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Effect of splenectomy on morbidity and survival following curative gastrectomy for carcinoma.

We performed a retrospective analysis of 392 patients who underwent curative resection of gastric adenocarcinoma to evaluate the impact of splenectomy on survival from gastric cancer and postoperative morbidity. Twelve factors, including splenectomy, were associated with a poor prognosis by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified six of these factors, but not splenectomy, as independently predictive of death due to gastric cancer. The apparent adverse effect of splenectomy was due to its association with other significant risk factors. Postoperative complications occurred more commonly in patients who underwent splenectomy than in those who did not (45% vs 21%); patients in the splenectomy group also had a higher percentage of infectious complications than those in the nonsplenectomy group (75% vs 47%). We conclude that splenectomy has no direct influence on survival, but that it increases the morbidity of curative gastrectomy and should be avoided unless the spleen is close to or invaded by the tumor.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Selection of patients for curative or palliative resection of esophageal cancer based on preoperative endoscopic ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of pretreatment staging and the potential of using endosonographic findings to select patients for curative or palliative resection by comparing the preoperative endosonographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings with the histology of the surgical specimen. METHODS: Forty-two patients referred to our clinic with esophageal carcinoma underwent preoperative upper endoscopy with biopsy, endosonography, thoracic CT, and abdominal CT. Based on endoscopic ultrasonographic findings, patients with early-stage disease underwent en-bloc esophagogastrectomy, whereas those with advanced disease had a palliative transhiatal esophagectomy. Exceptions included patients with poor physiologic reserve who were treated by the transhiatal route. RESULTS: In eight patients, we were unable to pass the ultrasonographic endoscope. Seven of these eight had transmural tumors with nodal involvement on histologic study. Tumor length, based on endosonographic measurements, was correctly predicted in 34 patients (85%). Extent of wall penetration was accurately predicted in 26 (76%) of the 34, and regional lymph node status was accurately predicted in 28 (82%) of the 34. Of the patients with sonographic wall penetration, 80% had histologic evidence of one or more positive nodes. Using the WNM staging system, endoscopic ultrasonography correctly staged the cancer in 68% of the patients. Three patients were treated with an inappropriate procedure. CONCLUSION: Endosonography is a reliable method for the preoperative staging and selection of patients for curative or palliative resection. Endosonographic wall penetration appears to be a critical factor in determining tumor spread.

Adult↗

Hepatic segmentectomy for curative resection of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and results of segmentectomy for curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma and to compare the clinicopathological findings of the patients according to the tumor location in the liver. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: A tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Seventy-five patients with Child's grade A or B liver function who had hepatocellular carcinoma that was confined to one segment and who underwent segmentectomy for curative resection of the tumor. The patients were divided into four groups: group P (posterior segmentectomy, n = 23); group A (anterior segmentectomy, n = 10); group M (medial segmentectomy, n = 16); and group L (lateral segmentectomy, n = 26). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Disease-free survival rate. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of the patients had cirrhosis of the liver. The surgical mortality and morbidity rates were 5.3% and 36.0%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 61.9%, 39.1%, and 26.3%, respectively, and were not significantly different among the four groups (P = .86). Group L had the least operative blood loss and shortest operative time when compared with the other three groups (P < .05). The postoperative liver function changes were mild and transient in the four groups of patients. With regard to pathological factors, only tumor size differed among the groups (tumors in group L were significantly larger than those in the other three groups, P < .05). Forty-three percent of the recurrent tumors were solitary in the early stage, with 81% involving the segment(s) adjacent to the resected one and 57% being confined solely to the segment adjacent to the resected segment. Patients having recurrent hepatocellular carcinomas had significantly larger tumors at the time of resection than did those without recurrence (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic segmentectomy is an effective therapeutic approach for small hepatocellular carcinomas and can be done safely even in patients with chronic liver disease and impaired liver function.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Overcoming the false dichotomy of curative vs palliative care for late-stage HIV/AIDS: "let me live the way I want to live, until I can't".

Recent advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy have significantly reduced HIV-related mortality in the developed world, but mortality rates have plateaued, and AIDS remains a leading cause of serious illness and death for young adults. The chronic nature of the HIV disease course and the increasing burden of cumulative HIV-related morbidity and treatment-related toxic effects pose new challenges to the care of patients over time. Uncertainties about prognosis and the promise and limitations of rapidly evolving therapies have made decision making about advance care planning and end-of-life issues more complex and elusive than when the disease course was more uniform, rapid, and predictable. The emerging biomedical paradigm of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) as the cornerstone of treatment has helped to transform HIV into a manageable chronic disease, yet at the same time has resulted in a more narrow focus and a de facto separation between disease-specific "curative" and symptom-specific "palliative" care for patients with HIV/AIDS. As patients survive longer in the latter stages of progressive HIV disease, they may in fact have increasing need for comprehensive symptom management as well as wide-ranging need for psychosocial, family, and care planning support. In the HAART era, the false dichotomy of curative vs palliative care for patients with HIV/AIDS must be supplanted by a more integrated model to provide comprehensive care for patients with advanced HIV disease and their families.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Kinetic analysis of recurrence and survival after potentially curative resection of nonsmall cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: About two-thirds of the patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who undergo a potentially curative resection eventually suffer from recurrent disease. However, it has yet to be elucidated as to how survival after recurrence is influenced by different variables, including timing, type of recurrence, or other clinicopathological features. There have been few studies concentrating on the kinetics of growth of occult micrometastatic tumor cells that eventually manifest as tumor recurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 197 patients who developed recurrence after a potentially curative resection for NSCLC. RESULTS: The median disease-free interval was a little over 1 year (395 days), as was the median postrecurrence survival-383 days. We created a model for the kinetics of recurrence by assuming that: (1) a tumor of 10(9) cells is the usual limit of detection, (2) patients generally die before the tumor reaches 10(12) cells, and (3) it takes 1 year for average lung cancer cells to show a 10-fold increase. The model indicated that as much as 10(9) tumor cells should have been present immediately after the operation. Alternatively, the residual tumor cells should have an accelerated growth after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: These models indicate the importance of developing a sensitive detection method for occult metastatic cells and to understand the tumor dormancy mechanism.

Adult↗

Postoperative chemotherapy for colorectal cancer by combining 5-fluorouracil infusion and 1-hexylcarbamoyl-5-fluorouracil administration after curative resection.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the major malignant diseases and, recently, its incidence appears to be increasing. Surgical resectability is an important prognostic determinant; however, recurrent tumors are commonly noted, even after apparently curative surgery. Because such metastatic disease cannot be cured, better adjuvant therapies are urgently called for. METHODS: We studied the effect of postoperative chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) infusions and 1-hexylcarbamoyl-5-fluorouracil (HCFU) oral administration for curatively resected Stage II to IV colorectal cancer. This study was prospectively randomized and controlled and 251 (93.3%) of 269 patients were determined to be candidates for statistical assessment. The inductive regimen for Group A included a total of 6 5-FU intravenous injections, 10 mg/kg, on postoperative days 0, 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9. For maintenance therapy, Group A also received oral HCFU, 300 mg daily for 52 weeks beginning 2 weeks after surgery. The regimen for Group B included only 5-FU injections of Group A. RESULTS: There were no differences in the prognostic factors or doses of 5-FU between Groups A and B. In addition, no difference was observed in the toxicity rate between the two groups. Group A, with 5-FU infusions plus oral HCFU administration, produced a reduction in the recurrence rate and a prolongation of the survival time for patients with rectal cancer. In a retrospective analysis, this protocol was also effective for patients with Stage III to IV, wall invasion-positive, and lymph node metastasis-positive colorectal cancers. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the combination of 5-FU infusions and the continuous oral administration of HCFU is a reasonable therapeutic approach for patients with surgically resected colorectal cancer and a high risk of recurrence.

Adult↗

Prediction of early and late recurrence after curative resection for gastric carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although several prognostic factors for patients with gastric carcinoma have been demonstrated, those predictive of early and late recurrences after surgery are still unclear. METHODS: Of 479 patients who underwent curative resection for gastric carcinoma from 1977 to 1987, 115 patients who died of recurrence were studied. RESULTS: The patients were divided into 2 groups: an early recurrence group that included 80 patients who died within 3 years after surgery, and a late recurrence group, that included 35 patients who died more than 3 years after surgery. Early recurrence was characterized by a large tumor (8.1 cm vs. 6.7 cm; P<0.05) and many involved lymph nodes (7.7 vs 4.4; P<0.01). However, the depth of invasion, as well as the level of positive lymph nodes were not different between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size and the number of positive lymph nodes independently influenced the survival period. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor size and the number of positive lymph nodes are the most important factors predicting the timing of recurrence after curative resection for gastric carcinoma.

Female↗

OK-432 and 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and mitomycin C (FAM-P) versus FAM chemotherapy in patients with curatively resected gastric carcinoma: a randomized Phase III trial.

BACKGROUND: The streptococcal agent OK-432 is used widely as a potent biologic response modifier. Accumulated evidence suggests that OK-432 exerts antineoplastic effects by a direct cytotoxic or inhibitory effect on tumor cells. The clinical efficacy of OK-432 has been reported for various tumors. In this randomized Phase III study, the authors compared 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), doxorubicin, mitomycin C, and the intradermal administration of OK-432 (FAM-P) with the standard FAM regimen in patients with gastric carcinoma who underwent curative resection. METHODS: From May 1988 until November 1991, a total of 99 patients were entered into this randomized trial. The patients were stratified according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage of disease (i.e., Stage IB, II, and III). Fifty patients were treated with the FAM regimen here and throughout text.: 5-FU, 750 mg intravenously (i.v.), on Days 1, 8, 29, and 36; doxorubicin, 30 mg/m2 i.v., on Days 1 and 29; and mitomycin C, 10 mg/m2 i.v., on Day 1. Forty-nine patients received the FAM-P regimen: 5-FU, 750 mg i.v., on Days 1, 8, 29, and 36; doxorubicin, 30 mg/m2 i.v., on Days 1 and 29; mitomycin C, 10 mg/m2 i.v., on Day 1; and OK-432 5.0 Klinishe Einheit (clinical unit) injected intradermally weekly. RESULTS: The survival difference was statistically significant between the patients receiving the FAM and FAM-P regimens (5-year survival of 52% vs. 62%; P = 0.04). A comparison between disease free survival in FAM and FAM-P patients showed a borderline advantage for the FAM-P group (P = 0.053). When Stage IB, Stage II, and Stage III patients were analyzed separately, the difference in survival between two regimens was significant in Stage III patients (P = 0.049) and the disease free survival was of borderline significance (P = 0.06), but not in patients with Stage IB and II disease. The significant toxicity of OK-432 was mild fever, which was controlled with acetaminophen. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that OK-432 may be an active, well tolerated agent for the treatment of curatively resected gastric carcinoma. However, these findings should be confirmed by a multicenter randomized study with a large sample size.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Elevated serum levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 in patients with colorectal carcinoma: its association with tumor progression and its significant decrease after curative surgical resection.

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) acts as a potent inhibitor of cell growth and tumor progression but loss of this negative regulation can contribute to tumor development. Some studies have reported an association between disease progression and TGF-beta1 expression in patients with colorectal carcinoma, but their results were not always consistent. METHODS: Serum levels of TGF-beta1 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay in 121 consecutive patients with colorectal carcinoma and compared with TGF-beta1 serum levels in 31 healthy volunteers. Serum levels of TGF-beta1 also were measured in 50 patients who underwent curative surgical resection (part of the 121 preoperative patients) to compare their levels with preoperative serum levels of TGF-beta1. RESULTS: Serum levels of TGF-beta1 in patients with colorectal carcinoma (45+/-15 ng/mL) (mean+/-the standard deviation) were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (32+/-4 ng/mL) (P = 0.001). Serum levels of TGF-beta1 increased with increasing tumor stage (P < 0.01). Serum levels of TGF-beta1 were correlated significantly with depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Serum levels of TGF-beta1 tended to increase with increasing CEA (correlation coefficient = 0.21; P < 0.05). The mean serum level of TGF-beta1 in patients with colorectal carcinoma before surgery (45+/-14 ng/mL) (n = 50) significantly decreased to 34+/-7 ng/mL, which was within the normal range (32+/-4 ng/mL), after curative surgical resection of the tumor (P = 0.0000). Serum levels of TGF-beta1 after tumor resection decreased more significantly in patients with higher preoperative levels of TGF-beta1 (from 53+/-12 ng/mL to 36+/-6 ng/mL) (n = 30). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that serum levels of TGF-beta1 in colorectal carcinoma patients may be associated with disease progression and may be used as a biomarker in the management of colorectal carcinoma patients. The authors believe further studies with a large number of patients for a longer follow-up period are necessary to conclude whether serum levels of TGF-beta1 carry significant clinical relevance.

Aged↗

Radioimmunoguided surgery benefits in carcinoembryonic antigen-directed second-look surgery in the asymptomatic patient after curative resection of colorectal cancer.

Radioimmunoguided surgery (RIGS) with radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) has been reported as useful in second-look colorectal cancer procedures to improve surgical decision-making by helping avoid needless extensive surgery and expanding curative resection to sites of recurrence that have been missed previously. Sixteen asymptomatic patients with an history of colorectal cancer surgery underwent second-look surgery using the RIGS system, solely on the basis of rising serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). All patients were injected preoperatively with the anti-tumor-associated glycoprotein (TAG) 125I-labeled MoAb B72.3. Both traditional and RIGS exploration were used to determine the extension of a possible recurrence and its resectability for cure. Recurrent disease was observed in 14 of the 16 patients as the result of this combined exploration. Exploration alone showed the presence of recurrent disease in 9 of 16 patients (56.2%). Thus, RIGS found overlooked tumor in five patients (31.2%). All the additional RIGS-detected tumor sites were locoregional recurrences resectable for cure; conversely, no diagnostic improvements were shown in patients with liver metastases. Resection for cure was obtained by this approach in 9 of 16 patients (56.2%). Two patients without disease at the exploratory laparotomy recurred within 2 months at sites away from the abdomen. RIGS improved the results of colorectal cancer CEA-guided second-look procedures in asymptomatic patients by recruiting one-third of patients to curative resections.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Clinical factors determining curative tumor dose.

The dominant factor determining treatment policy, when considering radiotherapy of a neoplastic disorder, is the biologic nature of the tumor process in relation to its spatial configuration. This is also the important factor determining curative tumor dose. With the exception of very small tumors and certain important radiosensitive conditions, it is the effect on normal tissues which defines the limits of irradiation and which effectively determines the prescription of dosage. The relationship between dose and volume is basic to this discussion and is considered with particular reference to the integrity of mesenchyme. When comparing the radiosensitivities of tumor and host tissues, it is important to compare like with like. The ultimate effect on a tumor is measured functionally, in terms of suppressing the only function by which the tumour is recognized--its capacity for indefinite proliferation--and reflected in 5- and 10-year cure rates. The effects on normal tissues should therefore be similarly measured in dynamic terms of the final functional state rather than on any transient structural appearance. These features are considered in relation to three different clinical situations: certain radiosensitive tumors, accessible primary tumors of limited sensitivity, and large tumors situated deeply. It is emphasized that curative treatment requires careful clinical appraisal of all the relevant features in each individual patient. The state of both tumor and host reaction may change significantly during the period of treatment and there is no alternative to continuous clinical observation using all the ancillary aids available.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Prognostic significance of mediastinal involvement in Hodgkin's disease treated with curative radiotherapy.

We evaluated the prognostic significance of mediastinal involvement in Hodgkin's disease in 79 consecutive newly diagnosed patients treated with curative-intent, nodal radiotherapy. Mediastinal masses were classified large or small depending on whether the ratio of the largest transverse diameter of the mass to the transverse diameter of the thorax at T5-6 was greater than or equal to 35. Forty-eight patients had mediastinal disease; 20 had large masses, and 28 small masses. Complete remissions were achieved in 19 patients with large masses, 26 with small masses and all patients with no mediastinal masses. Relapse have occurred in 74% of patients with large masses but in only 27% with small masses and 19% without masses (P < .001). This high recurrence rate among patients with large masses could not be explained by other known adverse prognostic factors. Survival was adversely influenced by mediastinal mass size (P = .03). We conclude that curative-intent, nodal irradiation is inadequate therapy for patients with large mediastinal masses. Controlled studies are needed to determine if survival can be improved by the addition of chemotherapy or whole lung irradiation.

Adolescent↗

Further evidence of effective adjuvant combined radiation and chemotherapy following curative resection of pancreatic cancer. Gastrointestinal Tumor Study Group.

The Gastrointestinal Tumor Study Group (GITSG) previously demonstrated a significant survival advantage for patients who receive adjuvant combined radiation and chemotherapy following curative resection of pancreatic cancer. Median survival in the group randomized to control was 10.9 months, compared with 21.0 months for those randomized to treatment. GITSG registered 30 additional patients, who received the adjuvant therapy to demonstrate that the results of the randomized trial could be replicated. Characteristics of registered patients were similar to those of patients in the randomized phase, with the exception of an improved performance status. The registered patients had median survival time of 18 months. Ten patients were alive at 18.9 to 42.4 months (median, 25.0.). Two-year actuarial survival was 46% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28, 0.65) compared with 43% (95% CI, 0.25, 0.63) for 21 patients randomized to treatment and 18% (95% CI, 0.08, 0.36) for 22 patients randomized to control. Based on the original study and the confirmatory findings, the combined use of radiation therapy and fluorouracil as adjuvant therapy after curative resection is effective and is preferred to no adjuvant therapy.

Combined Modality Therapy↗

Patterns of failure after curative resection of pancreatic carcinoma.

Thirty-six patients underwent curative resection of a primary pancreatic carcinoma from January 1977 to September 1987; 26 had Whipple resections, seven had total pancreatectomies, and three had distal pancreatectomies. Twenty-six patients manifested recurrent disease, four died of intercurrent disease, and six were apparently cured. Median survival was 11.5 months with actuarial survival at 2 and 5 years of 32% and 17%, respectively. Of the eventual recurrences, 19% were local only (pancreatic bed, regional nodes, adjacent organs, and immediately adjacent peritoneum) and 73% had a component of local failure. All patients failing did so with a component in the intraabdominal cavity. Peritoneal (42%) and hepatic failures (62%) were common. Extraabdominal metastases were documented in only 27%, but never as a sole site. Fourteen patient and tumor characteristics were evaluated for any relationships with failure or survival. No single variable independently predicted for local failure. However, a group of three (age greater than 60 years, T2 or T3 stage, and location of tumor in the body or tail) was associated with a substantial local failure risk (85% of all patients with local failure). Multivariate analysis showed that low tumor grade (P = 0.002), female sex (P = 0.002), and adjuvant radiation (P = 0.02) were all independent predictors of prolonged survival. Ten patients were treated in an adjacent setting. Those given 55 Gy or greater had improved local control (50% versus 25%) and cure (33% versus none) when compared with patients treated to lower doses. The authors conclude that local failure after curative resection remains a significant problem and further efforts to improve local control are warranted. However, peritoneal and hepatic relapses occur frequently. Thus, adjuvant treatment strategies using wide-field radiation techniques or intraperitoneal therapy, in combination with local tumor bed irradiation and chemotherapy, should be explored.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Splenectomy does not correlate with length of survival in patients undergoing curative total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. Univariate and multivariate analyses.

The relationship between splenectomy and survival time after curative total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer was examined by reviewing retrospectively data on 252 patients treated in our clinics between 1965 and 1985. One hundred three patients (40.9%) did not undergo splenectomy and 149 (59.1%) did. In patients subjected to splenectomy, advanced stages of the malignancy were more frequent and metastasis was noticed in 8.1% of splenic hilar lymph nodes and in 10.1% of the lymph nodes associated with the splenic artery. A univariate analysis revealed that the survival time of patients with splenectomy was significantly less than those for whom splenectomy was not done (P less than 0.05). In a subgroup of our patients stratified to adjust for the stage of disease, there was no significant difference between the survival rates. Subsequently, multivariate analysis using the Cox regression analysis adjusted for sex, age, and other covariates indicated that serosa invasion, lymph node metastasis, and tumor size were the most important prognostic factors, and there was no correlation whatever with splenectomy. Our findings rule out any relationship between splenectomy and length of survival time in patients undergoing curative total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer.

Carcinoma↗

Chemotherapy alone with curative intent in patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngolarynx classified as T1-T4N0M0 complete clinical responders.

BACKGROUND: The current studies documented the results achieved with chemotherapy alone with curative intent in a series of 67 patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngolarynx classified as T1-T4N0M0 complete clinical responders after a platin-based induction chemotherapy regimen. METHODS: Group I consisted of 36 patients with tumors originating from the glottis. Group II consisted of 31 patients with tumors originating from sites within the pharyngolarynx other than the glottis. A minimum of 3 years of follow-up was achieved. Statistical analyses of survival, local control, lymph node control, distant metastasis, and second primary tumor rates were based on the Kaplan-Meier life-table method. Laryngeal preservation rates and local control rates are presented. RESULTS: The 5-year actuarial survival estimate was 85.1% in Group I patients and 54.8% in Group II patients. Survival was statistically more likely to be reduced in Group II patients compared with Group I patients (P = 0.01). The 5-year actuarial local control estimate was 65.7% in Group I patients and 37.5% in Group II patients. Local failure was statistically more likely to occur in Group II patients compared with Group I patients (P = 0.02). Local control rates after salvage treatment were 100% in Group I patients and 83% in Group II patients. Laryngeal preservation rates after salvage treatment were 100% in Group I patients and 64% in Group II patients. The 5-year actuarial lymph node control estimate was 90% in Group I patients and 73.7% in Group II patients. Lymph node failure was statistically more likely to occur in Group II patients compared with Group I patients (P = 0.04). The 5-year actuarial estimate for patients without distant metastasis was 100% in Group I patients and 90% in Group II patients. Distant metastasis was statistically more likely to occur in Group II patients compared with Group I patients (P = 0.03). The 10-year actuarial estimate for patients without metachronous second primary tumors was 56.4% in Group I and 46.1% in Group II. CONCLUSIONS: The current report 1) contradicts the old dogma of nonchemocurability for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract and 2) suggests that the use of a platin-based chemotherapy-alone regimen with curative intent in patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngolarynx who are classified as T1-T4N0M0 complete clinical responders after receiving an induction chemotherapy regimen is best indicated when the tumor originates from the glottis.

Adult↗

The value of intensive follow-up after curative resection for colorectal carcinoma.

A previous study undertaken by this department showed follow-up to be of little value in tracing curable recurrences in patients with colorectal cancer who had curative operations. The aim of the present investigation was to determine if more intensified follow-up would result in earlier diagnosis of recurrences and thus lead to earlier and more effective treatment. Altogether 599 patients with colorectal cancer were treated between 1973 and 1977. The 363 (61 per cent) patients who were operated upon for cure entered the study and were followed up until December 1979. The same incidence of recurrence was seen in both series, but, with the more detailed protocol, they were more frequently detected before symptoms developed. However, the rate of curative reoperation for recurrence was not changed and only few patients survived after such reoperations. The conclusion is that the previous protocol is as efficient as the detailed one while no effective treatment of disseminated disease exists.

Adult↗

Sites of recurrent tumour after 'curative' colorectal surgery: implications for adjuvant therapy.

The pattern of recurrent tumour following 'curative' colorectal surgery was examined in a necropsy series and a prospective clinical series. In the necropsy series the commonest pattern of recurrence was disseminated disease (73 per cent) and recurrence in a single site was much less common (27 per cent). In the clinical series recurrence in a single site was commoner (55 per cent). The difference between the two series is statistically significant (P = 0.02, chi 2), and is probably due to under-diagnosis of disseminated recurrence in the clinical series. In both series local recurrence and hepatic metastases occurred almost equally but usually as part of disseminated disease. We conclude that after 'curative' surgery for colorectal cancer, recurrence is usually disseminated (73 per cent) and therefore therapy adjuvant to surgery should be active systemically. Adjuvant therapy directed at a single site (e.g. radiotherapy or intrahepatic chemotherapy) should be combined with a systemic therapy.

Adult↗