- Demonstrating the Power of Multidisciplinary Care and Cutting-Edge Technology -
Coimbatore, 09th Nov 2023: American Oncology Institute (AOI) Coimbatore has achieved a significant milestone by successfully treating a 70-year-old female patient who presented with alarming symptoms of bleeding per rectum, painful defecation, and low back ache for the past five months. Following a comprehensive evaluation and multidisciplinary tumor board discussion, she was diagnosed with carcinoma rectum, highlighting the relentless battle against this formidable adversary.
The patient's case was particularly challenging as a hard proliferative growth was palpable in her rectum during per rectal examination, extending down to the anal verge along the anterior wall. This necessitated a deviation from conventional surgical approaches, emphasizing the pivotal role of cutting-edge technology and expertise available at AOI Coimbatore.
Dr Anbu C, Radiation Oncologist, AOI Coimbatore, reflected on the critical nature of rectal cancer in India, stating, "Carcinoma Rectum remains a major public health problem in India. Every year, approximately 28,000 people are diagnosed with rectal cancer, and nearly 16,000 individuals lose their lives to this disease annually. Multiple factors contribute to its development, including inflammatory bowel disease, family history of colorectal cancer, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and dietary factors. Screening tests such as proctoscopy, colonoscopy, fecal occult blood tests, stool DNA tests, and barium enemas play a crucial role in identifying individuals at high risk for rectal cancer.
With adenocarcinoma being the most common histological type, the introduction of chemotherapy and radiation therapy has revolutionized treatment by improving survival rates dramatically. Neoadjuvant radiation therapy with concomitant chemotherapy followed by Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) surgery is now considered the standard of care, resulting in increased overall survival, disease-free survival, pathological complete response, tumor downstaging, and sphincter preservation."
The patient's treatment journey at AOI Coimbatore involved the use of an advanced Varian TrueBeam STx linear accelerator. She was immobilized using a thermoplastic mask, In supine position and precise treatment planning was conducted with the help of CT simulation. Despite experiencing some manageable side effects such as loose stools during treatment, the patient successfully completed her radiation therapy course. Her first follow-up examination, two weeks after radiation therapy, revealed a significant reduction in the tumor mass, promising hope and healing.
Krishna Das, Zonal Director, AOI Coimbatore, emphasized the commitment to pioneering technology and patient-centered care, stating, "At AOI Coimbatore, we are dedicated to providing advanced medical solutions and multidisciplinary care to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. The successful treatment of this patient with rectal cancer underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing cancer care and ensuring that patients receive the most effective and personalized treatments available."
