Abstract

Objectives

Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is used as the gold standard in rectal cancers. It is known that zinc has an effect on the cell cycle, intracellular pathways and cell proliferation. Our study was planned to investigate the relationship between zinc level and response in rectal cancer patients receiving TNT.

Materials and Methods

Information of 29 patients with rectal cancer who received TNT treatment at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology was collected retrospectively and its relationship with treatment response was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using classical methods and Bayesian analysis.

Results

A total of 29 patients, 18 males and 11 females, were included in the study. The median age was 66 years, and histologically, 26 of the patients were found to have adenocarcinoma histology. As neoadjuvant treatment, 22 patients received short-arm radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and 7 patients received long-arm radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The median zinc level in patients with a complete response to treatment was 89 μg/dL, and in those with a partial response, the median zinc level was 77 μg/dL (p=0.07). In Bayesian analysis, the result was evaluated moderately.

Conclusion

Although a statistically significant difference was observed indicating that TNT response in rectal cancer may increase with high zinc levels, the findings are moderate according to Bayesian analysis.