Prognostic factors after surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer: An overview

Purpose Local recurrence of rectal cancer occurs in a considerable group of patients who have undergone radical treatment for primary tumour. The treatment of choice is surgical resection but the prognosis remains poor, as a negative margin excision is possible in only a small subset of patients. A review of prognostic factors for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) after surgery is presented. Methods We systematically reviewed the literature for reports on prognostic factors after surgical excision of LRRC. These reports were identified through a review of the Medline database from 1982 to 2004. Results This review highlights the most important prognostic factors for LRRC patients treated with surgery. Data are grouped on the basis of the prognostic factors investigated. Conclusions R0 resection seems to be the only reliable prognostic factor; however, symptoms, pre-operative CEA doubling time, performance status and pre-operative radiotherapy can help patient selection before surgery. The results of this review provide the basis for improved outcome, aiming to assess patients who would benefit from reoperation.