Rectal cancer recurrence: factors and mechanisms

There have been significant developments in treatment for rectal carcinoma, both in surgical and adjuvant therapy. They may however have associated morbidity and hence individualized therapy for rectal cancer is desirable, to optimize treatment but avoid over-treatment for cases where the risk of recurrence is low.

A literature review was undertaken of the reported incidence of recurrence of rectal carcinoma following curative surgery, factors which predispose to recurrence and proposed mechanisms for recurrence, and the evidence for each critically evaluated.

The incidence of local recurrence of rectal carcinoma following curative resection ranges from 2.6% to 32%, with an average of 15%. Tumour stage is the strongest predictor of tumour recurrence. Upstaging using molecular biology may predict increased risk of recurrence but is not yet proven. Histological factors including differentiation and vascular invasion increase recurrence but are imprecise. Tumour microvascular density and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels may be predictive but need refinement. Adequate resection margins are important but recurrence may occur despite this. Tumour cell spillage and distant dissemination may be a mechanism for tumour recurrence following curative resection, but further research is required before this could be applied clinically.

Recurrence of rectal cancer remains a significant problem following 'curative' surgery. Multiple factors may influence recurrence risk, though currently however only tumour stage and histological resection margins have demonstrated sufficient importance for management decisions to be made upon them.