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Background and Purpose: To assess the dosimetric flexibility of a dual balloon brachytherapy applicator developed for the treatment of anorectal lesions. Materials and Methods: Different amounts of water were infused into the inner and outer balloon separately to study the asymmetrical distribution of the catheter, the radial distance of the active source channel to the inner surface of the global target volume , the space between the active source channels, and their dosimetric impact to target tissues and uninvolved rectum. Results: Increasing inner balloon volume directly increased both the space between the active source channels and the radial distance of the active source channel to the inner surface of the global target volume. The space between the active source channels and the percentage of global target volume received 150% or more of the prescribed dose to target had a strong inverse correlation (−0.881/P = .007, −0.976/P = .001, respectively) with the radial distance of the active source channel to the inner surface of the global target volume. Conformity index, dose to 2 cm3 of rectum, and total reference air kerma were strongly correlated with the radial distance of the active source channel to the inner surface of the global target volume, with values of 0.952 (P = .001), 0.833 (P = .015), and 0.922 (P = .002), respectively. Percentage of global target volume received 150% or more of the prescribed dose was significantly correlated with the space between the active source channels (0.81/P = .022), and conformity index was strongly inversely correlated with the space between the active source channels (−0.833/P = .015). Conclusion: The dual balloon-constructed Anorectal Applicator offers a flexible way to adjust the distances of the active source positions to the target in relation to uninvolved rectal wall. This flexibility simplifies planning which results in a highly conformal dose distribution to the target lesion while minimizing dose to normal rectal tissue.

Summary Purpose This study aimed to determine the outcome for patients who had undergone perineal hernia repair, via a perineal approach, using a biological mesh post-abdominoperineal excision (APE) for anorectal cancer. Method All consecutive patients having undergone perineal hernia repair involving an extracellular matrix of porcine small intestinal submucosa at our hospital between 2015 and 2018 were included. Follow-up clinical examinations and computed tomography scans were performed. Results Six patients were treated surgically for symptomatic perineal hernia after a median of 31 months from APE. The median follow-up after hernia repair was 11 months (interquartile range [IQR], 6–35 months). Three patients (50%) developed a recurrent perineal hernia after a median interval of 6 months. Conclusion Perineal hernia repair using a biological mesh resulted in a high recurrence rate in patients who had undergone APE for anorectal cancer.

항문과 인접한 직장암에 대해서는 주로 복회음절제술과 항암 및 방사선 치료를 시행하고 있다. 하지만 인공항문 또는 장루로 삶의 질이 현저히 낮아질 가능성이 높다. 내시경점막하박리술은 항문을 살릴 수 있지만 초기 암에만 적용될 수 있고 치상선 이하의 항문관은 직장결장과는 구분되는 해부학적 특징이 있어 어려움이 있다. 항문관부위의 내시경시술은 해부학적 구조로 인한 출혈, 통증, 시야확보의 어려움 등이 있을 수 있으므로 이를 잘 숙지하고 시술을 시행해야 한다. 저자들은 치상선을 넘어 항문관까지 침범한 직장항문종양을 내시경점막하박리술로 제거한 증례를 경험하였고 아직 국내에는 보고된 예가 없어 문헌고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.

This is an interesting case of anorectal signet ring carcinoma with first presentation of an early stage disease, showing the aggressive disease and the undetectable behavior of this type of histology which can mislead diagnosis. Brain/CNS metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) is rare occurring in 3% of cases, and leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) is extremely rare in CRC (

SUMMARY Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an MRI technique that yields unique information regarding the movement of water molecules at the cellular level. Now widely available and rapid to perform the sequence is increasingly utilized within abdominopelvic oncology, including anorectal cancer imaging. Unfortunately, the diffusion properties of anorectal tumors are complex and not fully understood, with areas of cellular tumor, necrosis and fibrosis co-existing. While DWI shows promise both for staging and in assessing treatment response in anorectal cancer, there remains a lack of consensus regarding its role and integration into standard MRI protocols. This article outlines the basic science behind DWI and reviews the current evidence base for its use in anorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes and toxicity profiles after re-irradiation in patients with pelvic recurrence of anorectal cancer. METHODS: 25 anorectal cancer patients who received re-irradiation for pelvic recurrence between 2005 and 2015 were included. For initial treatment, all patients underwent surgical resection and preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 21.5 months (range, 2.9–84.4). After a median of 43.3 months (range, 11.7–218.5), patients received re-irradiation with a median dose of 45 Gy (range, 36–60). The equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) of re-irradiation—calculated using α/β = 10 Gy—ranged from 34.5 to 84.0 Gy (median, 46.4). Surgical resection was performed for 11 patients, and 14 patients received concurrent chemotherapy with re-irradiation. The 3-year local progression-free survival was 29.7%. The 3-year overall survival was 49.7%. Concurrent chemotherapy with re-irradiation and re-irradiation doses >50 Gy EQD2(α/β=10) were significant prognostic factors for local progression free survival and overall survival according to multivariate analysis. 90% (9 of 10) of patients with symptoms had improvement after re-irradiation. Among 23 patients available for evaluation of late toxicity, 12 developed late toxicities. There were no Grade 4 late toxicities, and 6 patients had Grade 3 late toxicities (small bowel obstruction, bowel perforation and fistula). CONCLUSION: Re-irradiation for pelvic recurrence of anorectal cancer improved symptoms of patients but the rate of late toxicity was high. Further investigation for patient selection is required. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Re-irradiation could be considered as a possible option for pelvic recurrence of anorectal cancer in selected patients.

[Figure][1] A 19-year-old previously healthy woman presented with cytopenias. Her complete blood cell count demonstrated: white blood cell count, 3.6 × 109/L (normal, 4.5-13.0); hemoglobin, 112 g/L (normal, 115-153), and platelet count, 124 × 109/L (normal, 140-400). An absolute monocyte

Innovative techniques created to restore gastrointestinal perineal continuity after abdominoperineal resection in patients with anorectal cancer include pseudocontinent perineal colostomy, in which the colon is pulled to the perineum and wrapped with a sleeve of stretched colon segment to act as a new sphincter.We investigated perineal reconstruction with a modified pseudocontinent perineal colostomy technique.Prospective cohort study.Tertiary care university hospital in Egypt.Patients with T2 or T3 anorectal cancer invading the sphincter who underwent Miles abdominoperineal resection and immediate total pelvic reconstruction between 2003 and 2007.Reconstruction consisted of a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap with modified perineal colostomy pulled through the flap to add the high-pressure zone of the flap to that of the colostomy and to create a persistent new anorectal angle.Early and late complications were recorded. Functional results were evaluated at regular intervals by questionnaire, physical examination, and balloon manometry. Continence was graded according to Kirwan. Satisfaction with continence was assessed by questionnaire.A total of 14 patients (3 women) were included. Tumors were adenocarcinoma (n = 11), squamous-cell carcinoma (n = 2), and melanoma (n = 1). Complete (R0) resection was achieved in all patients without perioperative deaths, major postoperative morbidity, or conversion to permanent iliac colostomy. Early postoperative complications (perineal wound infection, flap dehiscence, and partial perineal stoma necrosis) occurred in the first 4 patients. Late complications occurred in 7 patients, with mucosal prolapse in 3, stomal stricture in 4, and tumor recurrence in 1. Fecal continence progressed consistently with time, and by the end of the first year 8 patients (57%) had complete continence (grade A), 5 (36%) were continent with minor soiling (grade C), and 1 (7%) still had major soiling (grade D). After 6 months, 9 patients (64%) were satisfied with continence; after 1 year, 13 patients (93%) were satisfied. Regular enemas were necessary during the first year to improve soiling, and 8 patients (57%) were not in need after that. At 37 months median follow-up, 8 of 9 evaluable patients (89%) were satisfied with continence (grade A) without regular enemas.This was a preliminary observational study with no control group.Total orthotopic pelvic reconstruction with autologous tissue transposition to rebuild the principle anorectal continence elements is feasible with minor complications, and is oncologically safe. This new technique offered high continence satisfaction independent of regular enemas and electrical stimulation.

O Melanoma Anorretal é um tumor maligno raro com a possibilidade de simular uma doença anorretal, tornando o diagnóstico difícil. Tem baixos índices de cura e elevados índices de mortalidade em curto prazo. Os autores descrevem um caso de melanoma de canal anal cuja interpretação por parte do paciente tratava-se de uma doença hemorroidária que exteriorizava às evacuações. Os autores fazem uma extensa revisão da literatura dando ênfase aos sintomas e a melhor opção terapêutica a ser instituída.Anorectal melanoma is a rare malignant tumor with the small chance of simulating anorectal disease, making the diagnosis hard. There is a low rate of cure and high rate of short term mortality. The authors describe a case of anal melanoma which by the patient's interpretation was hemorrhoid disease that exteriorized evacuations. The authors do an extensive evaluation of the literature, giving emphasis to the symptoms and the best therapeutic option to be used.

O Melanoma Anorretal é um tumor maligno raro com a possibilidade de simular uma doença anorretal, tornando o diagnóstico difícil. Tem baixos índices de cura e elevados índices de mortalidade em curto prazo. Os autores descrevem um caso de melanoma de canal anal cuja interpretação por parte do paciente tratava-se de uma doença hemorroidária que exteriorizava às evacuações. Os autores fazem uma extensa revisão da literatura dando ênfase aos sintomas e a melhor opção terapêutica a ser instituída. Anorectal melanoma is a rare malignant tumor with the small chance of simulating anorectal disease, making the diagnosis hard. There is a low rate of cure and high rate of short term mortality. The authors describe a case of anal melanoma which by the patient's interpretation was hemorrhoid disease that exteriorized evacuations. The authors do an extensive evaluation of the literature, giving emphasis to the symptoms and the best therapeutic option to be used.

Most patients with anal cancer receive chemoradiotherapy as first-line treatment. Persistent/recurrent tumours will subsequently require an abdomino-perineal resection (APR). A proportion of the 20,000 new cases of rectal carcinoma diagnosed in the UK each year receive neo-adjuvant chemoradiation and then an APR. Healing of the irradiated perineal bed is compromised, resulting in high morbidity. Reconstruction of the perineam with well-vasularised tissue is thought to enhance healing. This study investigates a series of 18 patients who underwent APR for anorectal cancer with flap reconstruction of their perineum. A retrospective analysis of all anorectal cancers requiring an APR and flap reconstruction was performed. Casenotes were reviewed and documentation made of risk factors putting them at increased risk of wound complications. Length of stay, morbidity and outcome variables including primary flap healing were recorded. Between November 2000 and October 2007, 18 cases were performed (M/F = 7:11), six for anal cancer and 12 for low rectal tumours. Pre-operative treatment was chemoradiotherapy in 14 (78%), radiotherapy alone in two (11%) and none in two (11%). Perineal reconstruction consisted of 14 vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, three free latissimus dorsi flap and one transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. Mean hospital stay was 21.8 days (10–54 days). Complete healing was noted in 16 cases with the remaining two continuing to improve under current follow-up. There were no flap losses. Despite most patients being treated with pre-operative radiotherapy, we have had significant success in obtaining primary healing of the perineal defect after APR.

Os tumores malignos do canal anal e do anus são muito raros, não ultrapassam 2% de todos os tumores do colo, reto e anus; segundo os principais levantamentos os melanomas não ultrapassam a incidência de 0,1 a 1,2% dos tumores malignos. Os autores descrevem 2 casos de melanoma, discutindo os principais dados da literatura, enfocando os aspectos diagnósticos, tratamento, evolução e prognostico. Os indicies de cura s são baixos e com elevados índices de mortalidade a curto prazo.Malignant tumors of the anal canal and anus are rare pathologic events, representing less than 2% of all tumors of the colon, rectum and anus; according to reports, the incidence of melanoma does not achieve 0,1 to 1,2% of malignant tumors. Authors describe two cases of melanoma, discussing the data described in literature, focusing on the diagnosis aspects, treatment, evolution and prognosis. Cure rates are low and the disease presents high rates of mortality in short term.

Objective Colorectal cancer mortality predictions for Ireland are presented for all ages and for the age group 0–64 years. Methods Log and log-linear Poisson regression modelling was fitted to colorectal cancer mortality data for each year between 1950 and 2002 to predict average European age standardized mortality rates (EASMRs) per 100 000 person years (100 000 PY−1) and average numbers of deaths. Results EASMRs for colon cancer are predicted to fall to 17.3 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 14.4, 20.2) in men and to 8.4 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 6.9, 10.2) in women by 2013–17. EASMRs for anorectal cancer are also predicted to fall to 8.0 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 6.6, 9.5) in men and to 3.0 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 2.3, 3.8) in women by this time. Truncated EASMRs for colon cancer for those aged between 0 and 64 years are predicted over the next 15 years to fall from their current levels to 4.4 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 3.0, 5.8) in men and to 2.3 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 1.5, 3.2) in women. For anorectal cancer, truncated EASMRs for those aged between 0 and 64 years are also predicted over the next 15 years to fall from their current levels to 2.9 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 2.0, 3.8) in men and to 0.9 100 000 PY−1 (95%PI 0.4, 1.3) in women. Conclusions Ireland currently has one of the highest colorectal mortality rates in the developed world but recent downward trends, the advent of new screening tests and well targeted public health promotion programmes may lead to further reductions.

Nowadays in the treatment of malignant diseases, besides therapeutically results, the patient’s quality of life is considered very important and needs special attention. It is imperative to develop a therapy method that will yield results which gives more comfort to the patient, in particular concerning malignancies in organs with important functions and having cosmetic aspects. One modality, which can be used in special cases, that gives good results and good quality of life for the patient is brachytherapy. Brachytherapy is a method of radiotherapy by placing or inserting a radiation source in the target area in order to give a radiation dose enough to kill cancer cells but with a low dosage for the surrounding important organs. The use of brachytherapy has flourished by the findings of several radiation sources such as iridium, which can be implanted in several malignant locations. In anorectal malignancy, implantation and intracavity brachytherapy with or without external radiation give good results in saving the anal sphincter and its function.

Complete pathological resection of locally advanced or recurrent rectal and anal cancer is regarded as one of the most important determinants of oncological outcome. Disease in the lateral pelvic sidewall has been considered a contraindication for pelvic exenteration surgery owing to the significant likelihood of incomplete resection. We describe a novel technique (ELSiE) to resect disease involving the lateral pelvic sidewall. Patient demographics, post-operative histology, length of hospital stay and complications were collected from prospectively maintained electronic patient database. During 2011–2013, six patients underwent pelvic exenteration surgery with the ELSiE approach. All patients had R0 resection. Three patients required sciatic nerve excision. Four patients developed post-operative complications although no major complications occurred. Patients with locally advanced and recurrent cancer involving the lateral pelvic sidewall may be rendered suitable for potentially curative radical resection with a modification in the approach to the lateral pelvic sidewall. Our pilot series seems to indicate that our novel technique (ELSiE) is feasible, safe and yields high rates of complete pathological resection.

Anorectal melanomas should be characterized by location (anal, rectal and anorectal), color, size, shape and mobility and microscopically, by melanocyte subtypes, grade of melanin pigmentation, junctional changes in the squamous epithelium, atypical mitotic index, cellular atypia, inflammatory infiltrate, vascular and perineural invasion, sentinel lymph node, and anorectal parietal penetration. Anorectal melanomas must be staged by American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and/or TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours (TNM) criteria. As melanocytes can present with several shapes, sometimes the differential diagnosis with other tumors in this region may be difficult. Because of this, immunohistochemistry is mandatory to attain a precise diagnosis. This study is a report of 14 patients with anorectal melanoma, in whom histological examinations were remade and immunohistochemistry was performed with several markers for melanocytes and for other tumor cells of the anorectal region, properly establishing the diagnosis. The most rational surgery is the extended local resection, when the disease is restricted to the area or the abdominoperineal resection to advanced lesions. Regardless of the technique used, the results are always poor. The authors deny any efficacy of current radio and/or chemotherapy as part of treatment of anorectal melanoma. Target-therapy for metastatic disease has been considered a good strategy, but the results are still inconclusive. Resumo: Os melanomas anorretais (ARM) devem ser caracterizados pela localização (anal, retal e anorretal), coloração, dimensão, forma e mobilidade. Microscopicamente, por tipos de melanócitos, graduação da pigmentação melânica, alterações juncionais sob o epitélio escamoso, índice mitótico atípico, atipias celulares e citoplasmáticas, infiltrado inflamatório, invasões vascular e perineural, linfonodo sentinela e penetração parietal. Devem ser estadiados pelos critérios American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) e/ou TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours (TNM). Como as células do ARM são variáveis, isto torna difícil o diagnóstico diferencial com outros tumores da região anorretal. Assim, faz-se necessária a realização de IHC. Apresentamos uma série de 14 pacientes, nos quais foram refeitos exames histológicos e realizados IHCs com vários marcadores, firmando corretamente o diagnóstico. Os trabalhos mostram que a cirurgia mais racional é a excisão local alargada (ELA) em casos de doença localizada e ressecção abdominoperineal do reto (APR) para lesões avançadas. Independente da técnica, a sobrevida de cinco anos é inferior a 35%; a sobrevida média não ultrapassa 26 meses; o tempo livre de doença é inferior a 10 meses; e a sobrevida global não ultrapassa é de 32 meses. Não há correlação entre melhora dos resultados com qualquer tratamento adjuvante. As terapias-alvo para doença metastática começam a apresentar resultados animadores, ainda inconclusivos. Keywords: Anorectal melanoma, Anorectal cancer, Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Surgical treatment, Palavras-chave: Melanoma anorretal, Câncer anorretal, Histopatologia, Imunohistoquímica, Tratamento cirúrgico

We analysed the outcomes of a series of 100 consecutive patients with anorectal cancer with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and abdominoperineal exstirpation or total pelvic exenteration, who received a transpelvic vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap for pelvic, vaginal and/or perineal reconstruction and compare a cohort to patients without VRAM flaps. Within a 10-year period (2003–2013) in our institution 924 patients with rectal cancer stage y0 to y IV were surgically treated. Data of those 100 consecutive patients who received a transpelvic VRAM flap were collected and compared to patients without flaps. In 100 consecutive patients with transpelvic VRAM flaps, major donor site complications occurred in 6 %, VRAM-specific perineal wound complications were observed in 11 % of the patients and overall 30-day mortality was 2 %. The VRAM flap is a reliable and safe method for pelvic reconstruction in patients with advanced disease requiring pelvic exenteration and irradiation, with a relatively low rate of donor and recipient site complications. In this first study, to compare a large number of patients with VRAM flap reconstruction to patients without pelvic VRAM flap reconstruction, a clear advantage of simultaneous pelvic reconstruction is demonstrated.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present a technique of abdominosacral resection and its results in patients with locally advanced primary or locally recurrent rectal cancer with dorsolateral fixation. METHODS: Between 1994 and 1999, 13 patients with locally advanced primary rectal cancer and 37 patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer underwent abdominosacral resection as part of a multimodality treatment, i.e., preoperative irradiation, surgery, and Intraoperative irradiation. After the abdominal phase, the patient was turned from supine to prone position to perform the transsacral phase of the resection. RESULTS: Margins were microscopically negative in 26 patients (52 percent), microscopically positive in 18 (36 percent), and positive with gross residual disease in 6 patients. Operation time ranged from 210 to 590 (median, 390) minutes, and blood loss ranged from 400 to 10,000 (median, 3,500) ml. No operative or hospital deaths occurred. Postoperative complications occurred in 41 patients (82 percent); most notable were perineal wound infections or dehiscence (n = 24, 48 percent). Other complications were postoperative urinary retention or incontinence (n = 9, 18 percent), peritonitis (n = 4), grade II neuropathy (n = 1), and fistula formation (n = 3). Kaplan-Meier 3-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and local control rates were, respectively, 41 percent, 31 percent, and 61 percent. Completeness of the resection (negative vs. positive margins) was a significant factor influencing survival (P = 0.04), disease-free survival (P = 0.0006), and local control (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: The abdominosacral resection provides wide access and may be the therapeutic solution for the accomplishment of a radical resection for distally situated, dorsally or dorsolaterally fixed primary or locally recurrent rectal cancers.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy has been established as a feasible and effective method for defining the inguinal node status in patients with anal adenocarcinoma exceeding the dentate line. We present the axial lymphoscintigraphic image that depicts thoroughly the injection site around the anus, the lymphatic path, and the inguinal sentinel lymph nodes, bilaterally. The distinct springbok pattern was named after the unique horn shape of the African gazelle. This image puts on the map the anoinguinal lymphatic path and highlights the need for complete inguinal lymph node and related lymphatic path dissection in metastatic anal cancer.

PURPOSE: To review the complications, survival, and longterm functional outcome of patients with anorectal cancer who had restorative perineal graciloplasty (RPG) simultaneously with abdominoperineal resection (APR). METHODS: Between 1985 and 1994, 81 patients underwent APR plus RPG. Gracilis muscles were then conditioned by electrostimulation, either intermittently or chronically. Thirtyseven surviving patients were followed for a mean of 78.6 months and were analyzed for long-term functional outcome of RPG. RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred in 30 patients (37 percent). Crude five-year survival rate was 58 percent, and five-year estimated cumulative probability of survival was 65 percent. There was no statistically significant difference for probability of survival and for probability of disease-free interval between uncomplicated and complicated patients. Fecal continence was obtained in 90 percent of patients. CONCLUSION: RPG does not reduce the effectiveness of APR in the cure of cancer. Postoperative complications, though frequent, were not serious and resolved without sequelae. There was no statistically significant impact on the probability of survival and of disease-free interval by graciloplasty. Continence was achieved by most patients (90 percent) who underwent RPG simultaneously with APR.

Introduction: There has been no large, randomized prospective trial and few retrospective studies to clarify the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (Lap-APR) for anorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the surgical outcomes of Lap-APR for anorectal cancer. Methods: A consecutive series of 39 patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection for anorectal cancer was studied: 24 underwent Lap-APR, and 15 open abdominoperineal resection (Open-APR). Patient characteristics, tumor characteristics and operative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in patient and tumor characteristics.The mean number of harvested nodes in the Lap-APR group was significantly more than that in the Open-APR group (11.8 ± 8.7 vs.7.6 ± 3.6, p=0.046). Although the mean operation time was similar in the two groups (372.1 ± 79.0 vs.402.7 ± 118.4 min, N.S), the mean blood loss in the Lap-APR group was significantly less than that in the Open-APR group (244.6 ± 175.0 vs.795.3 ± 544.9 g, p=0.002). Additionally, time to start oral intake of solid foods and time to first education of stoma management were significantly less after Lap-APR than Open-APR. Conclusion: Lap-APR offered particular advantages to patients with anorectal cancer,including less blood loss, rapid oral intake of solid foods and education of stoma care.

Since the beginning of the century, different surgical procedures have been employed to create new anal sphincters for a continent perineal colostomy after abdominal perineal anorectal resection for cancer. After a detailed review of all the currently employed surgical procedures, the authors present their experience with 15 cases treated by transposition of the gracilis muscles to the perineum. More than 50% of the operated patients had good functional results with complete continence for solid stools and sufficient control of the stimulus. Poor results are related to surgical complications or unexpected postsurgical diseases and cancer recurrence or metastases. This surgical procedure seems to be an interesting possibility for selected patients in the case of a permanent abdominal incontinent colostomy after the Miles operation. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Background and purpose To validate atlas-based autosegmentation for contouring breast/anorectal targets. Methods and materials ABAS uses atlases with defined CTVs as template cases to automatically delineate target volumes in other patient CT-datasets. Results are compared with manually contoured CTVs of breast/anorectal cancer according to RTOG-guidelines. The impact of using specific atlases matched to individual patient geometry was evaluated. Results were quantified by analyzing Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), logit(DSC) and Percent Overlap (PO). DSC >0.700 and logit(DSC) >0.847 are acceptable. In addition a new algorithm (STAPLE) was evaluated. Results ABAS produced good results for the CTV of breast/anorectal cancer targets. Delineation of inguinal lymphatic drainage, however, was insufficient. Results for breast CTV were (DSC: 0.86–0.91 ([0, 1]), logit(DSC): 1.82–2.36 ([−∞, ∞]), PO: 75.5–82.89%) and for anorectal CTVA (DSC: 0.79–0.85, logit(DSC): 1.40–1.77, PO: 68–73.67%). Conclusions ABAS produced satisfactory results for these clinical target volumes that are defined by more complex tissue interface geometry, thus streamlining and facilitating the radiotherapy workflow which is essential to face increasing demand and limited resources. STAPLE improved contouring outcome. Small target volumes not clearly defined are still to be delineated manually. Based on these results, ABAS has been clinically introduced for precontouring of CTVs/OARs.

直腸癌を合併した肛門周囲(以下,肛囲)Paget病は稀な疾患で本邦報告例も15例程度である.肛門直腸癌を合併し多発性肝転移を有した肛囲Paget病の1例を経験したので文献的考察を加えて報告する.症例は66歳の女性で,肛門部痛および排便時出血を主訴に来院した.約1年前より肛門部痛および掻痒感があったが,近医で湿疹として治療されていた.肛門縁より4～5cm口側にポリープ様病変が数個あり,また肛囲には境界鮮明,淡赤色の湿疹局面がみられた.血中CEA,CA 19-9,CA 125のいずれも高値を示し,腹部超音波およびCT検査で肝に多数の充実性腫瘤陰影を認めた.肛門ポリープ,肛囲皮膚病変および肝腫瘤の生検で共通して胞体の明るい異型細胞がみられ,alcian blue染色に陽性で,CEA染色で褐色を呈した.本症例ではすでに根治的切除は不可能で,5-Fuを用いた化学療法が姑息的に施行された.

側方リンパ節郭清を行った直腸癌症例171例を対象に, 側方リンパ節の転移状況と郭清の適応について検討した.側方リンパ節転移は26例 (15.2%) にみられた.高分化・中分化腺癌の23例において, 壁深達度がpmの3例では歯状線 (DL) から直腸下縁までの距離は6cmが最長であり, ss (a1) 以上の20例ではDLから9cmが最長であったが, 低分化腺癌の3例では12cmが最長であった.以上より, 側方リンパ節郭清は低分化腺癌を除き, 壁深達度がpm以上の症例で, 腫瘍下縁がDLから9cm以下の症例を原則として適応とすべきである.また, 腫瘍の局在が左右いずれかで半周以下の症例では, 対側の側方リンパ節の転移はみられず, 自律神経片側温存手術の適応の可能性が示唆された.一方, 側方リンパ節への跳躍転移が5例にみられ, そのうち3群リンパ節への跳躍転移が4例に認められた.

Although radiation therapy has an established role to play in the management of rectal and anal tumors, there are often treatment-related morbidities that negatively impact on patients. There is a long-standing interest in radiation oncology on maximizing treatment efficacy while minimizing treatment-related toxicities, which can be pronounced in the treatment of pelvic malignancies. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy is a recently introduced technology that has the potential to increase the efficacy:toxicity ratio. It has been implemented in the treatment of prostate and head and neck tumors with success. This article reviews the rationale for its use in treating anorectal tumors and discusses early clinical data supporting its continued investigation.

Os tumores malignos do canal anal e do anus são muito raros, não ultrapassam 2% de todos os tumores do colo, reto e anus; segundo os principais levantamentos os melanomas não ultrapassam a incidência de 0,1 a 1,2% dos tumores malignos. Os autores descrevem 2 casos de melanoma, discutindo os principais dados da literatura, enfocando os aspectos diagnósticos, tratamento, evolução e prognostico. Os indicies de cura s são baixos e com elevados índices de mortalidade a curto prazo. Malignant tumors of the anal canal and anus are rare pathologic events, representing less than 2% of all tumors of the colon, rectum and anus; according to reports, the incidence of melanoma does not achieve 0,1 to 1,2% of malignant tumors. Authors describe two cases of melanoma, discussing the data described in literature, focusing on the diagnosis aspects, treatment, evolution and prognosis. Cure rates are low and the disease presents high rates of mortality in short term.

Objective Topical formalin has been used as an effective treatment for haemorrhagic radiation proctitis. In the course of reviewing our experience with this modality, we identified two patients who developed anorectal cancer during the follow-up period. Method From 2001 to 2005, 49 patients who received pelvic radiation for treatment of prostate, rectal or endometrial cancer subsequently developed haemorrhagic radiation proctitis. Four percent formalin was applied in the office setting under direct visualization with a rigid proctoscope and without sedation. Response to treatment was then reviewed. Results Seventy-eight per cent of patients reported a complete response to formalin application. Only 14% were refractory to formalin treatment. Two patients subsequently presented with anorectal cancer. Conclusion Topical formalin application in the outpatient setting appears to be an effective first-line treatment for haemorrhagic radiation proctitis. We report the first cases of anorectal cancer which developed subsequent to formalin application. Pelvic irradiation is known to increase the risk of developing a second malignancy, therefore it is impossible to determine what, if any, role formalin application played in the development of the second malignancies.

The purpose of this study is to implement a rapid learning method to train the knowledge models to predict the organ-at-risk (OAR) dose sparing in radiation therapy (RT) based on an array of patient anatomical features. We also aim to establish the evaluation criteria and validation method to ensure an accurate and efficient learning process. A rapid learning approach is utilized to train the knowledge models in this study. 100 clinical cancer cases in the pelvic region were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 40 cases are low-tointermediate risk prostate cases (Type I), 20 are high-risk prostate cases with lymph node irradiation (Type II), 40 are anorectal cancer cases (Type III). Starting from a base model for type I cases, increasing number of cases with more complex planning-target-volume (PTV)-OAR anatomies (type II and type III) were continuously added into the training case pool. The studentized residual and the leverage values are calculated as evaluation criteria at each step. The efficiency and accuracy of the learning method was quantified by the learning curve. The gEUD in the bladder and rectum are compared between the model predictions and actual values for the validation cases. The Median of the Absolute value of their Differences (MAD) are calculated for the validation cases. The MAD of the predicted OAR gEUD in all three types of cases gradually decreases when increasing number of training cases are added in training. The knowledge models learned by this method reach comparable level of prediction accuracies as in batch training mode even less training cases. The rapid learning approach is able to learn knowledge models for multiple cancer types in the pelvic region with comparable accuracy to the batch training method and with improved efficiency. This approach will facilitate the implementation of the knowledge based radiation therapy planning in clinics.