Intestinal Autotransplantation for Locally Advanced or Locally Recurrent Colon Cancer Invading SMA.

Objective: To examine the outcomes of intestinal autotransplantation (IATx) in patients with locally advanced or recurrent colon cancer (LACC or LRCC) invading the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).

Background: SMA Involvement in LACC or LRCC is deemed unresectable and is associated with a poor prognosis. Combined extended resections of multiple organs together with SMA, followed by IATx may offer favorable clinical outcomes. However, data on its safety and efficacy are scarce.

Design: This retrospective cohort study included patients undergoing IATx between May 2018 and December 2022 in intestinal transplant programs at two university-affiliated hospitals in China. Patients with LACC or LRCC concomitantly with SMA contact of more than 180° were included. Patients with a locoregional peritoneal, pelvic, or distal metastasis were excluded.

Results: Ten patients underwent either IATx combined with pancreaticoduodenectomy (n=8) or IATx alone (n=2). Eight patients (80%) were male, and the median age was 55 years (range, 32 - 71 y). The Kaplan-Meier estimates for recurrence-free survival and overall survival at 3 years after IATx were 68% and 80%, respectively. No perioperative deaths occurred. All ten patients experienced postoperative complications including Clavien-Dindo grade I (n=1), grade II (n=4), grade IIIa (n=1), grade IIIb (n=3) and grade IVa (n=1), which comprised acute venous thromboses, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, anastomotic leak, gastropareses and significant pleural effusions. With an average follow-up of 23.9 months, eight patients (80%) were currently alive without evidence of disease.

Conclusion: Extended resection for LACC or LRCC invading SMA can be performed safely and is associated with prolonged survival.