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Timely reports that focus on how a growing understanding of genetics is impacting colorectal cancer patient treatment are key highlights of ASCRS’ 2010 Annual Meeting, May 15 – 19, in Minneapolis, MN.

“This year’s meeting will offer registrants an update on how genetics-based research is transforming the way physicians treat patients suffering from colon and rectal cancer,” explain Program Chair Dr. Matthew Mutch and Vice Chair Dr. Steven Hunt, St. Louis, MO. “Registrants will walk away with a greater understanding of the application and integration of genetic information to create specific, individualized cancer treatments.”

Tailored Therapy for Colorectal Cancer, a Tuesday breakfast symposium directed by Drs. Martin Weiser, New York, NY and Najjia Mahmoud, Philadelphia, PA, will update surgeons on the implementation of genetic and pathological data into the development of more “personalized” patient treatments.

The introduction of newer chemotherapeutic regimens is leading to improved outcomes, especially in patients with distant metastatic disease, stages II and III colon cancer, and rectal cancer in the neoadjuvant setting. However, many patients do not derive any benefit from these drugs.

“The genetic makeup of individual tumors is allowing for identification of patients who have the greatest need for adjuvant therapy and who will respond best to specific therapies,” Dr. Mutch explains. “This program will detail how a more efficient integration of pathologic and genetic staging will allow for more efficient use of multi-modality treatment regimens that continue to improve outcomes.”

Topics covered during the program, and their presenters, include:

• Risk Stratifying Stage II Colon Cancer Patients for Adjuvant Chemotherapy, Dr. Martin Weiser, New York, NY;
• Predictive Molecular Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer Adjuvant Therapy, Dr. Robert Gryfe, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
• Molecular Determinates of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation in Rectal Cancer, Dr. Parag Parikh, St. Louis, MO;
• Predictive and Prognostic Molecular Markers in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer, Dr. Neil Segal, New York, NY;
• Identifying Patients for Sphincter Preserving Surgery, Dr. Larissa Temple, New York, NY.

Another Tuesday symposium, Surgical Management of Familial Cancer Syndromes, will describe ways to diagnose patients with hereditary colorectal cancer, discuss the optimal work-up of affected patients and their relatives, outline techniques to prevent colorectal cancer and cancer in other organs, and discuss the genetic basis of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.

“Hereditary colorectal cancers account for as many as 10% of all cases in the U.S. There have been significant changes in management strategies as we learn more about these syndromes,” Dr. Hunt says. “It is critically important that colorectal surgeons in general, and ASCRS members in particular, stay informed about the genetics of hereditary colorectal cancer and the application of genetic knowledge to patient care.”  

The symposium, led by course directors Drs. James Church, Cleveland, OH, and Paul Wise, Nashville, TN, will cover:

• Genes and Genetic Testing: A Guide for the Colorectal Surgeon – Kate Lynch, MS, CGC, Cleveland, OH;

• Polyposis Syndromes: Who Needs Colectomy, When and Which Option? – Dr. Paul Wise, Nashville, TN;

• Lynch Syndrome: Surgery or Surveillance – Dr. Matthew Kalady, Cleveland, OH;

• What to do About Those That Don’t Make it as a Syndrome, but Make Us Nervous as Surgeons: The Young, The Family Cluster – Dr. Anne Lin, St. Louis, MO.

Other programs to be held in Minneapolis include:

Health Care Policy in the 21st Century: Where in the World Are We Going?
Drs. Anthony Senagore, Grand Rapids, MI, and Larissa Temple, New York, NY, moderate this program that will evaluate the crisis in health care reimbursement, assess the current financial state of CMS, review potential solutions being considered, and educate participants on their roles as advocates. (Monday, May 17)

Best Practice Parameters
(Based on Level 1 Data and JACHO Recommendations)
This symposium, moderated by Drs. Alan Herline, Nashville, TN, and Anne Lin, St. Louis, MO, will review the perioperative management of surgical patients and the evidence supporting these practices. (Tuesday, May 18)

Pay for Performance
A review of current and future initiatives, including Core Measures and HSCAPS, NSQIP, and the UK’s use of a national database to track performance, will be covered during this symposium led by Drs. Patricia Roberts, Burlington, MA, and James Merlino, Cleveland, OH. (Monday, May 17)

Robotic Rectal Dissection Workshop
This “pre-meeting” hands-on workshop will feature a didactic session and cadaver model to perform a robotic-assisted proctectomy. Registrants will also learn patient and robotic setup, the basics of the robot equipment, and review video demonstrations of a robotic rectal dissection. Drs. Leela Prasad, Park Ridge, IL, and Sonia Ramamoorthy, San Diego, CA, are course directors.

Endoscopy: Taking it to the Next Level
Drs. David Beck, New Orleans, LA, and Barry Jenkins, Augusta, GA, will lead an overview of advanced endoscopic techniques. Topics include aggressive polypectomy, management of GI bleeding, stenting, endoluminal therapy and chromoendoscopy. (Wednesday, May 19)

Anorectal and Pelvic Floor Ultrasound
Course directors Drs. Anders Mellgren and Amy Thorsen, Minneapolis, MN, and Giulio Santoro, Treviso, Italy, will moderate a program designed to provide colorectal surgeons with training in the basic use of the ultrasound machine and probes, specific examinations and pertinent anatomy, and how to interpret images. (Saturday, May 15)

The Annual Meeting will also feature a Saturday, May 15 program designed for Allied Staff, a Saturday Research Foundation Workshop focusing on clinical trials, and a Wednesday, May 19 session devoted to outcomes.

Complete program and registration information is available through the Society’s Website, www.fascrs.org.