Prognostic Factors in Operable Rectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): W. Duncan, A.N. Smith, L.F. Freedman, M.R. Alderson, S.J. Arnott, N.M. Bleehen, W.H. Bond, D. Crowther, T.J. Deeley, H.L. Duthie, P.W. Dykes, L.P. Fielding, G.E. Flatman, J.C. Goligher, P.R. Hawley, L.E. Hughes, C.A.F. Joslin, O.M. Koriech, B.C. Morson, G.D. Oates, M.J. Peckham, M.R. Sandland, P.F. Schofield, W. Slack, G. Slaney, J.A.R. Smith, J. Stewart Scott, J.M.A. Whitehouse, P.F.M. Wrigley, A. York-Mason
Primary Institution: Medical Research Council
Hypothesis
Can pre-operative clinico-pathological features predict outcomes in operable rectal cancer?
Conclusion
The study identifies several clinico-pathological features that are significant for prognosis in operable rectal cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Mobility of the tumor was the strongest predictor of prognosis.
- Patients with mobile tumors had a higher rate of curative resections.
- Age over 70 was associated with poorer survival rates.
- Patients with tumors less than 8 cm from the anal verge had worse outcomes.
- Only 69% of resectable patients were considered to have had a curative resection.
Takeaway
Doctors can tell how well a patient with rectal cancer might do based on certain features of the cancer before surgery.
Methodology
Patients were randomly assigned to surgery or pre-operative radiotherapy, and various clinico-pathological features were assessed.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the multi-center design and varying surgical practices.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing prognosis, and the results are based on a specific patient population.
Participant Demographics
The study included 824 patients, with 63% male and ages ranging from 32 to 86 years, averaging 64.5 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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