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Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease 9/2010

01-09-2010 | Original Article

Adjuvant radiotherapy following total mesorectal excision for stage IIA rectal cancer: is it beneficial?

Authors: Jin Soo Kim, Nam Kyu Kim, Byung Soh Min, Hyuk Hur, Joong Bae Ahn, Ki Chang Keum

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 9/2010

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Abstract

Purpose

The benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with stage IIA (T3N0) rectal cancer following total mesorectal excision (TME) is controversial. We evaluated the effect of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) versus chemotherapy (CT) alone on the local recurrence and survival of patients with stage IIA rectal cancer after TME.

Methods

Between 1996 and 2004, patients with stage IIA rectal cancer who received adjuvant CT (n = 29) or CRT (n = 122) following TME were enrolled. Oncologic outcomes were compared between groups, and risk factors for local recurrence and overall survival rates were analyzed.

Results

The median follow-up period was 78 months. No significant differences were observed in the 5-year local recurrence (3.4% versus 9.0%; P = 0.348) or 5-year overall survival rates (86.2% versus 80.3%; P = 0.924) between CT and CRT. However, involvement of the circumferential resection margin and age >60 years were associated with adverse oncologic outcomes.

Conclusions

Additional postoperative radiotherapy did not alter local recurrence or survival after TME in patients with stage IIA rectal cancer. Postoperative radiation may be an overtreatment as an adjuvant therapy in patients with stage IIA rectal cancer if they had no other risk factors. However, randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm this suggestion.
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Metadata
Title
Adjuvant radiotherapy following total mesorectal excision for stage IIA rectal cancer: is it beneficial?
Authors
Jin Soo Kim
Nam Kyu Kim
Byung Soh Min
Hyuk Hur
Joong Bae Ahn
Ki Chang Keum
Publication date
01-09-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 9/2010
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-010-0970-1

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