Efficacy of Imatinib Mesylate Neoadjuvant Treatment for a Locally Advanced Rectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Surgery is the standard treatment for a primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST); however, surgical resection is often not curative, particularly for large GISTs. In the past decade, with imatinib mesylate (IM), management strategies for GISTs have evolved significantly, and now IM is the standard care for patients with locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic GISTs. Adjuvant therapy with imatinib was recently approved for use, and preoperative imatinib is an emerging treatment option for patients who require cytoreductive therapy. IM neoadjuvant therapy for primary GISTs has been reported, but there is no consensus on the dose of the drug, the duration of treatment and the optimal time of surgery. These are critical because drug resistance or tumor progression can develop with a prolonged treatment. This report describes two cases of large rectal malignant GISTs, for which a abdominoperineal resection was initially anticipated. The two patients received IM preoperative treatment; we followed-up with CT or magnetic resonance imaging to access the response. After 9 months of treatment, a multi-disciplinary consensus that maximal benefit from imatinib had been achieved was reached. We determined the best time for surgical intervention and successfully performed sphincter-preserving surgery before resistance to imatinib or tumor progression occurred. We believe that a multidisciplinary team approach, considerating the optimal duration of therapy and the timing of surgery, is required to optimize treatment outcome.

Sphincter Preserving Method for Distal Rectal Cancer: Treatment Experience of Ultra-low Anterior Resection and Hand Sewn Coloanal Anastomosis

PURPOSE: As the oncologic safety of coloanal anastomosis (CAA) has been proven by many other authors, the incidence of CAA following a ultra-low anterior resection has increased. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcomes and complications for patients who underwent an ultra-low anterior resection and CAA for distal rectal cancer. METHODS: 57 patients underwent CAA following an ultra-low anterior resection between July 1997 and November 2003. 44 patients, who were followed up for more than 6 month after diverting ileostomy repair were evaluated for recurrence pattern, complications, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 32.0+/-22.8 (8~83) months. The mean age of the patients was 54.3+/-10.4 (23~74) years. The types of anastomosis were straight CAA (n=20) and J pouch CAA (n=37). The mean tumor size was 4.1+/-1.9 (2~8) cm, the mean distal resection margin was 1.3+/-0.9 (0.2~4) cm. Six months later, the anastomosis distance following diverting ileostomy repair was measured at 3.24+/-0.6 (2~4) cm from the anal verge. The complications were multiple fistulas (n=3), fistula with anal stenosis (n=1), local recurrence with anal stenosis (n=1), anal stenosis (n=7). Anal incontinence (Kirwan grade III) was noted in 14 patients, and bowel movements more than 6 times per day were observed in 16 patients. Overall recurrence occurred in 6 patients (13.6%). The 5-years survival rate was 84.4%, and the 5-year disease-free survival was 68.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Although CAA in patients with rectal cancer provides excellent long-term survival, a low risk of recurrence, in tolerable function, complications, and poor functional outcomes have been observed with CAA; therefore, the choice of this method should be considered carefully.

Ultralow Anterior Resection and Coloanal Anastomosis for Distal Rectal Cancer Functional and Oncologic Results

PURPOSE: Coloanal anastomosis (CAA) following ultralow anterior resection became more popular techniques for preservation of anal sphincter in distal rectal cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a functional and oncologic safety of patients who underwent ultralow anterior resection and coloanal anastomosis for distal rectal cancer. METHODS: Forty-eight patients underwent coloanal anastomosis following ultralow anterior resection between January 1988 and January 1998. Main operative techniques were total mesorectal excision with autonomic nerve preservation. Colonic J pouch was made 8 cm in length with GIA 95. All patients were followed up for fecal or gas incontinence, frequency of bowel movement and local or systemic recurrences. RESULTS: Mean tumor distance from anal verge was 4.0 cm. Postoperative complications were transient urinary retention (N=7), anastomotic stenosis (N=3), anastomotic leakage (N=3), rectovaginal fistula (N=2), cancer positive margin (N=1; patient refuses reoperation). Overall recurrences occurred in 7/48 (14.5%). Local recurrence (N=1) and systemic recurrence (N=1) in Astler-Coller stage B2, local recurrence (N=1), systemic recurrence (N=2) and combined local and systemic recurrence (N=2) in Astler-Coller stage C2. Mean frequency of bowel movement were 6.1 per day at 3 month, 4.4 at 1 year and 3.1 at 2 years. Kirwan grade for fecal incontinence were 2.7 at 3 months, 1.8 at 1 year and 1.5 at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: With careful selection of patients and good operative techniques, CAA can be performed safely in distal rectal cancer. Normal continence and acceptable frequency of bowel movements can be obtained at 1 year after operation without compromising the rate of local recurrence.