Robotic Surgery for the Ileal Pouch.

BACKGROUND: A robotic approach to total colectomy/proctectomy and ileal pouch reconstruction would seem to be a sensible use of the platform's enhanced reach, visualization, and dexterity. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to discuss current published data for robotic ileal pouch surgery. STUDY SELECTION: The study selection included a paucity of published data to date, representing early learning curves and case series with small numbers. CONCLUSIONS: Current robotic platforms may offer advantages, particularly in the low pelvis beyond what is found with a laparoscopic approach.

Outcomes Following Cytoreduction and HIPEC for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: 10-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinical presentation, with considerable morbidity and mortality if left untreated. In recent decades, there is growing acceptance for the use of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The aim of this study was to report on our 10-year single-center experience on outcomes following CRS and HIPEC for PMP of appendiceal origin. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for PMP of appendiceal origin over a 10-year period at a statewide referral center was conducted. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-five cytoreductive procedures were undertaken in 140 patients. The mean patient age was 57.4 years, with a female preponderance (56%). The median PCI was 16, with 73.1% of cases having a complete cytoreduction. Grade III/IV complications occurred in 36 (20.6%) cases, with no mortalities. The median overall and disease-free survival was 100 months and 40 months, respectively, with a 71% 5-year survival. High-grade histology was the main factor identified as an independent predictor of worse overall survival. CONCLUSION: CRS and HIPEC are safe with acceptable rates of morbidity. It can provide very favorable survival in patients with PMP. High-grade histology is a key prognostic factor associated with a worse overall survival.

Evolution of Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases: 8-Year Single-Institutional Experience.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Peritoneal metastases carry the worst prognosis among all sites of colorectal cancer metastases. In recent years, the advent and acceptance of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy have greatly improved survival for selected patients with low-volume peritoneal metastases. OBJECTIVE: Here, we report the evolution of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal metastases at a statewide tertiary referral center over an 8-year period. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study from 2009 to 2017. SETTING: The study was conducted at a single center over 8 years. PATIENTS: Patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were included. MAIN OUTCOMES: Main outcomes included evaluation of grade III/IV morbidity rate, mortality rate, overall and relapse-free survival, and prognostic factors influencing survival on a Cox multivariate analysis model. RESULTS: One hundred one cytoreductive surgeries were undertaken on 96 patients during this time for colorectal peritoneal metastases. The median patient age was 60 years with 55.2% being female. The median Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index was 9, with complete cytoreduction achieved in 76 (75.2%) cases. Grade III or IV complications occurred in 26 cases (25.7%) with 2 (2%) perioperative mortalities. Median overall survival for the entire cohort was 32 months, with a 3-year survival of 38%. For patients who achieved a complete cytoreduction, median overall survival was 37 months, with a relapse-free survival of 13 months and a 3-year survival of 54%. Complete cytoreduction and nonmucinous histology were key factors independently associated with improved overall survival. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation this study is its retrospective nature. CONCLUSION: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for isolated low-volume colorectal peritoneal metastases is safe and effective, with low morbidity. It offers selected patients a highly favorable overall and relapse-free survival. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B2. EVOLUCIÓN DE LA CIRUGÍA CITORREDUCTIVA Y QUIMIOTERAPIA INTRAPERITONEAL HIPERTÉRMICA (HIPEC) PARA METÁSTASIS PERITONEALES COLORRECTALES: EXPERIENCIA INSTITUCIONAL DE 8 AÑOS: El cáncer colorrectal es la segunda causa de mortalidad relacionada con el cáncer en todo el mundo. Las metástasis peritoneales tienen el peor pronóstico entre todos los sitios de metástasis del cáncer colorrectal. En los últimos años, el advenimiento y la aceptación de la cirugía citorreductiva y la quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica ha mejorado enormemente la supervivencia de pacientes seleccionados con metástasis peritoneales de bajo volumen. OBJETIVO: Aquí, informamos sobre la evolución de la cirugía citorreductiva y la quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica para las metástasis peritoneales colorrectales en un centro de referencia terciario para todo el estado durante un período de ocho años. DISEÑO:: Estudio retrospectivo del 2009 a 2017. CONFIGURACIÓN:: Centro único a lo largo de ocho años. PACIENTES: Pacientes con metástasis peritoneales colorrectales sometidos a cirugía citorreductiva y quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica. RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES: Los resultados principales incluyeron la evaluación de la tasa de morbilidad de grado III / IV, la tasa de mortalidad, la supervivencia general y libre de recaída y los factores pronósticos que influyen en la supervivencia en el modelo de análisis multivariado Cox. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron el ciento uno cirugías citorreductivas en noventa y seis pacientes durante este tiempo por metástasis peritoneales colorrectales. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 60 años, con un 55.2% de mujeres. El Índice de Carcinomatosis Peritoneal mediano fue de 9, con una citorreducción completa lograda en 76 (75.2%) casos. Las complicaciones de grado III o IV ocurrieron en 26 casos (25.7%) con dos (2%) de mortalidad perioperatoria. La supervivencia mediana general para toda la cohorte fue de 32 meses, con una supervivencia de 3 años del 38%. Para los pacientes que lograron una citorreducción completa, la supervivencia global media fue de 37 meses, con una supervivencia sin recaída de 13 meses y una supervivencia de 3 años del 54%. La citorreducción completa y la histología no mucinosa fueron factores clave asociados de forma independiente con una mejor supervivencia general. LIMITACIONES: La principal limitación es la naturaleza retrospectiva del estudio. CONCLUSIÓN:: La cirugía citorreductiva y la quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica para las metástasis peritoneales colorrectales aisladas de bajo volumen son seguras y eficaces, con baja morbilidad. Ofrece a los pacientes seleccionados una supervivencia global altamente favorable y libre de recaída. Vea el Resumen del video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B2.

Prognostic Impact of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Primary and Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing literature emerging on the significance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in colorectal cancer. However, there have been inconsistent findings, secondary to small patient numbers and varied methods for identifying these lymphocytes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic and predictive power of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in colon, rectal (in neoadjuvant setting), and metastatic colorectal cancer. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase was undertaken from January 2006 to December 2016. STUDY SELECTION: The inclusion criteria included a description of the tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte subset(s) assessed with reporting of associated short- and long-term outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures, were disease-free and overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies were included, 15 for primary colorectal cancer (4719 patients), 7 for locally advanced rectal cancer (727 patients), and 3 studies for metastatic colorectal cancer (418 patients). High CD3, CD8, FoxP3, and CD45RO densities were associated with improved overall survival for primary colorectal cancer, with pooled estimated HRs of 0.88, 0.81, 0.70, and 0.63 (all p < 0.001) respectively. Furthermore, in locally advanced rectal cancer, the levels of CD8 cells were a significant predictor of good tumor regression grade after chemoradiotherapy. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature of included studies and the significant interstudy heterogeneity were limitations. CONCLUSIONS: There is increasing evidence that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes play an important role in predicting prognosis in colorectal cancer and tumor regression after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. Clinical researchers are now in a unique position to build on this work to identify robust predictive markers to stratify patients not only to currently available therapies but also to immunotherapy, which has demonstrated success in improving patient outcomes.

Risk Factors Associated With Circumferential Resection Margin Positivity in Rectal Cancer: A Binational Registry Study.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer outcomes have improved with the adoption of a multidisciplinary model of care. However, there is a spectrum of quality when viewed from a national perspective, as highlighted by the Consortium for Optimizing the Treatment of Rectal Cancer data on rectal cancer care in the United States. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess and identify predictors of circumferential resection margin involvement for rectal cancer across Australasia. DESIGN: A retrospective study from a prospectively maintained binational colorectal cancer database was interrogated. SETTINGS: This study is based on a binational colorectal cancer audit database. PATIENTS: Clinical information on all consecutive resected rectal cancer cases recorded in the registry from 2007 to 2016 was retrieved, collated, and analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was positive circumferential resection margin, measured as a resection margin ≤1 mm. RESULTS: A total of 3367 patients were included, with 261 (7.5%) having a positive circumferential resection margin. After adjusting for hospital and surgeon volume, hierarchical logistic regression analysis identified a 6-variable model encompassing the independent predictors, including urgent operation, abdominoperineal resection, open technique, low rectal cancer, T3 to T4, and N1 to N2. The accuracy of the model was 92.3%, with an receiver operating characteristic of 0.783 (p < 0.0001). The quantitative risk associated with circumferential resection margin positivity ranged from <1% (no risk factors) to 43% (6 risk factors). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the lack of recorded long-term outcomes associated with circumferential resection margin positivity. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of circumferential resection margin involvement in patients undergoing rectal cancer resection in Australasia is low and is influenced by a number of factors. Risk stratification of outcome is important with the increasing demand for publicly accessible quality data. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A512.

Prognostic value of tumour regression grade in locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: The current standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer involves neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision. There is a spectrum of response to neoadjuvant therapy; however, the prognostic value of tumour regression grade (TRG) in predicting disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) is inconsistent in the literature. METHOD: This study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was undertaken using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were Stage II and III locally advanced rectal cancer treated with long-course CRT followed by radical surgery. The aim of the meta-analysis was to assess the prognostic implication of each TRG for rectal cancer following neoadjuvant CRT. Long-term prognosis was assessed. The main outcome measures were DFS and OS. A random effects model was performed to pool the hazard ratio (HR) from all included studies. RESULTS: There were 4875 patients from 17 studies, with 775 (15.9%) attaining a pathological complete response (pCR) and 719 (29.9%) with no response. A significant association with OS was identified from a pooled-estimated HR for pCR (HR = 0.47, P = 0.002) and nonresponding tumours (HR = 2.97; P < 0.001). Previously known tumour characteristics, such as ypN, lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion, were also significantly associated with DFS and OS, with estimated pooled HRs of 2.2, 1.4 and 2.3, respectively. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the degree of TRG was of prognostic value in predicting long-term outcomes. The current challenge is the development of a high-validity tests to predict pCR.

Salvage Surgery for Locoregional Failure in Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Anal squamous cell carcinoma is a rare cancer with a high cure rate, making research into the treatment of locoregional failure difficult. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to local treatment failure and determine the outcomes of patients undergoing local salvage resection. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTING: This study was conducted at a quaternary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy between January 1983 and December 2015 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The influence of patient-, tumor-, and treatment-related factors on the primary outcome measures of locoregional failure, overall survival, and disease-free survival were investigated. RESULTS: Of 467 patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma, 63 experienced locoregional failure with 41 undergoing salvage resection. Twenty-seven patients (38%) had persistent disease and 36 (62%) developed locoregional recurrence. Multivariate analysis identified tumor stage (HR, 3.16; p < 0.002) as an independent predictor of locoregional failure. Thirty abdominoperineal resections and 11 pelvic exenterations were undertaken with no surgical mortality. At a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 4-150 months), 5-year overall and disease-free survival for the salvage cohort was 51% and 47%. Margin positivity was an independent predictor for relapse post-salvage surgery on multivariate analysis (HR, 20.1; p = 0.027). Nineteen patients (48%) developed further relapse, which included all 10 patients with a positive resection margin, 3 of whom underwent re-resection. Of the 19 patients with relapse, 3 remain alive and 2 have persistent disease. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the retrospective nature of the database, the prolonged time period of the study, and episodes of incomplete data. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced T stage is an independent predictor of local failure in anal squamous cell carcinoma. Most patients can be salvaged, with a positive resection margin being a strong predictor of further relapse and poor outcome. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A515.

Detection of incidental colorectal pathology on positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is an important modality in cancer imaging. With its increasing availability and use, it is not uncommon to detect incidental focal colorectal 18 F-FDG uptake which poses a diagnostic challenge, as they may be associated with malignant or pre-malignant colorectal lesions. The aim of our study is to determine the proportion of these findings which represents true pathology. METHODS: Patients with incidental focal colorectal 18 F-FDG uptake on PET/CT who subsequently underwent colonoscopy between January 2002 to September 2013 were identified from a prospective database in a tertiary referral centre. PET/CT results were correlated with colonoscopy and pathology results in these patients. Positive predictive values (PPVs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of PET/CT in the detection of incidental colorectal pathology were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients (92 men and 56 women), with a mean age 73 years (range of 36 to 93 years) were included in the study. A total of 170 foci of colorectal 18 F-FDG uptake were detected on PET/CT. Of these, 101 foci corresponded to a malignant or pre-malignant lesion (PPV 59%; 95% CI: 52-67%). On a per-patient analysis, 93 patients had at least one focus of colorectal 18 F-FDG uptake which corresponded to a pre-malignant or malignant lesion (PPV 63%; 95% CI: 54-71%). CONCLUSION: Focal colorectal 18 F-FDG uptake on PET/CT is associated with a significant proportion of malignant or pre-malignant lesions. Further evaluation with colonoscopy is recommended.

Warmed, humidified CO2 insufflation benefits intraoperative core temperature during laparoscopic surgery: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative hypothermia is linked to postoperative adverse events. The use of warmed, humidified CO2 to establish pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy has been associated with reduced incidence of intraoperative hypothermia. However, the small number and variable quality of published studies have caused uncertainty about the potential benefit of this therapy. This meta-analysis was conducted to specifically evaluate the effects of warmed, humidified CO2 during laparoscopy. METHODS: An electronic database search identified randomized controlled trials performed on adults who underwent laparoscopic abdominal surgery under general anesthesia with either warmed, humidified CO2 or cold, dry CO2 . The main outcome measure of interest was change in intraoperative core body temperature. RESULTS: The database search identified 320 studies as potentially relevant, and of these, 13 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. During laparoscopic surgery, use of warmed, humidified CO2 is associated with a significant increase in intraoperative core temperature (mean temperature change, 0.3°C), when compared with cold, dry CO2 insufflation. CONCLUSION: Warmed, humidified CO2 insufflation during laparoscopic abdominal surgery has been demonstrated to improve intraoperative maintenance of normothermia when compared with cold, dry CO2.

Anastomotic Leaks After Restorative Resections for Rectal Cancer Compromise Cancer Outcomes and Survival.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leaks after restorative resections for rectal cancer may lead to worse long-term outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the best current evidence assessing anastomotic leaks in rectal cancer resections with curative intent and their impact on survival and cancer recurrence. DATA SOURCES: A meta-analysis was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane search engines for relevant studies published between January 1982 and January 2015. STUDY SELECTION: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology was used to screen and select relevant studies for the review using key words "colorectal surgery; colorectal neoplasm; rectal neoplasm" and "anastomotic leak." INTERVENTION: Anastomotic leak groups were compared with nonanastomotic leak groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ORs were calculated from binary data for local recurrence, distant recurrence, and cancer-specific mortality. A random-effects model was then used to calculate pooled ORs with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Eleven studies with 13,655 patients met the inclusion criteria. This included 5 prospective cohort and 6 retrospective cohort studies. Median follow-up was 60 months. Higher cancer-specific mortality was noted in the leak group with an OR of 1.30 (95% CI, 1.04-1.62; p < 0.05). Local recurrences were more likely in rectal cancer resections complicated by anastomotic leaks (OR = 1.61 (95% CI, 1.25-2.09); p < 0.001). Distant recurrence was not more likely in the anastomotic leak group (OR = 1.07 (95% CI, 0.87-1.33); p = 0.52). LIMITATIONS: All 11 studies are level 3 evidence cohort studies. Additional sensitivity analyses were performed to minimize cross-study heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Anastomotic leaks after restorative resections for rectal cancer adversely impact cancer-specific mortality and local recurrence.

Molecular biology of anal squamous cell carcinoma: implications for future research and clinical intervention.

Anal squamous cell carcinoma is a human papillomavirus-related disease, in which no substantial advances in treatment have been made in over 40 years, especially for those patients who develop disease relapse and for whom no surgical options exist. HPV can evade the immune system and its role in disease progression can be exploited in novel immunotherapy platforms. Although several studies have investigated the expression and inactivation (through loss of heterozygosity) of tumour suppressor genes in the pathways to cancer, no clinically valuable biomarkers have emerged. Regulators of apoptosis, including survivin, and agents targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway, offer opportunities for targeted therapy, although robust data are scarce. Additionally, antibody therapy targeting EGFR may prove effective, although its safety profile in combination with standard chemoradiotherapy has proven to be suboptimal. Finally, progress in the treatment of anal cancer has remained stagnant due to a lack of preclinical models, including cell lines and mouse models. In this Review, we discuss the molecular biology of anal squamous cell carcinoma, clinical trials in progress, and implications for novel therapeutic targets. Future work should focus on preclinical models to provide a resource for investigation of new molecular pathways and for testing novel targets.

Acute and chronic pseudo-obstruction: a current update.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) are distinct clinical entities in which patients present similarly with symptoms of a mechanical obstruction without an occlusive lesion. Unfortunately, they also share the issues related to a delay in diagnosis, including inappropriate management and poor outcomes. Advancements have been made in our understanding of the aetiologies of both conditions. Several predisposing factors linked to critical illness have been implicated in ACPO. CIPO is a functional motility disorder, historically misdiagnosed, with unnecessary surgery being performed in many patients with dire consequences. This review discusses the pathophysiology, clinical and diagnostic features, and treatment of each. For ACPO, a safer pharmacological approach to treatment is presented in a modified up-to-date algorithm. The importance of CIPO as a differential diagnosis when seeing patients with recurrent admissions for abdominal pain and distention is also discussed, as well as specific indications for surgery. While surgery is often a last resort, the role of the surgeon in the management of both ACPO and CIPO cannot be undervalued. By characterizing each condition in a common review, the knowledge gleaned aims to optimize outcomes for these frequently complex patients.

Systematic review of FDG-PET prediction of complete pathological response and survival in rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Advances in the management of rectal cancer have resulted in an increased application of multimodal therapy with the aim of tailoring therapy to individual patients. Complete pathological response (pCR) is associated with improved survival and may be potentially managed without radical surgical resection. Over the last decade, there has been increasing interest in the ability of functional imaging to predict complete response to treatment. The aim of this review was to assess the role of (18)F-flurordeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in prediction of pCR and prognosis in resectable locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: A search of the MEDLINE and Embase databases was conducted, and a systematic review of the literature investigating positron emission tomography (PET) in the prediction of pCR and survival in rectal cancer was performed. RESULTS: Seventeen series assessing PET prediction of pCR were included in the review. Seven series assessed postchemoradiation SUVmax, which was significantly different between response groups in all six studies that assessed this. Nine series assessed the response index (RI) for SUVmax, which was significantly different between response groups in seven series. Thirteen studies investigated PET response for prediction of survival. Metabolic complete response assessed by SUV2max or visual response and RISUVmax showed strong associations with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). CONCLUSION: SUV2max and RISUVmax appear to be useful FDG-PET markers for prediction of pCR and these parameters also show strong associations with DFS and OS. FDG-PET may have a role in outcome prediction in patients with advanced rectal cancer.

Managing young colorectal cancer: a UK and Irish perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Young patients with familial syndromes have an increased metachronous cancer rate. Effective management is possible by identifying this high-risk group prior to index colectomy. The study surveys the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) membership preoperative evaluation and clinical management in young patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHOD: An electronic survey was sent to the membership of the ACPGBI. The survey polled members on clinical scenarios relating to young-onset CRC patients. We were particularly concerned with preoperative management strategies, the extent of colectomy, and postoperative surveillance. Survey responses were collated and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 124 members responded to the survey and 74 completed the survey. Of these, 87.8 % would proceed to colectomy without preoperative tumor or genetic testing. Decisions regarding the extent of colectomy depended on family history. A total of 67 (90.6 %) would offer a limited colectomy with no family history, 49 (66.2 %) in a patient with familial CRC type X, 29 (39.2 %) in a young patient with Lynch syndrome. A similar trend was seen with young rectal cancer. Only 16 surgeons (21.6 %) could identify a syndrome of MYH-associated polyposis (MAP). CONCLUSION: The majority of ACPGBI members will not offer preoperative risk testing based on a young age alone; however, the majority would alter their surgical strategy based on the results of this testing. MAP is poorly recognized by ACPGBI members and therefore an opportunity exists for education among members. WHAT IS NEW IN THIS PAPER?: This study is the first paper to survey the ACPGBI membership on management practices in young-onset CRC. Members are poor in adopting preoperative testing, alter surgical strategy based on a familial syndrome, with a minority recognizing MAP. An opportunity to improve education on young CRC patients exists.

Thromboembolism during neoadjuvant therapy for gastrointestinal cancer.

Thromboembolism a common, costly, and morbid complication that is also associated with decreased survival in cancer patients. The risk of thromboembolism in cancer patients is underappreciated. In addition to symptomatic deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, asymptomatic and arterial thromboembolic events are important consideration in ambulatory cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). No specific randomized trial examining thromboprophylaxis (TP) during nCRT for gastrointestinal cancer has been performed, and none is accruing. Most guidelines currently recommend against TP in ambulatory cancer patients due to a lack of data rather than proof of harm or lack of efficacy. It is clear that robust data are urgently required, and that treatment with nCRT in patients with gastrointestinal malignancy is not an indication for routine pharmacological TP at the present time.

Prospective single-arm study of intraoperative radiotherapy for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) using high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancers. Despite preoperative chemoradiation, patients with locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancers undergoing surgery remain at high risk of local recurrence. Intensification of radiation with IORT may improve local control. METHODS: This is a prospective non-randomised study. Eligible patients were those with T4 rectal cancer or pelvic recurrence, deemed suitable for radical surgery but at high risk of positive resection margins, without evidence of metastasis. Chemoradiation was followed by radical surgery. Ten gray (Gy) was delivered to tumour bed via an IORT applicator at time of surgery. RESULTS: There were 15% primary and 85% recurrent cancers. The 71% received preoperative chemoradiation. R0, R1 and R2 resections were 70%, 22% and 7%, respectively. IORT was successfully delivered in 27 of 30 registered patients (90% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 73-98) ) at a median reported time of 12 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) = 10-16) after chemoradiation. Mean IORT procedure and delivery times were 63 minutes (range 22-105 minutes). Ten patients (37% (95% CI = 19-58) ) experienced grade 3 or 4 toxicities (three wound, four abscesses, three soft tissue, three bowel obstructions, three ureteric obstructions and two sensory neuropathies). Local recurrence-free, failure-free and overall survival rates at 2.5 years were 68% (95% CI = 52-89), 37% (95% CI = 23-61) and 82% (95% CI = 68-98), respectively. CONCLUSION: The addition of IORT to radical surgery for T4 or recurrent rectal cancer is feasible. It can be delivered safely with low morbidity and good tumour outcomes.