Purpose
The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the circulating lymphocyte level during preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and pathologic complete response (pCR) in locally advanced rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods
From May 2010 to May 2013, 52 patients treated with preoperative CRT followed by surgery, were analysed. Patients received conventional fractionated radiotherapy (50-54 Gy) with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Surgical resection was performed at 4 to 8 weeks after the completion of preoperative CRT. Absolute blood lymphocyte counts and their relative percentage in total white blood cell counts were obtained from complete blood count tests performed prior to and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of CRT. We analysed the association between achieving pCR and change in blood lymphocyte level during CRT, as well as clinical parameters.
Results
Among 52 patients, 14 (26.9%) had evidence of pCR. Sustaining the blood lymphocyte count during CRT (lymphocyte count at 4 weeks/baseline lymphocyte count > 0.35; odds ratio, 8.33; p=0.02) and initial carcinoembryonic antigen < 4.4 ng/mL (odds ratio, 6.71; p=0.03) were significantly associated with pCR in multivariate analyses.
Conclusion
Sustaining blood lymphocyte count during preoperative CRT was predictive for pCR in rectal cancer. Further studies are warranted to investigate the association between pathologic responses and circulating lymphocyte count with its subpopulation during preoperative CRT.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
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PURPOSE We tried to elucidate antitumor effect of interleukin-2 containing miscrospheres (IL-2 MS) against intrahepatic challenge of parental cancer cells, which is clinically relevant tumor model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a model of liver metastasis by intrahepatic challenge of CT-26 murine colon carcinoma cells to syngeneic BALB/c mice, IL-2 MS were given with parental tumor cells, or intratumorally in animals with established tumors. Tumor volume and survivals were determined. RESULTS Animals receiving IL-2 MS showed significant tumor suppression effect and systemic protection against the hepatic challenge of parental tumor cells after concomitant challenge with parental CT-26. In animals with established hepatic tumors, significant prolongation in survival was noted. CONCLUSION IL-2 MS was effective for the protection of host agaisnt the metastatic hepatic tumor when administered with tumor cells. Its efficacy against the established tumor was also significant as in protection. Locally administered IL-2 MS can obviate the high- efficiency gene transfer technique and ex vivo culture of autologous tumor cells in gene transduced autologous tumor vaccine. It can also provide support for the specific immuno- therapy for the metastatic liver cancer.
PURPOSE Antitumor effect of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)- producing murine colon cancer cells was elucidated against intrahepatic challenge of parental cancer cells, which is clinically relevant tumor model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a model of liver metastasis by intrahepatic challenge of CT-26 murine colon carcinoma cells to syngeneic BALB/c mice, GM-CSF producing cells were given as a intradermal vaccine either 14 days prior to hepatic challenge, or in animals with established tumors. Tumor volume and survival were determined. RESULTS Animals receiving vaccination showed significant systemic protection against the hepatic challenge of parental tumor cells, and in animals with established hepatic tumors significant response was observed with some prolongation in survival. CONCLUSION It is concluded that GM-CSF-producing autologous tumor vaccine was effective for the protection of host agaisnt the metastatic hepatic tumor model. Even though its efficacy against the established tumor was not as significant as in protection, GM-CSF producing autologous tumor vaccine can provide support for the specific immunotherapy for the metastatic liver cancer.