Comprehensive look at rectal squamous cell carcinoma

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Jan 24;17(1):e255284. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-255284.

Abstract

Rectal squamous cell carcinoma (rSCC) is a rare cancer (0.5% of all rectal cancers). It typically presents at an advanced stage and has a poor prognosis. Recently, chemoradiotherapy with organ preservation has become an option for complete response (CR). Surveillance is essential to prompt recognition of recurrence due to its high risk. We present a case of an elderly woman with rSCC stage cT4N1aM0 who underwent a combination of chemotherapy (mitomycin and fluoropyrimidine) and radiotherapy with CR and organ preservation. The patient has been in follow-up for 2 years with digital rectal examination, tumour markers, pelvic MRI, thoracic and upper abdominal CT, proctoscopy and positron emission tomography, with no disease recurrence. This highlights the success of chemoradiotherapy for rSCC treatment, allowing organ preservation.

Keywords: Cancer intervention; Chemotherapy; Gastrointestinal surgery; Radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / therapy
  • Chemoradiotherapy / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy / methods
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Rectal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Rectal Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome