Multi-Institutional Analysis of Synchronous Prostate and Rectosigmoid Cancers

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Urology

Background:

• Synchronous cancers involving the prostate and rectosigmoid are rare.
• Understanding the impact of these co-occurring malignancies on patient outcomes is crucial for clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a multi-institutional analysis of patients diagnosed with synchronous prostate and rectosigmoid cancers.
• To evaluate the survival outcomes and identify prognostic factors in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records from Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (1988-2017).
• Inclusion criteria: men with both prostate and rectosigmoid adenocarcinomas diagnosed or treated within 12 months.
• Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariable Cox regression for overall survival.

Main Results:

• Of 31,883 men with prostate cancer, 330 (1%) had rectosigmoid cancer; 54 (16%) were synchronous.
• Rectosigmoid cancer was the primary cause of death in 18 patients, compared to two deaths from prostate cancer.
• Advanced stages of both rectosigmoid (II-III, IV) and prostate (IV) cancers were significantly associated with reduced overall survival.

Conclusions:

• Synchronous rectosigmoid cancer poses a greater mortality risk than prostate cancer.
• Colorectal cancer screening should be considered for men aged 45 and older with localized prostate cancer to identify potential synchronous rectosigmoid malignancies.
• Early detection and management of synchronous rectosigmoid cancer are vital for improving patient survival.