Anal Carcinoma, Version 2.2023, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

This discussion summarizes the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for managing squamous cell anal carcinoma, which represents the most common histologic form of the disease. A multidisciplinary approach including physicians from gastroenterology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and radiology is necessary. Primary treatment of perianal cancer and anal canal cancer are similar and include chemoradiation in most cases. Follow-up clinical evaluations are recommended for all patients with anal carcinoma because additional curative-intent treatment is possible. Biopsy-proven evidence of locally recurrent or persistent disease after primary treatment may require surgical treatment. Systemic therapy is generally recommended for extrapelvic metastatic disease. Recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Anal Carcinoma include staging classification updates based on the 9th edition of the AJCC Staging System and updates to the systemic therapy recommendations based on new data that better define optimal treatment of patients with metastatic anal carcinoma.

Rectal Cancer, Version 2.2022, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

This selection from the NCCN Guidelines for Rectal Cancer focuses on management of malignant polyps and resectable nonmetastatic rectal cancer because important updates have been made to these guidelines. These recent updates include redrawing the algorithms for stage II and III disease to reflect new data supporting the increasingly prominent role of total neoadjuvant therapy, expanded recommendations for short-course radiation therapy techniques, and new recommendations for a "watch-and-wait" nonoperative management technique for patients with cancer that shows a complete response to neoadjuvant therapy. The complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for Rectal Cancer, available online at NCCN.org, covers additional topics including risk assessment, pathology and staging, management of metastatic disease, posttreatment surveillance, treatment of recurrent disease, and survivorship.

Colorectal cancer survivorship care plans: Variations in documentation and posttreatment surveillance recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Survivorship care plans (SCP) should outline pertinent information about cancer treatment and follow-up. METHODS: We descriptively analyzed the content of 74 colorectal cancer SCPs completed as part of a randomized, controlled trial of SCPs at an academic and community cancer center. Surveillance recommendations were compared with American Cancer Society, American Society of Clinical Oncology and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. RESULTS: SCP information provided in >80% of the plans included participant age, cancer diagnosis, details, and side-effects of treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) and health promotion recommendations. SCP content documented less frequently included predisposing conditions, genetic counseling/testing information and staging. Posttreatment surveillance recommendations were documented in >90% SCPs. For stage 2-3 cancer, rates of guideline concordant recommendations were 100% for colonoscopy surveillance (Year 1 only), 87% for imaging surveillance, 65% for carcinoembryonic antigen surveillance, and 33% for follow-up visits. Excluding colonoscopy, >15 unique recommendations were listed for each modality across stages and sites, with more variation at the academic site. CONCLUSIONS: SCPs consistently recorded information about cancer diagnosis and treatment but omitted critical information about cancer-specific details denoting risk. Surveillance recommendations varied considerably between cancer centers. Future work to improve the consistency of surveillance recommendations documented in SCPs may be needed.

Colon Cancer, Version 2.2021, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

This selection from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Colon Cancer focuses on systemic therapy options for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), because important updates have recently been made to this section. These updates include recommendations for first-line use of checkpoint inhibitors for mCRC, that is deficient mismatch repair/microsatellite instability-high, recommendations related to the use of biosimilars, and expanded recommendations for biomarker testing. The systemic therapy recommendations now include targeted therapy options for patients with mCRC that is HER2-amplified, or BRAF V600E mutation-positive. Treatment and management of nonmetastatic or resectable/ablatable metastatic disease are discussed in the complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for Colon Cancer available at NCCN.org. Additional topics covered in the complete version include risk assessment, staging, pathology, posttreatment surveillance, and survivorship.

NCCN Guidelines Insights: Rectal Cancer, Version 6.2020.

The NCCN Guidelines for Rectal Cancer provide recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of patients with rectal cancer. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the panel discussion behind recent important updates to the guidelines. These updates include clarifying the definition of rectum and differentiating the rectum from the sigmoid colon; the total neoadjuvant therapy approach for localized rectal cancer; and biomarker-targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer, with a focus on new treatment options for patients with BRAF V600E- or HER2 amplification-positive disease.

Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma, Version 1.2020, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a rare malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract that has increased in incidence across recent years. Often diagnosed at an advanced stage, outcomes for SBA are worse on average than for other related malignancies, including colorectal cancer. Due to the rarity of this disease, few studies have been done to direct optimal treatment, although recent data have shown that SBA responds to treatment differently than colorectal cancer, necessitating a separate approach to treatment. The NCCN Guidelines for Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma were created to establish an evidence-based standard of care for patients with SBA. These guidelines provide recommendations on the workup of suspected SBA, primary treatment options, adjuvant treatment, surveillance, and systemic therapy for metastatic disease. Additionally, principles of imaging and endoscopy, pathologic review, surgery, radiation therapy, and survivorship are described.

Anal Carcinoma, Version 2.2018, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

The NCCN Guidelines for Anal Carcinoma provide recommendations for the management of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal or perianal region. Primary treatment of anal cancer usually includes chemoradiation, although certain lesions can be treated with margin-negative local excision alone. Disease surveillance is recommended for all patients with anal carcinoma because additional curative-intent treatment is possible. A multidisciplinary approach including physicians from gastroenterology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and radiology is essential for optimal patient care.

Rectal Cancer, Version 2.2018, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Rectal Cancer address diagnosis, staging, surgical management, perioperative treatment, management of recurrent and metastatic disease, disease surveillance, and survivorship in patients with rectal cancer. This portion of the guidelines focuses on the management of localized disease, which involves careful patient selection for curative-intent treatment options that sequence multimodality therapy usually comprised of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical resection.

NCCN Guidelines Insights: Colon Cancer, Version 2.2018.

The NCCN Guidelines for Colon Cancer provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, pathologic staging, surgical management, perioperative treatment, surveillance, management of recurrent and metastatic disease, and survivorship. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the NCCN Colon Cancer Panel discussions for the 2018 update of the guidelines regarding risk stratification and adjuvant treatment for patients with stage III colon cancer, and treatment of BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic colorectal cancer with regimens containing vemurafenib.

Colon Cancer, Version 1.2017, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

This portion of the NCCN Guidelines for Colon Cancer focuses on the use of systemic therapy in metastatic disease. Considerations for treatment selection among 32 different monotherapies and combination regimens in up to 7 lines of therapy have included treatment history, extent of disease, goals of treatment, the efficacy and toxicity profiles of the regimens, KRAS/NRAS mutational status, and patient comorbidities and preferences. Location of the primary tumor, the BRAF mutation status, and tumor microsatellite stability should also be considered in treatment decisions.

Rectal Cancer, Version 2.2015.

The NCCN Guidelines for Rectal Cancer begin with the clinical presentation of the patient to the primary care physician or gastroenterologist and address diagnosis, pathologic staging, surgical management, perioperative treatment, posttreatment surveillance, management of recurrent and metastatic disease, and survivorship. The NCCN Rectal Cancer Panel meets at least annually to review comments from reviewers within their institutions, examine relevant new data from publications and abstracts, and reevaluate and update their recommendations. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize major discussion points from the 2015 NCCN Rectal Cancer Panel meeting. Major discussion topics this year were perioperative therapy options and surveillance for patients with stage I through III disease.

Colon cancer, version 3.2014.

The NCCN Guidelines for Colon Cancer address diagnosis, pathologic staging, surgical management, perioperative treatment, posttreatment surveillance, management of recurrent and metastatic disease,and survivorship. This portion of the guidelines focuses on the use of systemic therapy in metastatic disease. The management of metastatic colorectal cancer involves a continuum of care in which patients are exposed sequentially to a variety of active agents, either in combinations or as single agents. Choice of therapy is based on the goals of treatment, the type and timing of prior therapy, the different efficacy and toxicity profiles of the drugs, the mutational status of the tumor, and patient preference.

Strategies to Minimize Late Effects From Pelvic Radiotherapy.

During the past 30 years, radiation treatment techniques have significantly improved, from conventional external-beam radiation therapy, to three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, to current intensity-modulated radiation therapy, benefiting patients who undergo treatment of pelvic malignancies. Modern treatment options also include proton beam irradiation as well as low and high dose rate brachytherapy. Although the acute adverse effects of these modalities are well documented in clinical trials, less well known are the true incidence and optimal management of those late adverse effects that can occur months to years later. In a population of survivors of cancer that is steadily increasing, with many such patients receiving radiotherapy at some time during their disease course, these late effects can become a considerable management and quality-of-life issue. This review will examine the range of late toxicities that can occur from pelvic radiotherapy and explore strategies to prevent and mitigate them.

Management of Long-Term Toxicity From Pelvic Radiation Therapy.

Pelvic radiation therapy is an integral component in the treatment of various gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and genitourinary cancers. As survival rates from these malignancies improve, the prevalence of toxicity secondary to pelvic radiation has increased. Gastrointestinal toxicities are the most common complications and greatly impact quality of life. Toxicities can present in acute or late stages; although symptoms may be similar during both, the management may differ. Acute toxicities represent an inflammatory reaction in response to the radiation exposure, whereas late toxicities may arise as a result of small vessel disease, ischemia, and fibrosis. Currently, there are no large clinical trials and only limited guidelines on the management of late gastrointestinal radiation toxicities. Therapy is generally approached in a stepwise manner from medical to endoscopic to surgical methods. Several endoscopic therapies, such as the treatment of radiation proctitis with argon plasma coagulation and dilation of radiation bowel strictures, may prevent the need for surgical intervention, which may be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given that late toxicities can occur years after radiation therapy, they are often difficult to recognize and diagnose. Successful management of late toxicities requires recognition, an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, and a multidisciplinary approach. More dedicated research could clarify the prevalence of gastrointestinal pelvic radiation toxicities, permit a better understanding of the efficacy and safety profile of current therapies, and allow for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Oncology Couples' Retreats: A Focus on Relationships Between Patients and Their Caregivers.

A cancer diagnosis not only affects multiple aspects of a patient's life, but can also have a significant impact on the caregiver, who is often the spouse as well. Beginning in 2012, the Johns Hopkins Gastrointestinal Oncology group has organized a couples' retreat program to help address the concerns of oncology patients as well as their caregivers in a safe and closed environment. These retreats are disease-site specific and include 10 to 12 couples with metastatic or locally advanced pancreatic or colorectal cancer. The program includes a multidisciplinary approach over 3 days and includes meals, activities, and lodging. Couples are encouraged to engage with each other as well as other couples enduring a similar journey in an effort to help them relate and express concerns and questions they may have. Sessions include topics by medical professions such as treatments and symptom management as well as sessions by additional professionals to address other practical needs related to the diagnosis, such as finances and advance directives. These retreats have shown that both patients and caregivers appreciate the opportunity to discuss their feelings with others and subsequently feel less uncertainty about their future. They have also been beneficial to the health-care professionals participating to gain knowledge on which activities as a whole are important to these populations. Data are extremely limited for programs such as these, but we are hopeful they will continue to help support these populations of oncology patients and their caregivers through a very difficult portion of their lives.