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Circulating Markers of Systemic Inflammation, Measured After Completion of Neoadjuvant Therapy, Associated With Response in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

  • 0Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum +

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March 12, 2025

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March 12, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Elevated inflammatory markers after neoadjuvant therapy, specifically the modified Glasgow prognostic score, are linked to poorer treatment response and tumor regression in rectal cancer patients. Further research may explore anti-inflammatory strategies.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Inflammation Research
  • Rectal Cancer Treatment

Background

  • Neoadjuvant therapy response is a key prognostic factor in locally advanced rectal cancer, yet reliable measurements are scarce.
  • Elevated systemic inflammation markers correlate with poor survival in operable colorectal cancer.
  • Pre-neoadjuvant inflammatory markers may be associated with poorer treatment response.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To comprehensively evaluate hematological markers of inflammation before and after neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer.
  • To identify associations between inflammatory markers and treatment response or tumor regression.

Main Methods

  • Longitudinal cohort study of 278 consecutive patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
  • Data collected from a regional cancer database between June 2016 and July 2021.
  • Analysis of systemic inflammatory response markers measured pre- and post-neoadjuvant therapy.

Main Results

  • No pre-neoadjuvant inflammatory markers were associated with treatment response or tumor regression.
  • Elevated post-neoadjuvant modified Glasgow prognostic score and CEA were independently associated with incomplete response.
  • An elevated post-neoadjuvant modified Glasgow prognostic score was linked to poor tumor regression.

Conclusions

  • Post-neoadjuvant inflammatory markers, particularly the modified Glasgow prognostic score, are associated with poorer treatment outcomes in rectal cancer.
  • This suggests a potential link between radiation resistance and a pro-tumor inflammatory environment.
  • Future research should investigate anti-inflammatory strategies combined with radiotherapy to optimize treatment response.