Long-term anorectal function in rectal cancer patients managed by a watch-and-wait strategy after total neoadjuvant treatment: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background This study evaluates the long-term anorectal function and rectal toxicity in rectal cancer patients who achieved a clinical complete response (cCR) to total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) and were managed with a watch-and-wait (W&W) approach. While oncological outcomes have been favorable, functional outcomes warrant further investigation. Additionally, this research identifies clinical risk factors of anorectal dysfunction post-treatment. Methods This was a single-center, cross-sectional study. Rectal cancer patients who underwent TNT followed by W&W between December 2014 and November 2020 were recruited. A minimum 2-year follow-up with no disease progression was required. The study took the form of semi-structured interviews. Multiple scales for evaluation were used, including the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC) scale, the Late Effects of Normal Tissues/Subjective Objective Management Analytic (LENT/SOMA) system, the Wexner score, the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function Instrument (MSKCC BFI). Univariate analysis and multi-factor Logistic regression were used to identify the risk factors for anorectal dysfunction. Results Out of 70 patients with a median follow-up of 43 months, less than half experienced grade I (28/70, 40.0%) or II (1/70, 1.4%) late rectal toxicity according to the RTOG/EORTC criteria, with no cases of more severe toxicity. The prevalence of fecal urgency was the most significant symptom reported (42/70, 60.0%). The median LARS score was 16 [interquartile ranges (IQR) 4–25]; 17.1% (12/70) of patients had minor LARS and 15.7% (11/70) had major LARS. The median Wexner score was 2 (IQR 0–3). The median MSKCC BFI total score was 82.5 (IQR 77–86). Smoking history was an independent risk factor for long-term anorectal dysfunction [odds ratio (OR) 6.562, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.561–27.590]. Conclusion Most rectal cancer patients under a W&W strategy after TNT sustain acceptable anorectal function, though fecal urgency remains a common issue. Smoking history emerged as a significant risk factor for anorectal dysfunction. Larger prospective studies focusing on bowel function are needed.