Rectal cancer (RC) develops when cells in the rectum develop abnormalities and proliferate uncontrollably. The condition can also occur if polyps on the inner layer of the rectum proliferate and become malignant. It is often known as bowel, colorectal, or colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer in the United States, affecting the rectum and colon. Since they have many features in common and are given the same treatment, the two cancers are classified together. RC accounts for approximately one-third of the 145,000 colorectal cancer cases detected annually.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent disease and the second most lethal cancer among humans. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 106,180 cases of colon cancer and 44,850 cases of RC will occur in America in 2022. However, medical improvements have reduced the number of fatalities. Furthermore, as the 2021 analysis shows, the number of cases among people under 50 years of age is increasing rapidly, probably due to advances in diagnosis.
Various aspects can influence the growth or initiation of cancerous cells in the rectum or colon of humans. It can occur due to two well-defined genetic syndromes (Lynch syndrome and Familial adenomatous polyposis), which are hereditary and cannot be controlled, passed from parents to children, increasing the risk of CRC.
Several risk factors also facilitate the growth of RC. These factors may include consuming a lot of red, processed, or burnt meat; lack of physical activity, being overweight, especially with additional fat around the waistline, and smoking (research shows that people who smoke are 30 to 40% more susceptible to colon cancer); and excessive alcohol consumption. People can control these risk factors to reduce the chances or progression of tumor cells.
This disease has various symptoms, including color change in stool (maroon or bright red), irregular bowel motions (constipation, diarrhea), narrow stool, abdominal pain, abnormal weight loss, and weariness or frailty. If anyone suspects these symptoms, they should visit a doctor.
Several screening tests, as well as laboratory exams, can be used to detect RC. Such as colonoscopy, biopsy, blood tests (Complete Blood Count (CBC), Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test (CEA), Computed Tomography (CT) scan (to detect the spread of cancer to other organs), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the pelvis, and laparoscopy.
Several screening tests, as well as laboratory exams, can be used to detect RC. Such as colonoscopy, biopsy, blood tests (Complete Blood Count (CBC), Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test (CEA), Computed Tomography (CT) scan (to detect the spread of cancer to other organs), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the pelvis, and laparoscopy.
What are the possible treatments for RC?
A RC diagnosis is followed by a doctor’s treatment recommendation based on the disease’s stage. There are various traditional and modern treatments available for RC, one of which may include a multimodal strategy that includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. When cancer is discovered early, the surgeon will advise resection accompanied by chemoradiation only if needed. For less advanced tumors, the physician will propose chemoradiation initially, followed by resection. Besides, rectal surgery is categorized into LAR (Low anterior resection) and APR (Abdominoperineal resection). The doctor will likely recommend surgery that is right for the patient.
As we mentioned above, the fatality rate has decreased considerably, thanks to the latest advancements in healthcare technologies and research; still, all these radiation treatments and surgeries take a toll on a patient’s body. Fortunately, a breakthrough has filled the hopes of patients and researchers, a drug that can cure RC without any crucial therapies or surgeries.
Dostarlimab, an immunotherapy drug, is sold under the brand name Jemperli. It consists of monoclonal antibodies, which help the body’s immune system attack cancerous cells by interrupting the growth and spread of tumor cells. Immunotherapy drugs have become another pillar of cancer care in recent years.
You can read more about this drug’s study and result in the blog, “Dostarlimab treatment prospects for rectal cancer; is it realistic?” by clicking on the link below.
https://quantinova.ai/dostarlimab-treatment-prospects-for-rectal-cancer-is-it-realistic/
Reviewer:Manisha Bhandral
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