Laboratory blood data have a significant impact on tumor response and outcome in preoperative chemoradiotherapy for advanced rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION

Although neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for advanced rectal cancer (RC), markers predicting response have not been adequately defined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 73 cases with advanced RC, we evaluated the tumor response with the reduction rate of the longitudinal size of RC using barium enema image taken before and after CRT. Then, we retrospectively examined the association with various blood values taken before CRT. The tumor size reduction rate was significantly greater in ten CR cases than in 63 non-CR cases (p < 0.001).

RESULTS

Interestingly, the size reduction ratio was positively associated with hemoglobin, albumin level and lymphocyte percentage in leukocytes, while being negatively associated with platelet counts, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels as well as neutropliles percentage. Moreover, high lymphocyte counts (>1,800/mm(3)) had an independent association with disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood data have a major impact on the tumor response to CRT. Control of host condition may improve the effectiveness of CRT in advanced RC.