Aortic calcification and rectal cancer outcome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Aortic calcification and outcome following rectal cancer resection
IRAS ID
233718
Contact name
James H Park
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 28 days
Research summary
Evidence suggests that narrowing of the abdominal aorta, the main blood vessel supplying the bowel, is potentially linked to poorer outcome in patients with cancer of the rectum. The degree of narrowing, also known as aortic calcification, limits blood flow. In patients who undergo surgery for rectal cancer, the affected bowel segment is removed and the bowel ends re-joined. In situations where the blood supply to the new join (also known as an anastomosis) is poor, there is a higher chance of the anastomosis failing to heal. An anastomotic leak results, which can require further intervention and even further surgery. Complications such as leaks can result in higher rates of the cancer recurring, and often impact on short and long-term survival.
Aortic calcification can be measured on CT scans which are performed prior to surgery. This measurement, if confirmed to be predictive of complications and survival, could be used to determine the type of treatment or surgery the patient should undergo to reduce the risk of complications occurring. To assess whether there is indeed an association between the degree of aortic calcification and the risk of complications following rectal cancer surgery, we plan to review the scans and subsequent results of treatment in a group of patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery in one health board between 2008 and 2016.
In patients who have undergone chemo- or radiotherapy before surgery, we will also assess whether those with higher levels of aortic calcification have a poorer response to these treatments than those who have minimal or no calcification on CT. We will assess data from 600 patients, making this one of the largest studies in rectal cancer patients, with the potential to define the relationship between aortic calcification and outcome, and plan optimal treatment for those at high risk of complications.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
17/WS/0200
Date of REC Opinion
6 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion