scholarly journals Effect of mistletoe extract on tumor response in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer: a cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong-Heum Baek ◽  
Youngbae Jeon ◽  
Kyoung-Won Han ◽  
Dong Hae Jung ◽  
Kyung-Ok Kim
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Cancer ◽  
Tumor Response ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Pathologic Complete Response ◽  
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Mistletoe Extract ◽  
Surgery Patient ◽  
Tumor Node Metastasis Stage

Abstract Background Mistletoe extract, used as a complementary chemotherapeutic agent for cancer patients, has anticancer effects against various malignancies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of mistletoe extract (Abnoba Viscum Q®) on tumor responses to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer. Methods This study included patients with rectal cancer who underwent NCRT between January 2018 and July 2020. In the mistletoe group (MG), the patients were administered Abnoba Viscum Q® subcutaneously during chemoradiotherapy—maintained just before surgery. Patient demographics, clinical outcomes, histopathological outcomes, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay results were compared between the MG and non-mistletoe group (NMG). Two rectal cancer cell lines (SNU-503 and SNU-503R80Gy) were treated with Abnoba Viscum Q® to assess its mechanistic effects in vivo. Results Overall, the study included 52 patients (MG: n = 15; NMG: n = 37). Baseline demographics between the two groups were similar, except carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels and tumor location from the anal verge. There was no difference in the clinical stage between the two groups. A better tumor response in the MG, relative to the NMG, was observed with respect to tumor regression grade (TRG), T stage, and overall tumor–node–metastasis stage. Tumor response was significantly better in the MG than in the NMG in terms of pathologic complete response rate (53.3% vs. 21.6%, P = 0.044), good TRG response (66.7% vs. 32.4%, P = 0.024), T downstaging (86.7% vs. 43.2%, P = 0.004), and overall downstaging (86.7% vs. 56.8%, P = 0.040). The toxicities during NCRT were minimal in both groups. More apoptotic cells were noted in MG samples than in the NMG samples on TUNEL staining. Cleaved caspase-3 level following treatment with Abnoba Viscum Q® was higher in SNU-503R80Gy cells than in SNU-503 cells. Conclusion Patients treated with chemoradiation combined with mistletoe extract showed better outcomes than patients not treated with mistletoe extract in terms of tumor responses. This diversity in treatment may improve the efficacy of NCRT, leading to better oncologic outcomes. Prospective and randomized studies with long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm and extend these results.

The effect of mistletoe extract on tumor response in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong-Heum Baek ◽  
Youngbae Jeon ◽  
Kyoung-Won Han ◽  
Kyung-Ok Kim
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Tumor Response ◽  
Anal Verge ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Pathologic Complete Response ◽  
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy ◽  
Oncologic Outcomes ◽  
Tumor Regression Grade ◽  
Mistletoe Extract

Abstract Background Mistletoe extract, which is usually used as a complementary agent for cancer patients, provides an anticancer effect on various malignancies. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of mistletoe extract (Abnoba Viscum Q®) on tumor responses in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. Methods The rectal cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were analyzed from Jan 2018 to Jul 2020. In the mistletoe group (MG), the patients were administered Abnoba Viscum Q® subcutaneously during chemoradiotherapy, and it was maintained just before surgery. Patients' demographics, clinical outcomes, and histopathological outcomes were compared between chemoradiation with the MG and nonmistletoe group (NMG). Results A total of 52 patients were included. There were MG of 15 patients and NMG of 37 patients. Baseline demographics were statistically similar between the two groups except the CA19-9 and tumor location levels from anal verge. There was no difference in the clinical stage for both groups. We also observed better tumor response in MG in terms of TRG, T stage, and overall TNM stage. Tumor response was significantly better in MG comparing NMG in terms of pathologic complete response rate (53.3% vs 21.6%, p = 0.044), good responder of tumor regression grade (66.7% vs 32.4%, p = 0.024), T downstaging (86.7% vs 43.2%, p = 0.004), and overall downstaging (86.7% vs 56.8%, p = 0.040). The toxicities during NCRT in both groups were minimal. Conclusion MG treated with chemoradiation combined with mistletoe extract showed better outcomes than NMG in terms of tumor responses. This diversity in treatment may elevate the method to hope for better oncologic outcomes. Prospective and randomized studies with long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm and extend this study.

scholarly journals Local environment in biopsy better predict the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Huang ◽  
Xiao-ying Lou ◽  
Ya-xi Zhu ◽  
Yu-chen Wang ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Cancer ◽  
Tumor Response ◽  
Tumor Regression ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy ◽  
Pathological Response ◽  
Local Tumor ◽  
Independent Predictive Factor ◽  
Tumor Environment ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery is the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Here, we analyzed the impact of local and systemic environments on the tumor response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer. We recruited 141 patients with rectal cancer treated with nCRT. We evaluated the local tumor environment, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), intratumor budding (ITB), and the systemic inflammatory environment, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Our finding revealed that tumor regression was significantly associated with the density of CD8+ TILs in the intraepithelial, the presence of ITB, the combination of NLR and CRP (NLR-CRP) value, and the combination of CD8+ intraepithelial TIL (iTIL) density and ITB presence. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that only the combination of CD8+ iTILs and ITB was an independent predictive factor for the pathological response to nCRT in rectal cancer. Our finding demonstrate that the local tumor environment was a better predictor of the tumor response than the systemic environment and thus provided new insight into screening for patients who are more likely to benefit from cancer treatment.

Assessment of macroscopic features in relation to tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in rectal cancer.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 507-507
Author(s):  
Amanda Kathleen Arrington ◽  
Julio Garcia-Aguilar ◽  
Marjun Philip Duldulao ◽  
Carrie Luu ◽  
Julian Sanchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Cancer ◽  
Tumor Response ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Pathologic Complete Response ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation ◽  
Chemoradiation Therapy ◽  
Oncologic Outcomes ◽  
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy ◽  
Pathologic Features

507 Background: Several studies show locally advanced rectal cancer patients with clinical complete response (cCR) have comparable oncologic outcomes to pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT). Thus, total mesorectal excision (TME) could potentially be avoided. Our objective was to validate macroscopic features of cCR. Methods: 164 patients with stage II/III rectal cancer were previously enrolled in a phase II trial and treated by NCRT and TME. Tumor response in the surgical specimens was assessed according to AJCC guidelines. A pCR was defined as absence of viable tumor cells. Gross macroscopic features by the pathologist were tabulated and our cohort was applied to previously published cCR criteria. Results: 25.0% (n = 41) had pCR; 75.0% (n = 123) had non-pCR. Descriptors were condensed into 14 macroscopic features by combining terms and excluding those rarely mentioned. Several reports affirm that scarring signifies cCR, while others suggest that fibrosis, edema, ulceration and nonpalpable tumor to be consistent with cCR. In our study, scarring was found in 6.1% of patients, 16.7% of which had pCR. We found that hyperemia, scarring, flat, smooth, and tan-pink mucosa were significantly associated with pCR (p < 0.05). In contrast, a firm lesion and ulceration were frequently observed in patients with non-pCR (p = 0.02 and 0.05 respectively). Conclusions: Our study suggests that macroscopic pathologic features do correlate with pCR. Although cCR has comparable oncologic outcomes as pCR with favorable outcomes, standard criteria of cCR should first be defined so NCRT patients can safely be selected for observation only. [Table: see text]

Phase Ib/II study of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with CRLX101 and capecitabine for locally advanced rectal cancer.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15144-e15144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Wang ◽  
Autumn Jackson McRee ◽  
A. William Blackstock ◽  
Bert H. O'Neil ◽  
Dominic T. Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Cancer ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Pathologic Complete Response ◽  
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Advanced Rectal Cancer ◽  
Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer ◽  
Phase Ib ◽  
Grade 3

e15144 Background: There is strong interest in the development of novel agents to further improve the therapeutic ratio of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer. CRLX101 is an investigational nanoparticle-drug conjugate with a camptothecin payload. The purpose of this Phase Ib/II study is to assess toxicity and to evaluate whether the addition of CRLX101 to chemoradiotherapy can improve pathologic complete response (pCR) for rectal cancer. Methods: This is a single-arm multicenter Phase Ib/II study examining the addition of CRLX101 to a standard capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy regimen. Phase Ib employs a 3+3 dose escalation design with starting dose of 12 mg/m2 every other week (QOW). Dose level +1 was 15 mg/m2 (MTD for CRLX101 single agent QOW). Upon reaching MTD for QOW dosing, protocol was modified to evaluate QW CRLX101 dosing starting at 12 mg/m2 and 15 mg/m2as +1 level. Secondary endpoints included pCR and clinical outcome. Results: A total of 32 patients were enrolled on the trial. 26/32 had T3-4, 9/32 had N2 and 16/32 had N1 disease. For QOW dosing, 9 patients completed treatment without DLT and MTD was identified as 15 mg/m2 QOW. 14 patients were treated on the Phase II portion of the study at 15 mg/m2 QOW prior to the initiation of weekly dosing Phase Ib cohorts. For QW dosing, 0/3 patients experienced DLT at 12 mg/m2 and 1/6 patients experienced DLT at 15 mg/m2. The DLT was skin desquamation requiring treatment delay. QW MTD was identified as 15 mg/m2. Toxicities (all grade 3 except lymphopenia) that could possibly be attributed to CRLX101 are in Table 1. Full clinical and pathologic staging were available for 29/32 patients. Mean neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score was 19 with standard deviation of 15. At the weekly MTD, 3/6 patients had pCR. Conclusions: CRLX101 weekly at 15 mg/m2+ standard capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy appears to be well tolerated, with promising pCR rates that warrants further evaluation. A larger PhII trial should be considered with this regimen. Clinical trial information: NCT02010567. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Avoiding Unnecessary Major Rectal Cancer Surgery by Implementing Structural Restaging and a Watch-and-Wait Strategy After Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. Huisman ◽  
I. J. H. Schoenaker ◽  
R. M. Brohet ◽  
O. Reerink ◽  
H. van der Sluis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Cancer ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Pathologic Complete Response ◽  
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Advanced Rectal Cancer ◽  
Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer ◽  
Response Evaluation ◽  
Watch And Wait ◽  
Time To Event

Abstract Background Pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is found in 15–20% of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. A watch-and-wait (W&W) strategy has been introduced as an alternative strategy to avoid surgery for selected patients with a clinical complete response at multidisciplinary response evaluation. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the multidisciplinary response evaluation by comparing the proportion of patients with pCR since the introduction of the structural response evaluation with the period before response evaluation. Methods This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent nCRT between January 2009 and May 2018, categorizing them into cohort A (period 2009–2015) and cohort B (period 2015–2018). The patients in cohort B underwent structural multidisciplinary response evaluation with the option of the W&W strategy. Proportion of pCR (ypT0N0), time-to-event (pCR) analysis, and stoma-free survival were evaluated in both cohorts. Results Of the 259 patients in the study, 21 (18.4%) in cohort A and in 8 (8.7%) in cohort B had pCR (p = 0.043). Time-to-event analysis demonstrated a significant pCR decline in cohort B (p < 0.001). The stoma-free patient rate was 24% higher in cohort B (p < 0.001). Conclusion Multidisciplinary clinical response evaluation after nCRT for locally advanced rectal cancer led to a significant decrease in unnecessary surgery for the patients with a complete response.

Circulating Biomarkers for Response Prediction of Rectal Cancer to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (25) ◽  
pp. 4274-4294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Bedin ◽  
Sara Crotti ◽  
Edoardo D’Angelo ◽  
Sara D’Aronco ◽  
Salvatore Pucciarelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Cancer ◽  
Clinical Benefit ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Pathologic Complete Response ◽  
Neoadjuvant Treatment ◽  
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Tumour Regression

: Rectal cancer response to neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy (pCRT) is highly variable. In fact, it has been estimated that only about 21 % of patients show pathologic Complete Response (pCR) after therapy, while in most of the patients a partial or incomplete tumour regression is observed. Consequently, patients with a priori chemoradioresistant tumour should not receive the treatment, which is associated with substantial adverse effects and does not guarantee any clinical benefit. For Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients (LARC), a standardized neoadjuvant treatment protocol is applied, the identification and the usefulness of prognostic or predictive biomarkers can improve the antitumoural treatment strategy, modifying the sequence, dose, and combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgical resection. : For these reasons, a growing number of studies are actually focussed on the discovery and investigation of new predictive biomarkers of response to pCRT. In this review, we have selected the most recent literature (2012-2017) regarding the employment of blood-based biomarkers potentially predicting pCR in LARC patients and we have critically discussed them to highlight their real clinical benefit and the current limitations of the proposed methodological approaches.

scholarly journals Nonsurgical Management of Rectal Cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 123-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Akce ◽  
Bassel F. El-Rayes
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Cancer ◽  
Neoadjuvant Therapy ◽  
Surgical Resection ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Pathologic Complete Response ◽  
Rectal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Nonsurgical Management ◽  
Salvage Resection

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection is the standard of care for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma. Up to one third of patients achieve pathologic complete response (CR) with neoadjuvant therapy. Promising disease-free and overall survival outcomes have been reported in patients who achieve clinical CR after neoadjuvant therapy without surgical resection. Furthermore, patients who have local recurrence have acceptable disease control outcomes with salvage resection. With consideration of morbidities associated with surgical resection and similar clinical outcomes, interest in nonsurgical management of low rectal cancers has emerged. Randomized clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate a nonsurgical approach in rectal cancer. Lack of consensus on the definition of clinical CR, molecular biomarkers, and standardized nonsurgical management protocols is a significant barrier for routine clinical implementation of a nonsurgical management approach. This article aims to provide a concise review of the clinical experience and practical approach to the nonsurgical management of locoregional rectal adenocarcinoma.

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