Adjuvant chemotherapy after preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy and surgery for patients with rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data.

Background: The role of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with rectal cancer after preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy and surgery is uncertain. We did a meta-analysis of individual patient data to compare adjuvant chemotherapy with observation for patients with rectal cancer.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CENTRAL, and conference abstracts to identify European randomised, controlled, phase 3 trials comparing observation with adjuvant chemotherapy after preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy and surgery for patients with non-metastatic rectal cancer.

EURECCA colorectal: multidisciplinary management: European consensus conference colon & rectum.

Background: Care for patients with colon and rectal cancer has improved in the last 20years; however considerable variation still exists in cancer management and outcome between European countries. Large variation is also apparent between national guidelines and patterns of cancer care in Europe. Therefore, EURECCA, which is the acronym of European Registration of Cancer Care, is aiming at defining core treatment strategies and developing a European audit structure in order to improve the quality of care for all patients with colon and rectal cancer.

Impact of the interval between short-course radiotherapy and surgery on outcomes of rectal cancer patients.

Aims: Pre-operative radiotherapy has proven to reduce local recurrences after curative surgery for rectal cancer. Radiotherapy is generally well tolerated, although postoperative morbidity and mortality was increased in some patients. Current study was undertaken to analyse whether the interval between preoperative radiotherapy and surgery influences post-operative mortality and recurrence for two cohorts.

EURECCA colorectal: multidisciplinary mission statement on better care for patients with colon and rectal cancer in Europe.

Background: Care for patients with colon and rectal cancer has improved in the last twenty years however still considerable variation exists in cancer management and outcome between European countries. Therefore, EURECCA, which is the acronym of European Registration of cancer care, is aiming at defining core treatment strategies and developing a European audit structure in order to improve the quality of care for all patients with colon and rectal cancer. In December 2012 the first multidisciplinary consensus conference about colon and rectum was held looking for multidisciplinary consensus.

Aspirin use after diagnosis improves survival in older adults with colon cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: To assess survival in relation to aspirin use after diagnosis in older adults with colon cancer.

Design: Subgroup analysis of a previously published cohort and retrospective study.

Setting: Individuals registered in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry (ECR) between 1998 and 2007, linked to prescriptions of low-dose aspirin (80 mg) registered in a community pharmacy database.

Time trends in chemotherapy (administration and costs) and relative survival in stage III colon cancer patients - a large population-based study from 1990 to 2008.

Background: Use of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer has increased since several trials have shown the beneficial effect on survival. In this population-based study we show time trends in the administration and costs of chemotherapy and relative survival of patients with stage III colon cancer.

Methods: All patients surgically treated for adenocarcinoma of the colon stage III between 1990 and 2008 in The Netherlands were included.