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Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum: a single institution experience
J Yeh1, J Hastings, A Rao
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaiser Permanente, 4950 Sunset Boulevard, 2nd Floor Station B, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. jekwon.x.yeh@kp.org
Background:
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the rectum is a rare disorder. There is currently no effective method as to how best treat patients with this condition. The purpose of this study was to review a single tertiary institution's experience.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients who presented with documented SCC of the rectum over a 10-year period (2000-2010). During the study period, all patients were offered chemoradiation as an initial treatment modality [a fluorouracil (5-FU)-based regimen in conjunction with mitomycin or cisplatin].
Results:
Six patients presented with primary rectal SCC. Mean patient age was 60 years. The majority of patients were female (83 %). The most common presenting symptom was rectal bleeding (67 %). The mean distance from the inferior tumor margin to the anal verge was 6 cm. Two patients (33 %) presented with stage II disease, and 4 (67 %) were stage III. Five patients (83 %) received chemoradiation therapy initially, and 1 patient underwent abdominoperineal resection after refusing chemoradiation. Two additional patients (33 %) underwent salvage surgery. During a mean follow-up of 44 months, 4 patients (66 %) were alive without evidence of disease.
Conclusions:
Based on the results of this cases series, chemoradiation as an initial primary therapy appears to be beneficial for patients with primary SCC of the rectum. A 5-FU chemotherapy-based regimen in conjunction with fractionated radiotherapy appears to be effective for local control of the disease.
