Characteristics of Patients Presented With Metastases During or After Completion of Chemoradiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Case Series

Purpose: Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is managed by chemoradiotherapy (CRT), followed by surgery. Herein we reported patients with metastases during or after CRT. Methods: Data of patients with LARC who received CRT from 2008 to 2017 were reviewed. Patients with metastases after CRT were included. Those with metastatic tumors at the initial diagnosis were excluded. Results: Fourteen patients (1.3%) of 1,092 who received CRT presented with metastases. Magnetic resonance circumferential resection margin (mrCRM) and mesorectal lymph nodes (LNs) were positive in 12 patients (85.7%). Meanwhile, magnetic resonance extramural vascular invasion (mrEMVI) was positive in 10 patients (71.4%). Magnetic resonance tumor regression grade (mrTRG) 4 and mrTRG5 was detected in 5 and 1 patient respectively. Ten patients (71.4%) underwent combined surgery and 3 (21.4%) received palliative chemotherapy. Conclusion: Patients with metastases after CRT showed a higher rate of positive mrCRM, mrEMVI, mesorectal LNs, and poor tumor response. Further studies with a large number of patients are necessary for better survival outcomes in LARC.

Automated summary

The study found a low rate of metastases in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after receiving CRT, but these patients often showed positive magnetic resonance circumferential resection margin, extramural vascular invasion, and lymph node involvement, indicating the need for further research to improve survival rates.