryash Vather, Noah Bunkley, Maria Pearse, Ian P. Bissett

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 3/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer has been associated with improved local control, reduced distant disease and a survival advantage when compared with non-complete responders. Approximately 10–25 % of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer achieve pCR; however, predictors for its occurrence are inadequately defined. This study aimed to identify clinical and tumour factors that predict pCR in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer.

Methods

Consecutive rectal cancer patients diagnosed and treated in the Auckland region between 1 January 2002 and 1 February 2013 were retrospectively identified. Cases were stratified by the occurrence of pCR or non-pCR. Predictive capacity of several patient, tumour and treatment-related variables were then assessed by univariate and regression analyses.

Results

Two hundred ninety-seven patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, of whom 34 (11.4 %) achieved pCR. There were no significant differences in age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, pretreatment clinical T or N stage, tumour distance from the anal verge, tumour differentiation, chemoradiotherapy regimen and time interval to surgery between the pCR and non-pCR groups. Univariate analysis identified pretreatment serum CEA levels, a reduction in pre- to post-treatment serum CEA and smaller tumours as significant correlates of pCR. Logistic regression analysis found smaller tumour size and pretreatment clinical N stage as independent clinical predictors for achieving pCR.

Conclusions

Smaller tumour size and pretreatment clinical N stage were independent clinical predictors for achieving pCR. Prospective analysis is recommended for more rigorous risk factor assessment.

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Title: Clinical tumour size and nodal status predict pathologic complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer
Authors: Mikaela L. Garland
Ryash Vather
Noah Bunkley
Maria Pearse
Ian P. Bissett
Publication date: 01-03-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-013-1821-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Clinical tumour size and nodal status predict pathologic complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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