Total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is a major operation associated with morbidity and mortality. For older or inoperable patients, alternatives are necessary. This prospective study evaluated the oncological and functional outcome and quality of life of older or inoperable rectal cancer patients treated with a contact X-ray brachytherapy boost to avoid major surgery. During follow-up, tumor response and toxicity on endoscopy were scored. Functional outcome and quality of life were assessed with self-administered questionnaires. Additionally, in-depth interviews regarding patients’ experiences were conducted. Nineteen patients were included with a median age of 80 years (range 72–91); nine patients achieved a clinical complete response and in another four local control of the tumor was established. The 12 month organ-preservation rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 88%, 78%, and 100%, respectively. A transient decrease in quality of life and bowel function was observed at 3 months, which was generally restored at 6 months. In-depth interviews revealed that patients’ experience was positive despite the side-effects shortly after treatment. In older or inoperable rectal cancer patients, contact X-ray brachytherapy can be considered an option to avoid total mesorectal excision. Contact X-ray brachytherapy is well-tolerated and can provide good tumor control.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and oncological outcome of a selected group of stage IV rectal cancer patients managed by the watch‐and‐wait approach following a (near‐)complete response of the primary rectal tumour after radiotherapy.Method: Patients registered in the Dutch watch‐and‐wait registry since 2004 were selected when diagnosed with synchronous stage IV rectal cancer. Data on patient characteristics, treatment details, follow‐up and survival were collected. The 2‐year local regrowth rate, organ‐preservation rate, colostomy‐free rate, metastatic progression‐free rate and 2‐ and 5‐year overall survival were analysed.Results: After a median follow‐up period of 35 months, local regrowth was observed in 17 patients (40.5%). Nine patients underwent subsequent total mesorectal excision, resulting in a permanent colostomy in four patients. The 2‐year local regrowth rate was 39.9%, the 2‐year organ‐preservation rate was 77.1%, the 2‐year colostomy‐free rate was 88.1%, and the 2‐year metastatic progression‐free rate was 46.7%. The 2‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates were 92.0% and 67.5%.Conclusion: The watch‐and‐wait approach can be considered as an alternative to total mesorectal excision in a selected group of stage IV rectal cancer patients with a (near‐)complete response following pelvic radiotherapy. Despite a relatively high regrowth rate, total mesorectal excision and a permanent colostomy can be avoided in the majority of these patients.

After neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy for rectal cancer, contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) can be applied aiming at organ preservation. This explorative study describes the early features on endoscopy and MRI after CXB. Patients treated with CXB following (chemo)radiotherapy and a follow-up of ≥12 months were selected. Endoscopy and MRI were performed every 3 months. Expert readers scored all the images according to structured reporting templates. Thirty-six patients were included, 15 of whom obtained a cCR. On endoscopy, the most frequently observed feature early in follow-up was an ulcer, regardless of whether patients developed a cCR. A flat, white scar and tumor mass were common at 6 months. Focal tumor signal on T2W-MRI and mass-like high signal on DWI were generally absent in patients with a cCR. An ulceration on T2W-MRI and “reactive” mucosal signal on DWI were observed early in follow-up regardless of the final tumor response. The distinction between a cCR and a residual tumor generally can be made at 6 months. Features associated with a residual tumor are tumor mass on endoscopy, focal tumor signal on T2W-MRI, and mass-like high signal on DWI. Early recognition of these features is necessary to identify patients who will not develop a cCR as early as possible.