A population‐based study of palliative rectal cancer patients with an unremoved primary tumour: Symptoms, complications and management

TL;DR

This study examines rectal cancer patients who did not have their primary tumor removed, finding that many face complications requiring surgery.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the management and complications of unremoved rectal tumors in palliative care.

Findings

44% of patients experienced local complications from the unremoved tumor.

48% of patients underwent surgical intervention due to the tumor.

Tumor perforation was more common in younger patients (≤75 years).

Abstract

Palliative rectal cancer patients typically retain their primary tumour, as trials have concluded no survival benefit of tumour resection in non‐curative patients. This patient group is understudied regarding the natural course of the remaining tumour, particularly concerning the need of surgical management.

This was a retrospective study on rectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2020 in Region Västerbotten, Sweden. Data were obtained from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and chart review. Patients were excluded if treated with curative intent, underwent primary tumour resection, had a synchronous colorectal cancer, had locally recurrent colorectal cancer, or refused treatment. Patients were followed from diagnosis until death or end of follow‐up. Indications for palliative treatment, tumour‐related complications and surgical and oncological management were investigated, with a stratified analysis for study period and patient age.

Some 156 patients remained after applying exclusion criteria. The majority had metastasized and incurable disease (76%). Almost half suffered local complications (44%) and 48% underwent surgical intervention, due to the unremoved primary tumour. Tumour perforation occurred in 7% with a significantly higher risk in patients aged ≤75 years (p = 0.009). Bowel obstruction afflicted 23%, while 40% underwent stoma diversion. Almost half received chemotherapy (48%) and radiotherapy (42%), respectively.

Rectal cancer patients with an unremoved primary tumour face a substantial risk of local complications, often necessitating surgical intervention. Therefore, the benefits of surgical resection should be carefully considered, especially for patients with a longer estimated survival. Further research is needed to accurately identify patients where tumour removal might be beneficial.

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