Use of electrochemotherapy in a combined surgical treatment of local recurrence of rectal cancer

Abstract Recurrence of rectal cancer (RRC) affects up to one-third of patients. The survival is strictly dependent on the possibility of performing surgery without microscopic tumor residues (R0). Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is based on the effect that electric pulsations have on increasing the permea...

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Published inJournal of surgical case reports Vol. 2021; no. 9
Main Authors Caprino, Paola, Sacchetti, Franco, Tagliaferri, Luca, Gambacorta, Maria Antonietta, Potenza, Angelo Eugenio, Pastena, Dario, Sofo, Luigi
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Oxford University Press 01.09.2021
Subjects
Surgical Technique
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Summary:Abstract Recurrence of rectal cancer (RRC) affects up to one-third of patients. The survival is strictly dependent on the possibility of performing surgery without microscopic tumor residues (R0). Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is based on the effect that electric pulsations have on increasing the permeability of the cell membrane to certain drugs. We propose the association of ECT to the surgical excision of perineal RRC in a 72-year-old male patient. Given the proximity between the recurrence and the urethra, it was decided to use ECT in order to clean any further neoplastic residues 10 mm from the surgical resection margin. Pelvic MRI at 4 and 7 months and clinical follow-up conducted for 9 months did not document disease recurrence. ECT combined with surgery can prove to be a valid choice in selected cases and could be the best treatment the patient is willing to accept.
ISSN:2042-8812
2042-8812
DOI:10.1093/jscr/rjab403