Is radical surgery always necessary in early rectal cancer? A systematic review of randomised trials
摘要
Total mesorectal excision (TME) remains the standard of care for operable rectal cancer but is associated with significant long-term morbidity. Local excision (LE) following neoadjuvant therapy offers a potential organ-preserving alternative in selected patients. This systematic review evaluates oncological, functional, and safety outcomes from randomised trials comparing LE and TME in early rectal cancer.
MethodsA systematic review was conducted of randomised controlled trials comparing LE and TME in early-stage rectal adenocarcinoma. Trials were included if they enrolled predominantly cT2–T3N0 patients and compared either post-long course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT) LE vs post-LCCRT TME, or neoadjuvant chemo(radiotherapy) + LE versus upfront TME. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS); secondary outcomes included local/distant recurrence, functional outcomes, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
ResultsFour trials (GRECCAR-2, Lezoche, TAUTEM, TREC; n = 514) met inclusion. Pathological complete response after LE ranged 26–44%, with 10–35% requiring completion TME. Within scenario-specific pools, there was no significant difference between LE and TME for OS or DFS, local or distant recurrence. LE was associated with lower major complications and better patient-reported outcomes.
ConclusionIn selected patients who receive neoadjuvant therapy, local excision is associated with lower morbidity and favourable functional outcomes compared with TME. While scenario-specific estimates suggest comparable survival, heterogeneity in design and follow-up limits firm conclusions on oncologic equivalence. Within response-adapted pathways with predefined criteria for completion TME, local excision is a feasible organ-preserving option.