Survival and treatment trends of rectal cancer patients in a population with suboptimal local control

Aim: To explore trends in rectal cancer survival in Manitoba, particularly in patients where local control was an issue. Method: Patients diagnosed with rectal or rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma from 1985 to 1999 were included. Demographic, treatment and mortality information were abstracted from the registry. Relative survival was examined for all patients for the periods 1985-1989, 1990-1994 and 1995-1999, and subsequently limited to those who underwent major surgery (Hartmann's, anterior, and abdominal perineal resection). Results: Of the 2925 patients identified, 2163 (74%) had undergone a major surgery. Five-year relative survival was 46%, 54% and 53% for all patients for the three periods, respectively; major surgery results were 53%, 59% and 60%. Radiotherapy was used in 32% of cases in 1985-1989 and in 40% of cases in 1995-1999. Chemotherapy was used in 13% of cases in 1985-1989 and in 37% of cases in 1995-1999. Conclusion: Consistent with other studies, overall rectal cancer survival in Manitoba has improved since 1985. Better local control, as suggested in other studies, does not appear to be a major factor in that improvement. Future work should include review of the local control strategy in Manitoba and factors to explain the improved survival. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.