1.The effect of core muscle group stability training combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation on postpartum pelvic floor function in women underwent selective episiotomy
Jie WANG ; Maocui XIAO ; Aiwen WANG ; Haiping CUI ; Ruiping WANG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(6):644-648
Objective To explore the effect of core muscle stability training combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation on pelvic floor muscle function in postpartum women underwent episiotomy.Methods Clinical data of 98 parturients who underwent selective episiotomy during natural childbirth were retrospectively analyzed.According to different intervention methods,the included parturients were divided into the control group and the combination group,with 49 cases in each group.The control group was treated only with biofeedback electrical stimulation therapy,while the combination group was treated with core muscle stability training combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation therapy.The general information and pelvic floor muscle strength,pelvic floor electromyography values,pelvic floor dysfunction questionnaire(PFDI-20)scores and female sexual function score scale(FSFI)scores were compared between the two groups of parturients before and after intervention.Results There were no significant differences in age,gestational age,body mass index and pelvic floor muscle strength grading between the two groups(P>0.05).Compared with before intervention,pelvic floor muscle strength,pelvic floor electromyography values and FSFI scores increased in both groups after intervention,while PFDI-20 scores decreased(all P<0.05).After intervention,compared with the control group,the combination group showed more significant improvement in pelvic floor muscle strength,with an increase in class Ⅰ and class Ⅱ fiber electromyography values,a decrease in PFDI-20 score,and an increase in FSFI scores(all P<0.05).The incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction in the two groups was statistically significant(22.45%vs.6.12%,P<0.05).Conclusion Core muscle stability training combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation can effectively promote the recovery of pelvic floor muscle function and improve sexual function in postpartum women underwent episiotomy.
2.Analysis of the incidence and risk factors of low anterior resection syndrome after radical sphincter-preserving surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy: a single-center retrospective study
Yonglin HUANG ; Xingyu XIE ; Minghe ZHAO ; Tingting SUN ; Yunfeng YAO ; Tiancheng ZHAN ; Lin WANG ; Aiwen WU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(6):653-661
Objective:To explore the impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on the occurrence of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent restorative anterior resection, and to analyze associated risk factors.Methods:This study was an observational study. Patients with adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, or signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum located 0-10 cm from the anal verge who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy followed by curative restorative anterior resection at Peking University Cancer Hospital between November 2019 and February 2024 were retrospectively examined. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) metastasis detected preoperatively;(2) follow-up <1 year or stoma closure <6 months; (3) local recurrence or metastasis during follow-up; and (4) stoma without closure or stoma re-creation. The Chinese version of the LARS questionnaire was used to assess bowel function by telephone interview, and patients were classified based on score into no LARS (0-20 points), minor LARS (21-29 points), and major LARS (30–42 points). The incidence of LARS, major LARS, and associated risk factors were analyzed.Results:A total of 52 patients (34 men) were included for analysis. Mean age was 58.0 ± 9.8 years and mean body mass index was 25.1 ± 2.6 kg/m 2. Median follow-up was 27.5 months (range, 12.0-63.7). Median LARS score was 21 (range, 1-41). Twenty-six patients (50.0%) developed LARS after surgery, and half of these (13 cases) were classified as major LARS. Stool clustering (repeated defecation within 1 hour) was observed in 80.8% (42/52) of patients. Distance between the tumor edge and the dentate line [odds ratio (OR), 3.597; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.140-11.360; P=0.026], management of the left colic artery (OR, 0.133; 95% CI, 0.026-0.691; P=0.008), and interval of stoma closure (OR, 5.250; 95%CI, 1.381-19.960; P=0.011) were significantly associated with LARS. Interval of stoma closure was significantly associated with major LARS (OR, 4.200; 95%CI, 1.064–16.584; P=0.040). In multivariate logistic regression, ≤3.5 cm between the tumor edge and the dentate line (OR, 7.407; 95%CI, 1.377-40.000; P=0.020), non-preservation of the left colic artery (OR, 8.403; 95%CI, 1.183-58.823; P=0.033) and interval of stoma closure >6 months (OR, 10.865; 95% CI, 2.039-57.896; P=0.005) were independent risk factors for LARS. Interval of stoma closure >6 months (OR, 4.356; 95% CI, 1.105-17.167; P=0.035) were independent risk factors for major LARS. Conclusion:Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy experienced a high incidence of LARS after curative surgery, with stool clustering as the predominant symptom. Tumor edge–dentate line distance ≤3.5 cm, non-preservation of the left colic artery, and interval of stoma closure >6 months were risk factors for LARS.
3.Overemphasized surgical issues:the history, misconceptions, controversies, and future directions of lymph node detection thresholds and dissection range in colon cancer
Yuye GAO ; Junyang LU ; Aiwen WU ; Yi XIAO ; Lin WANG
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(9):1073-1079
The number of lymph nodes detected in colon cancer is influenced by various factors. The arbitrary application of the 12-lymph node detection threshold as a quality control standard is unreasonable. Overemphasis on the number of lymph nodes may result in an unnecessarily extensive dissection, while existing evidence shows no survival benefit from routine D3 lymphadenectomy. This article systematically reviews the origin, rationale, influencing factors, and common misconceptions surrounding the lymph node detection threshold. It also looks ahead to the trend of narrowing the scope of lymphadenectomy in colon cancer and the potential for personalized dissection strategies.
4.Analysis of the incidence and risk factors of low anterior resection syndrome after radical sphincter-preserving surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy: a single-center retrospective study
Yonglin HUANG ; Xingyu XIE ; Minghe ZHAO ; Tingting SUN ; Yunfeng YAO ; Tiancheng ZHAN ; Lin WANG ; Aiwen WU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(6):653-661
Objective:To explore the impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on the occurrence of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent restorative anterior resection, and to analyze associated risk factors.Methods:This study was an observational study. Patients with adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, or signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum located 0-10 cm from the anal verge who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy followed by curative restorative anterior resection at Peking University Cancer Hospital between November 2019 and February 2024 were retrospectively examined. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) metastasis detected preoperatively;(2) follow-up <1 year or stoma closure <6 months; (3) local recurrence or metastasis during follow-up; and (4) stoma without closure or stoma re-creation. The Chinese version of the LARS questionnaire was used to assess bowel function by telephone interview, and patients were classified based on score into no LARS (0-20 points), minor LARS (21-29 points), and major LARS (30–42 points). The incidence of LARS, major LARS, and associated risk factors were analyzed.Results:A total of 52 patients (34 men) were included for analysis. Mean age was 58.0 ± 9.8 years and mean body mass index was 25.1 ± 2.6 kg/m 2. Median follow-up was 27.5 months (range, 12.0-63.7). Median LARS score was 21 (range, 1-41). Twenty-six patients (50.0%) developed LARS after surgery, and half of these (13 cases) were classified as major LARS. Stool clustering (repeated defecation within 1 hour) was observed in 80.8% (42/52) of patients. Distance between the tumor edge and the dentate line [odds ratio (OR), 3.597; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.140-11.360; P=0.026], management of the left colic artery (OR, 0.133; 95% CI, 0.026-0.691; P=0.008), and interval of stoma closure (OR, 5.250; 95%CI, 1.381-19.960; P=0.011) were significantly associated with LARS. Interval of stoma closure was significantly associated with major LARS (OR, 4.200; 95%CI, 1.064–16.584; P=0.040). In multivariate logistic regression, ≤3.5 cm between the tumor edge and the dentate line (OR, 7.407; 95%CI, 1.377-40.000; P=0.020), non-preservation of the left colic artery (OR, 8.403; 95%CI, 1.183-58.823; P=0.033) and interval of stoma closure >6 months (OR, 10.865; 95% CI, 2.039-57.896; P=0.005) were independent risk factors for LARS. Interval of stoma closure >6 months (OR, 4.356; 95% CI, 1.105-17.167; P=0.035) were independent risk factors for major LARS. Conclusion:Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy experienced a high incidence of LARS after curative surgery, with stool clustering as the predominant symptom. Tumor edge–dentate line distance ≤3.5 cm, non-preservation of the left colic artery, and interval of stoma closure >6 months were risk factors for LARS.
5.The effect of core muscle group stability training combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation on postpartum pelvic floor function in women underwent selective episiotomy
Jie WANG ; Maocui XIAO ; Aiwen WANG ; Haiping CUI ; Ruiping WANG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(6):644-648
Objective To explore the effect of core muscle stability training combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation on pelvic floor muscle function in postpartum women underwent episiotomy.Methods Clinical data of 98 parturients who underwent selective episiotomy during natural childbirth were retrospectively analyzed.According to different intervention methods,the included parturients were divided into the control group and the combination group,with 49 cases in each group.The control group was treated only with biofeedback electrical stimulation therapy,while the combination group was treated with core muscle stability training combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation therapy.The general information and pelvic floor muscle strength,pelvic floor electromyography values,pelvic floor dysfunction questionnaire(PFDI-20)scores and female sexual function score scale(FSFI)scores were compared between the two groups of parturients before and after intervention.Results There were no significant differences in age,gestational age,body mass index and pelvic floor muscle strength grading between the two groups(P>0.05).Compared with before intervention,pelvic floor muscle strength,pelvic floor electromyography values and FSFI scores increased in both groups after intervention,while PFDI-20 scores decreased(all P<0.05).After intervention,compared with the control group,the combination group showed more significant improvement in pelvic floor muscle strength,with an increase in class Ⅰ and class Ⅱ fiber electromyography values,a decrease in PFDI-20 score,and an increase in FSFI scores(all P<0.05).The incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction in the two groups was statistically significant(22.45%vs.6.12%,P<0.05).Conclusion Core muscle stability training combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation can effectively promote the recovery of pelvic floor muscle function and improve sexual function in postpartum women underwent episiotomy.
6.Overemphasized surgical issues:the history, misconceptions, controversies, and future directions of lymph node detection thresholds and dissection range in colon cancer
Yuye GAO ; Junyang LU ; Aiwen WU ; Yi XIAO ; Lin WANG
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(9):1073-1079
The number of lymph nodes detected in colon cancer is influenced by various factors. The arbitrary application of the 12-lymph node detection threshold as a quality control standard is unreasonable. Overemphasis on the number of lymph nodes may result in an unnecessarily extensive dissection, while existing evidence shows no survival benefit from routine D3 lymphadenectomy. This article systematically reviews the origin, rationale, influencing factors, and common misconceptions surrounding the lymph node detection threshold. It also looks ahead to the trend of narrowing the scope of lymphadenectomy in colon cancer and the potential for personalized dissection strategies.
7.Long-term outcome of patients with rectal cancer who achieve complete or near complete clinical responses after neoadjuvant therapy: a multicenter registry study of data from the Chinese Watch and Wait Database
Yiming ZHAO ; Weihu WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Lin WANG ; Shuai LI ; Jingwen WANG ; Leen LIAO ; Guanyu YU ; Zhen SUN ; Yanli QU ; Yang GONG ; Yun LU ; Tao WU ; Yunfeng LI ; Quan WANG ; Guohua ZHAO ; Yi XIAO ; Peirong DING ; Zhen ZHANG ; Aiwen WU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2024;27(4):372-382
Objective:To report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after adopting a Watch and Wait (W&W) strategy following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).Methods:This multicenter, cross-sectional study was based on real-world data. The study cohort comprised rectal cancer patients who had achieved complete or near complete clinical responses (cCRs, near-cCRs) after NAT and were thereafter managed by a W&W approach, as well as a few patients who had achieved good responses after NAT and had then undergone local excision for confirmation of pathological complete response. All participants had been followed up for ≥2 years. Patients with distant metastases at baseline or who opted for observation while living with the tumor were excluded. Data of eligible patients were retrospectively collected from the Chinese Wait-and-Watch Data Collaboration Group database. These included baseline characteristics, type of NAT, pre-treatment imaging results, evaluation of post-NAT efficacy, salvage measures, and treatment outcomes. We herein report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after NAT and W&W and the differences between the cCR and near-cCR groups.Results:Clinical data of 318 rectal cancer patients who had undergone W&W for over 2 years and been followed up were collected from eight medical centers (Peking University Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, the First Hospital of Jilin University, and Yunnan Cancer Hospital.) The participants comprised 221 men (69.4%) and 107 women (30.6%) of median age 60 (26-86) years. The median distance between tumor and anal verge was 3.4 (0-10.4) cm. Of these patients, 291 and 27 had achieved cCR or near-cCR, respectively, after NAT. The median duration of follow-up was 48.4 (10.2-110.3) months. The 5-year cumulative overall survival rate was 92.4% (95%CI: 86.8%-95.7%), 5-year cumulative disease-specific survival (CSS) rate 96.6% (95%CI: 92.2%-98.5%), 5-year cumulative organ-preserving disease-free survival rate 86.6% (95%CI: 81.0%-90.7%), and 5-year organ preservation rate 85.3% (95%CI: 80.3%-89.1%). The overall 5-year local recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 18.5% (95%CI: 14.9%-20.8%) and 8.2% (95%CI: 5.4%-12.5%), respectively. Most local recurrences (82.1%, 46/56) occurred within 2 years, and 91.0% (51/56) occurred within 3 years, the median time to recurrence being 11.7 (2.5-66.6) months. Most (91.1%, 51/56) local recurrences occurred within the intestinal lumen. Distant metastases developed in 23 patients; 60.9% (14/23) occurred within 2 years and 73.9% (17/23) within 3 years, the median time to distant metastasis being 21.9 (2.6-90.3) months. Common sites included lung (15/23, 65.2%), liver (6/23, 26.1%), and bone (7/23, 30.4%) The metastases involved single organs in 17 patients and multiple organs in six. There were no significant differences in overall, cumulative disease-specific, or organ-preserving disease-free survival or rate of metastases between the two groups (all P>0.05). The 5-year local recurrence rate was higher in the near-cCR than in the cCR group (41.6% vs. 16.4%, P<0.01), with a lower organ preservation rate (69.2% vs. 88.0%, P<0.001). The success rates of salvage after local recurrence and distant metastasis were 82.1% (46/56) and 13.0% (3/23), respectively. Conclusion:Rectal cancer patients who achieve cCR or near-cCR after NAT and undergo W&W have favorable oncological outcomes and a high rate of organ preservation. Local recurrence and distant metastasis during W&W follow certain patterns, with a relatively high salvage rate for local recurrence. Our findings highlight the importance of close follow-up and timely intervention during the W&W process.
8.Reassessment of practice of Chinese surgeons since introduction of the watch and wait strategy after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer
Minghe ZHAO ; Tingting SUN ; Lin WANG ; Yonglin HUANG ; Xingyu XIE ; Yun LU ; Guohua ZHAO ; Aiwen WU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2024;27(4):383-394
Objective:To investigate perspectives and changes in treatment selection by Chinese surgeons since introduction of the watch-and-wait approach after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire distributed through the "Wenjuanxing" online survey platform. The survey focused on the recognition and practices of Chinese surgeons regarding the strategy of watch-and-wait after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer and was disseminated within the China Watch-and-Wait Database (CWWD) WeChat group. This group targets surgeons of deputy chief physician level and above in surgical, radiotherapy, or internal medicine departments of nationally accredited tumor-specialist or comprehensive hospitals (at provincial or municipal levels) who are involved in colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment. From 13 to 16 December 2023, 321 questionnaires were sent with questionnaire links in the CWWD WeChat group. The questionnaires comprised 32 questions encompassing: (1) basic physician characteristics (including surgical volume); (2) assessment methods and criteria for clinical complete response (cCR); (3) patients eligible for watch-and-wait; (4) neoadjuvant therapies and other measures for achieving cCR; (5) willingness to implement watch-and-wait and factors influencing that willingness; (6) risks and monitoring of watch-and-wait; (7) subsequent treatment and follow-up post watch-and-wait; (8) suggestions for development of the CWWD. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis, with intergroup comparisons conducted using the χ 2 or Fisher's exact probability tests. Results:The response rate was 31.5%, comprising 101 responses from the 321 individuals in the WeChat group. Respondents comprised 101 physicians from 70 centers across 23 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions nationwide, 85.1% (86/101) of whom represented provincial tertiary hospitals. Among the respondents, 87.1% (88/101) had implemented the watch-and-wait strategy. The approval rate (65.6%, 21/32) and proportion of patients often informed (68.8%, 22/32) were both significantly higher for doctors in oncology hospitals than for those in general hospitals (27.7%, 18/65; 32.4%, 22/68) (χ 2=12.83, P<0.001; χ 2=11.70, P=0.001, respectively). The most used methods for diagnosing cCR were digital rectal examination (90.1%, 91/101), colonoscopy (91.1%, 92/101), and rectal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (86.1%, 87/101). Criteria used to identify cCR comprised absence of a palpable mass on digital rectal examination (87.1%, 88/101), flat white scars or new capillaries on colonoscopy (77.2%, 78/101), absence of evident tumor signals on rectal T2-weighted sequences or T2WI low signals or signals equivalent to the intestinal wall (83.2%, 84/101), and absence of tumor hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted imaging with no corresponding hypointensity on apparent diffusion coefficient maps (66.3%, 67/101). As for selection of neoadjuvant regimen and assessment of cCR, 57.4% (58/101) of physicians preferred a long course of radiotherapy with or without induction and/or consolidation capecitabine + oxaliplatin, whereas 25.7% (26/101) preferred immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy. Most (96.0%, 97/101) physicians believed that the primary lesion should be assessed ≤12 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. Patients were frequently informed about the possibility of achieving cCR after neoadjuvant therapy and the strategy of watch-and-wait by 43.6% (44/101) of the responding physicians and 38.6% (39/101) preferred watch-and-wait for patients who achieved cCR or near cCR after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. Capability for multiple follow-up evaluations (70.3%, 71/101) was a crucial factor influencing physicians' choice of watch-and-wait after cCR. The proportion who patients who did not achieve cCR and underwent surgical treatment was lower in provincial tertiary hospitals (74.2%, 23/31) than in provincial general hospitals (94.5%, 52/55) and municipal hospitals (12/15); these differences are statistically significant (χ 2=7.43, P=0.020). The difference between local recurrence and local regrowth was understood by 88.1% (89/101) of respondents and 87.2% (88/101) agreed with monitoring every 3 months for 5 years. An increase in local excision or puncture rates to reduce organ resections in patients with pCR was proposed by 64.4% (65/101) of respondents. Conclusion:Compared with the results of a previous survey, Chinese surgeons' awareness of the watch-and-wait concept has improved significantly. Oncologists in oncology hospitals are more aware of the concept of watch-and-wait.
9.Long-term outcome of patients with rectal cancer who achieve complete or near complete clinical responses after neoadjuvant therapy: a multicenter registry study of data from the Chinese Watch and Wait Database
Yiming ZHAO ; Weihu WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Lin WANG ; Shuai LI ; Jingwen WANG ; Leen LIAO ; Guanyu YU ; Zhen SUN ; Yanli QU ; Yang GONG ; Yun LU ; Tao WU ; Yunfeng LI ; Quan WANG ; Guohua ZHAO ; Yi XIAO ; Peirong DING ; Zhen ZHANG ; Aiwen WU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2024;27(4):372-382
Objective:To report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after adopting a Watch and Wait (W&W) strategy following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).Methods:This multicenter, cross-sectional study was based on real-world data. The study cohort comprised rectal cancer patients who had achieved complete or near complete clinical responses (cCRs, near-cCRs) after NAT and were thereafter managed by a W&W approach, as well as a few patients who had achieved good responses after NAT and had then undergone local excision for confirmation of pathological complete response. All participants had been followed up for ≥2 years. Patients with distant metastases at baseline or who opted for observation while living with the tumor were excluded. Data of eligible patients were retrospectively collected from the Chinese Wait-and-Watch Data Collaboration Group database. These included baseline characteristics, type of NAT, pre-treatment imaging results, evaluation of post-NAT efficacy, salvage measures, and treatment outcomes. We herein report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after NAT and W&W and the differences between the cCR and near-cCR groups.Results:Clinical data of 318 rectal cancer patients who had undergone W&W for over 2 years and been followed up were collected from eight medical centers (Peking University Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, the First Hospital of Jilin University, and Yunnan Cancer Hospital.) The participants comprised 221 men (69.4%) and 107 women (30.6%) of median age 60 (26-86) years. The median distance between tumor and anal verge was 3.4 (0-10.4) cm. Of these patients, 291 and 27 had achieved cCR or near-cCR, respectively, after NAT. The median duration of follow-up was 48.4 (10.2-110.3) months. The 5-year cumulative overall survival rate was 92.4% (95%CI: 86.8%-95.7%), 5-year cumulative disease-specific survival (CSS) rate 96.6% (95%CI: 92.2%-98.5%), 5-year cumulative organ-preserving disease-free survival rate 86.6% (95%CI: 81.0%-90.7%), and 5-year organ preservation rate 85.3% (95%CI: 80.3%-89.1%). The overall 5-year local recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 18.5% (95%CI: 14.9%-20.8%) and 8.2% (95%CI: 5.4%-12.5%), respectively. Most local recurrences (82.1%, 46/56) occurred within 2 years, and 91.0% (51/56) occurred within 3 years, the median time to recurrence being 11.7 (2.5-66.6) months. Most (91.1%, 51/56) local recurrences occurred within the intestinal lumen. Distant metastases developed in 23 patients; 60.9% (14/23) occurred within 2 years and 73.9% (17/23) within 3 years, the median time to distant metastasis being 21.9 (2.6-90.3) months. Common sites included lung (15/23, 65.2%), liver (6/23, 26.1%), and bone (7/23, 30.4%) The metastases involved single organs in 17 patients and multiple organs in six. There were no significant differences in overall, cumulative disease-specific, or organ-preserving disease-free survival or rate of metastases between the two groups (all P>0.05). The 5-year local recurrence rate was higher in the near-cCR than in the cCR group (41.6% vs. 16.4%, P<0.01), with a lower organ preservation rate (69.2% vs. 88.0%, P<0.001). The success rates of salvage after local recurrence and distant metastasis were 82.1% (46/56) and 13.0% (3/23), respectively. Conclusion:Rectal cancer patients who achieve cCR or near-cCR after NAT and undergo W&W have favorable oncological outcomes and a high rate of organ preservation. Local recurrence and distant metastasis during W&W follow certain patterns, with a relatively high salvage rate for local recurrence. Our findings highlight the importance of close follow-up and timely intervention during the W&W process.
10.Reassessment of practice of Chinese surgeons since introduction of the watch and wait strategy after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer
Minghe ZHAO ; Tingting SUN ; Lin WANG ; Yonglin HUANG ; Xingyu XIE ; Yun LU ; Guohua ZHAO ; Aiwen WU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2024;27(4):383-394
Objective:To investigate perspectives and changes in treatment selection by Chinese surgeons since introduction of the watch-and-wait approach after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire distributed through the "Wenjuanxing" online survey platform. The survey focused on the recognition and practices of Chinese surgeons regarding the strategy of watch-and-wait after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer and was disseminated within the China Watch-and-Wait Database (CWWD) WeChat group. This group targets surgeons of deputy chief physician level and above in surgical, radiotherapy, or internal medicine departments of nationally accredited tumor-specialist or comprehensive hospitals (at provincial or municipal levels) who are involved in colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment. From 13 to 16 December 2023, 321 questionnaires were sent with questionnaire links in the CWWD WeChat group. The questionnaires comprised 32 questions encompassing: (1) basic physician characteristics (including surgical volume); (2) assessment methods and criteria for clinical complete response (cCR); (3) patients eligible for watch-and-wait; (4) neoadjuvant therapies and other measures for achieving cCR; (5) willingness to implement watch-and-wait and factors influencing that willingness; (6) risks and monitoring of watch-and-wait; (7) subsequent treatment and follow-up post watch-and-wait; (8) suggestions for development of the CWWD. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis, with intergroup comparisons conducted using the χ 2 or Fisher's exact probability tests. Results:The response rate was 31.5%, comprising 101 responses from the 321 individuals in the WeChat group. Respondents comprised 101 physicians from 70 centers across 23 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions nationwide, 85.1% (86/101) of whom represented provincial tertiary hospitals. Among the respondents, 87.1% (88/101) had implemented the watch-and-wait strategy. The approval rate (65.6%, 21/32) and proportion of patients often informed (68.8%, 22/32) were both significantly higher for doctors in oncology hospitals than for those in general hospitals (27.7%, 18/65; 32.4%, 22/68) (χ 2=12.83, P<0.001; χ 2=11.70, P=0.001, respectively). The most used methods for diagnosing cCR were digital rectal examination (90.1%, 91/101), colonoscopy (91.1%, 92/101), and rectal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (86.1%, 87/101). Criteria used to identify cCR comprised absence of a palpable mass on digital rectal examination (87.1%, 88/101), flat white scars or new capillaries on colonoscopy (77.2%, 78/101), absence of evident tumor signals on rectal T2-weighted sequences or T2WI low signals or signals equivalent to the intestinal wall (83.2%, 84/101), and absence of tumor hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted imaging with no corresponding hypointensity on apparent diffusion coefficient maps (66.3%, 67/101). As for selection of neoadjuvant regimen and assessment of cCR, 57.4% (58/101) of physicians preferred a long course of radiotherapy with or without induction and/or consolidation capecitabine + oxaliplatin, whereas 25.7% (26/101) preferred immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy. Most (96.0%, 97/101) physicians believed that the primary lesion should be assessed ≤12 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. Patients were frequently informed about the possibility of achieving cCR after neoadjuvant therapy and the strategy of watch-and-wait by 43.6% (44/101) of the responding physicians and 38.6% (39/101) preferred watch-and-wait for patients who achieved cCR or near cCR after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. Capability for multiple follow-up evaluations (70.3%, 71/101) was a crucial factor influencing physicians' choice of watch-and-wait after cCR. The proportion who patients who did not achieve cCR and underwent surgical treatment was lower in provincial tertiary hospitals (74.2%, 23/31) than in provincial general hospitals (94.5%, 52/55) and municipal hospitals (12/15); these differences are statistically significant (χ 2=7.43, P=0.020). The difference between local recurrence and local regrowth was understood by 88.1% (89/101) of respondents and 87.2% (88/101) agreed with monitoring every 3 months for 5 years. An increase in local excision or puncture rates to reduce organ resections in patients with pCR was proposed by 64.4% (65/101) of respondents. Conclusion:Compared with the results of a previous survey, Chinese surgeons' awareness of the watch-and-wait concept has improved significantly. Oncologists in oncology hospitals are more aware of the concept of watch-and-wait.

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