Surgery can be avoided in rectal cancer

» Published:

Surgery can be avoided in rectal cancer
Photo: Johnér bildbyrå/TT

Share this article

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer can avoid surgery and stoma while reducing the risk of recurrence, shows a clinical study from Akademiska Hospital and Uppsala University.

Traditionally, patients with this type of cancer have been treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Thereafter, part of the intestine is removed, which can lead to the need for a stoma. Then, additional chemotherapy is given.

"The results show that it is possible to double the chance of avoiding the removal of part of the intestine if all radiation and chemotherapy are given first and the patient is only operated on if necessary," says Bengt Glimelius, chief physician and professor who led the study, in a press release.

In an earlier study, no tumor was found in 14 percent of the patients who underwent surgery. With the new method, the figure doubled to 28 percent.

In Sweden, approximately 2,000 people are diagnosed with rectal cancer annually, of whom one-third have a high risk of recurrence.

In total, data from 461 patients have been collected for the study. The results have been published in the journal eClinMedicine.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Train Traffic Resumes on Botniabanan After Weather Disruptions

Train Traffic Resumes on Botniabanan After Weather Disruptions

Man Detained for Murder in Skåne Skurup Municipality

Man Detained for Murder in Skåne Skurup Municipality

Rapper Sentenced to Prison for Ordering Murder of Rival

Rapper Sentenced to Prison for Ordering Murder of Rival

Teen Detained in Connection to Örebro Mosque Murder

Teen Detained in Connection to Örebro Mosque Murder

Social Democrats Urge Enhanced Protection for Elected Officials

Social Democrats Urge Enhanced Protection for Elected Officials

Two Men Detained in Kalix Murder Investigation

Two Men Detained in Kalix Murder Investigation

Russian Drones Deliberately Breach Polish Airspace, Says Swedish PM

Russian Drones Deliberately Breach Polish Airspace, Says Swedish PM

Sweden Boosts Defense with Borrowed Funds for Faster Buildup

Sweden Boosts Defense with Borrowed Funds for Faster Buildup

Stockholm Demands Repayment from Avarn Security for Double Billing

Stockholm Demands Repayment from Avarn Security for Double Billing

Man Sentenced to Six Years for Eleven Rapes in Jämtland County

Man Sentenced to Six Years for Eleven Rapes in Jämtland County

Gang Leader and Accomplice Captured After Borås Detention Center Escape

Gang Leader and Accomplice Captured After Borås Detention Center Escape

Västernorrland Uses Satellite Support to Assess Flood Impact

Västernorrland Uses Satellite Support to Assess Flood Impact

Mother of Six Finds Solace in City Mission's Support

Mother of Six Finds Solace in City Mission's Support

Police Launch National Security Measures for 2026 Election

Police Launch National Security Measures for 2026 Election

Live Explosive Object Secured by Bomb Squad in Malmö

Live Explosive Object Secured by Bomb Squad in Malmö

Kristersson Denounces Orbán's Claims as "Hair-Raising Lies"

Kristersson Denounces Orbán's Claims as "Hair-Raising Lies"

Government Boosts Environmental Compensation for Freight Trains

Government Boosts Environmental Compensation for Freight Trains

More Voters Expected in Next Year's Swedish Election

More Voters Expected in Next Year's Swedish Election

Pandemic Face Masks Pose Environmental Risk with Microplastics and Chemicals

Pandemic Face Masks Pose Environmental Risk with Microplastics and Chemicals

Teen Girl Stabbed in Borås; Suspect of Same Age Arrested

Teen Girl Stabbed in Borås; Suspect of Same Age Arrested