Treatment of local recurrence of rectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
Treatment of local recurrence of rectal cancer remains a challenge. Preoperative irradiation and total mesorectal excision halve the risks of local failure, but increase morbidity and even mortality. The results of re-resection of recurrent rectal cancer suggest need to reexamine therapeutic strategies for initial treatment.


METHODS
Seventy-one patients operated on for rectal carcinoma without radiotherapy developed local recurrence (29 with metastatic disease). Thirty underwent a curative re-resection (8 had combined resection of metastases).


RESULTS
The incidence of asymptomatic recurrence was higher after anterior resection (38%) than after abdominoperineal resection (16%). The actuarial 5-year survival rate was 19%; 28% in asymptomatic patients and 8% in symptomatic (P = 0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
Early detection of recurrence of rectal cancer leads to an improved re-resection rate and survival. In patients who did not undergo radiotherapy at the time of the original resection, re-resection can be achieved safely. The place for radiation in the treatment of rectal cancer must be redefined.
Huguier
M
M
Department of Surgery, Hôpital Tenon, University Paris VI, France.
Houry
S
S
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome