Long-Term Outcomes of Long-Course Chemoradiotherapy vs. Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Consolidation...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) followed by consolidation chemotherapy (CCT) has shown comparable oncologic outcomes to long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT).
• Concerns exist regarding the long-term durability of SCRT benefits.
• Evaluating long-term surgical and oncologic outcomes is crucial for treatment selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare the long-term surgical and oncologic outcomes of SCRT with CCT versus LCRT.
• To validate the durability of oncologic benefits from SCRT with CCT.
• To provide evidence for SCRT as an alternative treatment modality.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 62 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
• Prospective enrollment of 27 patients in the ESCORT trial for SCRT with CCT.
• Retrospective identification of a matched cohort of 35 patients who underwent LCRT.

Main Results:

• Median follow-up of approximately 4.75-4.94 years.
• Similar 5-year overall survival rates (SCRT: 100% vs. LCRT: 97.1%).
• Comparable 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates (SCRT: 83.6% vs. LCRT: 70.3%) and anastomosis-related complication rates.

Conclusions:

• SCRT with CCT demonstrates long-term oncologic outcomes comparable to LCRT.
• SCRT with CCT is a safe and effective treatment option with durable benefits.
• SCRT with CCT is a viable alternative, particularly in resource-constrained settings.