Conditional Survival in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer and Pathologic Complete Response: Results from an Observational Retrospective Multicenter Long-Term Follow-Up Study

Abstract

[SPA]Los pacientes con cáncer de recto localmente avanzado (LARC) con respuesta patológica completa (pCR) tras quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante (NCRT) constituyen un grupo privilegiado debido a la favorable progresión de su enfermedad. Sin embargo, sus patrones de seguimiento tras la cirugía son similares a los de otros grupos con peor pronóstico, con el consiguiente impacto psicológico y económico.

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) with pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (NCRT) are a privileged group because of the favorable progression of their disease. However, their follow-up patterns after surgery are similar to those of other groups with worse prognosis, with the consequent psychological and economic impact. Methods: This is a retrospective observational multicenter study with data obtained from the Spanish Rectal Cancer Project. Patients with LARC who underwent surgery with curative intent after NCRT and achieved pCR were selected. The last follow-up update was conducted in December 2021. A conditional survival model was used to analyze oncological outcomes during follow-up. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed for the entire cohort of patients and for those who survived at one, two, and three years