Early detection of recurrence after curative resection for colorectal cancer - obstacles when using soluble biomarkers?

OBJECTIVE: Results from monitoring studies using biomarkers in blood samples aiming at early detection of recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC) are presently evaluated. However, some serological biomarker levels are influenced by the surgical trauma, which may complicate translation of the levels in relation to recurrence. The primary purpose of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of postoperative surgical interventions during a follow-up period of patients who have undergone surgery for primary CRC. METHODS: In a prospective multicenter, clinical study, 634 patients resected for primary CRC were followed in the outpatient clinic every third month. Blood samples were drawn at each visit. A subgroup of 165 stage II and III patients, who had been followed for at least 3 years, was selected. Any recent surgical intervention associated with the primary disease and/or other diseases were recorded at each visit to the outpatient clinic. RESULTS: Among the 165 patients, 49 developed recurrence (R+), 107 did not (R-) and 11 developed a new primary cancer, including 2 in the R+ group. Within the 3 years of observation, 78 (47.3%) of the 165 patients underwent 117 (range 1-5) postoperative surgical interventions. Seventy-five operations were related to CRC and 42 to benign diseases, while none were related to a new primary, malignant disease. CONCLUSION: Patients resected for CRC are frequently undergoing surgical procedures in the postoperative follow-up period. Therefore, postoperative monitoring using soluble biomarker levels, which may be influenced by the surgical trauma, must be adjusted in relation to postoperative surgical interventions.

[Perineal wound complications following preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer]. / Perinealsårskomplikationer efter praeoperativ strålebehandling for rectumcancer.

INTRODUCTION: Every year, approximately 1200 new cases of rectal cancer are registered in Denmark. Preoperative radiation therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy (chemo-radiation) is a gold standard in the treatment of patients with T3 and T4 tumours. Although it carries a good response rate, preoperative radiation is associated with significant morbidity including wound infection and delayed healing. The aim of this study is to clarify the effects of preoperative radiotherapy on wound healing in patients who underwent abdominoperineal excision and primary wound closure for rectum cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the period from 2001 to 2005, a total of 49 patients with rectum cancer underwent abdominoperineal excision with primary wound closure. Of these patients, 17 had preoperative radiotherapy. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher incidence of major wound complications in radiotherapy-treated patients compared to patients treated with operation alone (71% versus 26%). The median wound healing time was 122 days for patients treated with radiotherapy and 22 days for patients treated with operation alone. There was no difference in hospitalisation time following surgery. CONCLUSION: Preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer is an effective treatment modality in locally advanced rectum cancer but it carries a high risk of perineal wound complications. Alternative procedures to primary perineal wound closure should therefore be considered for these patients.