Abstract
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The process of W&W implementation is described and the outcome of patients in a W&W registry between 2004 and 2022 analysed (regrowth, metastases, survival, and organ preservation). Three equally sized chronological cohorts were compared to capture any differences during implementation over time.
CONCLUSION
The results of W&W in rectal cancer patients in high-volume hospitals mirror those of expert centres.
RESULTS
W&W was gradually implemented in 18 high-volume hospitals coordinated by a single expert centre. One thousand and eighty patients with a clinical good response after (chemo)radiotherapy were included, with a median follow-up of 42 months (95% c.i. 40 to 44). At first response evaluation, 45% had a clinical complete response (cCR) and 55% near-complete reponse (nCR). In patients with nCR, 75% eventually achieved cCR, 14% underwent local excision, 2% received additional contact X-ray brachytherapy, and 10% underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) for persistent residual disease. Three-year actuarial local regrowth incidence was 23%. Three-year organ preservation rate was 76%. The 3-year distant metastases rate and overall survival were 10% and 97%. There were no significant differences in 3-year local regrowth or distant metastases between the three consecutive cohorts. In the two more recent cohorts more patients underwent TME for residual disease (13% versus 3%), likely due to a more liberal inclusion of patients with nCR.
INTRODUCTION
Most reports on the outcome of Watch-and-Wait (W&W) in rectal cancer come from expert centres. This study reports on a broad implementation in the Netherlands.