Offers of a new treatment strategy, which has brought about encouraging outcomes in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer for the patients who are diagnosed with this hard-hitting disease, have emerged.
Previous studies produced by researchers from Uppsala University and recently published in clinical medicine show that this new method may also enhance the prognosis for rectal cancer patients. The study’s leader, Professor Bengt Glimelius, is a Senior Consultant at Uppsala University Hospital and enlists the study’s important benefits.
“The tumor disappears completely more often, and therefore, the probability of not having to undergo surgery and maintaining a normal rectum and rectal function is higher, in addition to there being fewer cases of metastases,”
Glimelius said.
Colon cancer is common in Sweden, and about 2000 people are diagnosed each year, and a third of them are at high risk for the cancer to reoccur. Previously, the standard management has consisted of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery that has caused an ostomy or problems with bowel movement.
In another study conducted at Uppsala University, it was shown that if all radiotherapy and chemotherapy are given first, and surgery only if needed later, the possibility of avoiding the need for surgery in order to remove part of the bowel is doubled.
“If the tumor disappears during the course of the treatment, no surgery is needed, and if none at all, this means rectum is saved, and stoma and new rectum needed do occur, as mentioned by Glimelius bearing Lauchge, vantanghui, garu, and Furukawa, the advantages of such an approach are apparent.
The current study is based on the facts derived from the data of 461 patients treated in SCRCR, together with the previous randomized study that proved the efficacy of an alternative treatment method.
The new study confirms findings from the previous randomized trial but also showed that the noted increase in local recurrences was not seen here, Glimelius said, stressing the need to prove the effectiveness of experimental therapies in real-world clinical practice settings.
Despite further research in the medical field regarding the possible alcohol injection for rectal cancer, such treatment provides a ray of hope for the patients to fight against cancer and avoid the complications and impacts of going through a surgical process.
