Improvements in the treatment and prognosis of colorectal carcinoma

In a survey of the surgical results in 709 patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) treated between 1976 and 1985 a favourable shift of stage distribution was observed. The tumour was localized (Dukes' classification A or B) in 61 per cent of patients, as compared with 47 per cent in the previous 10-year period. This change was, in part, due to different interpretation of stage definitions. Clear improvements of the results were, however, also noted. Radical surgery was possible in 76 per cent of patients and the primary tumour was removed in 93 per cent. Surgical mortality was 4.4 per cent and complication rate 15 per cent, significantly less than earlier (6.5 and 38 per cent, respectively). Increasing numbers of sphincter-saving operations were performed in rectal cancers (47 per cent as compared with 24 per cent in the previous 10-year period). The overall 5-year survival rate improved from 40.5 to 52.5 per cent. Premalignant conditions were identified in 12.6 per cent of patients: previous CRC 4.8 per cent, cancer family syndrome 4.1 per cent, ulcerative colitis 1.7 per cent and familial adenomatosis 0.6 per cent. In order to sustain the favourable trend of improving survival prospects, more emphasis must be directed to the detection of early stage cancers.