Impact of Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy on Pathological Complete Response for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Mono Institutional Experience.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by surgery is a standard of care in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Only a subgroup of patients can obtain a pathological complete response (pCR) and achieve good local control. However, the role of pCR on patient survival is debated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of pCR on clinical outcomes and toxicities in LARC patients treated with dose intensification and concomitant capecitabine treatment in a neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy schedule. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single Institution retrospective study including 178 patients. Mandard tumor regression grade (TRG) and pTNM staging system were used to classify pathological response and define pathological complete response (pCR). Patients were divided in: pCR (pT0N0) and Not-pCR (pT>0N>0), according to pTNM and in good responders (TRG1-2) and partial/not responders (TRG3-5), according to Mandard TRG. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate OS, CSS, DFS and LC. RESULTS: A low severe toxicity rate was observed. Acute Grade 3 lower bowel toxicity and Grade 3 cutaneous toxicity were reported in 2 (1.1%) patients, respectively. Late Grade >3 lower bowel toxicity was reported in 6 patients (3%) and late Grade >3 cutaneous toxicity was registered in one patient. No other severe acute and late toxicities were reported. The 5- and 10-year OS, CSS, DFS and LC rates were 85% and 75%, 94% and 92%, 83% and 81%, 88% and 88%, respectively. We observed a pCR rate of 36% and a good responders rate of 62%, in our study population. Both groups showed better rates for each analyzed clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy with dose intensification in LARC patients resulted in favorable long-term oncological outcomes, pCR rate showed an optimal impact on OS and DFS with an acceptable toxicity.

Smile InTM Totems in Radiotherapy: Patients' Satisfaction with Limited Equipment and COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: We report a mono-institutional experience regarding patient-perceived quality regarding the Chieti Radiotherapy Department, through RAMSI (Radiotherapy Amica Mia-SmileINTM(SI)-My Friend RadiotherapySI) project, in critical scenarios of limited equipment and COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) were assessed as follows: Patient-centric welcome perception (PCWP), Comfort, Professional skills and Punctuality. Patients could give anonymous feedback using HappyOrNot technology through four totems located in strategic areas within the center. An internal benchmark was obtained using the feedback received after a preliminary observation period. The SI Experience Index was collected, analyzed and compared. Weekly and monthly reports were generated. RESULTS: From February 2019 to February 2022, 8924 patients accessed the department; 17,464 daily treatments were recorded and 5830 points of feedback were collected: 896, 1267, 1125 and 2542 for PCWP, Comfort, Professional skills and Punctuality, respectively. A LINAC decommissioning period was analyzed, with decreases in the SI-Index score and Smile-IN approved percentage and an improvement after this period. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic was analyzed with a mild evaluations decrease for PREM's Welcome, Comfort and Punctuality (Δ-value: -9%, -3% and -4%, respectively), while Professional skills were always optimal. CONCLUSION: The RAMSI project was effective for assessing treatment quality perception, allowing for improving clinical procedures with corrective actions. The RAMSI project is ongoing.