Management of rectal cancers in relation to treatment guidelines: a population-based study comparing Italian and French patients

BackgroundFew studies have investigated rectal cancer management at the population level. We compared how rectal cancers diagnosed in Italy (2003–2005) and France (2005) were managed, and evaluated the extent to which management adhered to European guidelines.MethodsSamples of 3938 Italian and 2287 French colorectal cancer patients were randomly extracted from 8 and 12 cancer registries respectively. Rectal cancer patients (860 Italian, 559 French) were analysed. Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) of being treated with curative intent, receiving sphincter-saving surgery, and receiving preoperative radiotherapy.ResultsSimilar proportions of Italian and French patients were treated with curative intent (70% vs. 67%; OR = 0.92 [0.73–1.16]); the respective proportions receiving sphincter-saving surgery were 21% and 33% (OR = 1.15 [0.86–1.53]). In about 50% of those treated with curative intent, ≥12 lymph nodes were harvested in both countries. The proportion receiving postoperative radiotherapy was higher in Italy than in France (25% vs. 11%, p < 0.01), but French patients were more likely to receive preoperative radiotherapy (52% vs. 21%; OR = 4.06 [2.79–5.91]).ConclusionThe proportions of patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy and the numbers of lymph nodes sampled were low in both countries. Centralising treatment and potentiating screening would be practical ways of improving outcomes and adhering to guidelines.