Annals of Coloproctology

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Translation/basic research

Extracellular vesicles in colorectal cancer: Young Il Kim, Chungyeop Lee, Hakho Lee, In Ja Park; Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(5):379-392. Published online October 16, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2025.00745.0106

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Abstract PDF: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health issue, with challenges including early detection and recurrence monitoring. While colonoscopy and fecal-based tests are standard screening tools, their limitations have driven interest in less invasive alternatives. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in patient liquid biopsy samples have emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic tools in CRC. EVs carry molecular cargo, including nucleic acids and proteins, that reflect the status of their cells of origin and can be readily accessed through minimally invasive liquid biopsy. This review outlines the role of EVs in the initiation and progression of CRC, summarizes recent advances in EV isolation techniques, and highlights candidate EV-derived biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring. By providing an updated synthesis of current research, this review aims to inform future studies and support clinical translation of EV-based approaches in CRC.

Original Articles

Minimally invasive surgery

Comparative perioperative outcomes of articulated versus conventional straight devices in laparoscopic low anterior resection: a propensity score–matched analysis: Hayoung Lee, Yong Sik Yoon, Young Il Kim, Min Hyun Kim, Jong Lyul Lee, Chan Wook Kim, In Ja Park, Seok-Byung Lim; Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(5):434-442. Published online October 16, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2025.00227.0032

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
Laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer is technically challenging due to the precision required for mesorectal excision. Articulated instruments were developed to improve precision and oncological safety over conventional instruments. This study compares their perioperative outcomes.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study of 432 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection between August 2022 and February 2024 applied propensity score matching to minimize selection bias. Primary endpoints were circumferential resection margin (CRM), distal resection margin (DRM), and harvested lymph nodes count. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications.
Results
Following propensity score matching, 84 matched pairs were analyzed. Most patients achieved CRM negativity (>1 mm), with CRM ≥10 mm in 67.9% of the articulated group and 59.5% of the conventional group (P=0.613). Median (interquartile range, IQR) lymph nodes harvests were comparable (20 [14–26] vs. 18 [14–22], P=0.147). The articulated group had a significantly longer DRM (30.0 mm [IQR, 18.0–40.0 mm] vs. 24.0 mm [IQR, 12.0–34.2 mm], P=0.008) and the median operation time (111.0 minutes [IQR, 95.8–125.2 minutes] vs. 99.5 minutes [IQR, 72.0–119.8 minutes], P=0.009). Estimated blood loss, open conversion rates, and postoperative complications, including leakage (7.1% vs. 8.3%, P>0.999) and surgical site infections, (15.5% vs. 9.5%, P=0.383), showed no significant differences.
Conclusion
Articulated laparoscopic instruments demonstrated comparable safety and feasibility to conventional instruments but offered no significant clinical or oncological benefits beyond a longer DRM. Larger studies are needed to evaluate their value in laparoscopic rectal surgery.

Colorectal cancer

Effects of clinical information on the treatment decisions for good responders to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy among rectal cancer patients: Eon Bin Kim, In Ja Park, Hwa Jung Kim, Jong Keon Jang, Seong Ho Park, Young Il Kim, Min Hyun Kim, Jong Lyul Lee, Chan Wook Kim, Yong Sik Yoon, Seok-Byung Lim, Chang Sik Yu; Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(5):473-482. Published online July 10, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00276.0039

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1 Web of Science
1 Citations

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Purpose
The decision for treatment after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in rectal cancer is intricately linked to tumor response and clinical parameters. This study was designed to elucidate determinants influencing treatment decisions for good responders to nCRT, while concurrently evaluating the ramifications of modifications in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tumor response evaluation protocols.
Methods
A survey was constructed with 5 cases of good responder after nCRT based on the magnetic resonance–based tumor regression grade (mrTRG) criteria. A total of 35 colorectal surgeons in Korea participated in the survey via email, and they were introduced to 2 discrete MRI-based tumor response evaluation methodologies: the conventional mrTRG and an emergent complete response (CR)/non-CR classification system. Surgeons were directed to select between total mesorectal excision, local excision, or a watch and wait strategy.
Results
Treatment decisions varied significantly (P<0.01), as gradually more clinical information was provided with mrTRG. The paradigm shift from mrTRG to CR/non-CR evaluation criterion instigated the highest alteration in decision (P<0.01). Even comparing with other sets of information, decision change with different tumor response assessment (i.e., mrTRG vs. CR/non-CR) was statistically significant (P<0.01). Three particular cases consistently displayed a declining predilection for total mesorectal excision, favoring a more pronounced inclination towards watch and wait strategy or local excision. Nonetheless, the magnitude of these decisional shifts oscillated depending on the specific endoscopic imagery present.
Conclusion
Our current findings underscore the significant role of tumor response assessment methods in shaping treatment decisions for rectal cancer patients who respond well to nCRT. This highlights the need for clear and accurate tools to interpret MRI results.

Citations

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Clinical implications of radiologic criteria and prognostic factors for lateral lymph node metastasis in low rectal cancer
Gyung Mo Son
Annals of Coloproctology.2025; 41(6): 489. CrossRef

Colorectal cancer

Oncologic outcomes and associated factors of colon cancer patients aged 70 years and older: Byeo Lee Lim, In Ja Park, Jun-Soo Ro, Young Il Kim, Seok-Byung Lim, Chang Sik Yu; Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(3):198-206. Published online August 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00367.0052

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4 Web of Science
6 Citations

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Purpose
The aim of this study was to examine the prognosis and associated risk factors, including adjuvant chemotherapy (CTx), in elderly patients with colon cancer.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients who underwent radical resection for colon cancer between January 2010 and December 2014 at Asan Medical Center. The effects of stage, risk factors, and chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared in patients aged ≥70 and <70 years.
Results
Of 3,313 patients, 933 (28.1%) was aged ≥70 years. Of the 1,921 patients indicated for adjuvant CTx, 1,294 of 1,395 patients (92.8%) aged <70 years and 369 of 526 patients (70.2%) aged ≥70 years received adjuvant CTx. Old age (≥70 years) was independently associated with RFS in overall cohort. Among patients aged ≥70 years indicated for adjuvant CTx, the 5-year OS (81.6% vs. 50.4%, P<0.001) and RFS (82.9% vs. 67.4%, P=0.025) rates were significantly higher in those who did than did not receive adjuvant CTx. Additionally, adjuvant CTx was confirmed as independent risk factor of both OS and RFS in patients aged ≥70 years indicated for adjuvant CTx.
Conclusion
Old age was associated with poor RFS and adjuvant CTx had benefits in OS as well as RFS in elderly patients eligible for adjuvant CTx.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Immunological changes and recovery-related factors in older patients with colon cancer: A pilot trial
Byeo Lee Lim, Young Il Kim, Jong Lyul Lee, Chan Wook Kim, Yong Sik Yoon, Yousun Ko, Kyung Won Kim, In Ja Park
Journal of Geriatric Oncology.2025; 16(3): 102200. CrossRef
Stage II-III colorectal cancer in geriatric patients: Clinicopathological features and chemotherapy utilization
Yakup Duzkopru, Özlem Doğan
Turkish Journal of Clinics and Laboratory.2025; 16(1): 118. CrossRef
Does Oxaliplatin-based Adjuvant Therapy Benefit Older Colorectal Cancer Patients?
Peter Hofland
Onco Zine - The International Oncology Network.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Disease-Free Survival of Patients with Stage II Stroma-Rich Colorectal Adenocarcinomas with Microsatellite Stability
Ángel Romo-Navarro, Juan Ruiz Martín, Irene García-Camacha Gutiérrez, Mariano Amo-Salas, María Recuero Pradillo, César Sánchez-Muñoz, Cristina María Murillo Lázaro, Esperanza Carabias López, Raquel Sánchez Simón, Carlos Quimbayo-Arcila, Yasmina Hernández
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2025; 26(24): 11795. CrossRef
Early detection of anastomotic leakage in colon cancer surgery: the role of early warning score and C-reactive protein
Gyung Mo Son
Annals of Coloproctology.2024; 40(5): 415. CrossRef
Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Hypofractionated Chemoradiotherapy in Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Jae Seung Kim, Jaram Lee, Hyeung-min Park, Soo Young Lee, Chang Hyun Kim, Hyeong Rok Kim
Cancers.2024; 16(24): 4280. CrossRef

Colorecal cancer

Prognostic significance of lymph node yield on oncologic outcomes according to tumor response after preoperative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer patients: Hyo Seon Ryu, In Ja Park, Bo Kyung Ahn, Min Young Park, Min Sung Kim, Young Il Kim, Seok-Byung Lim, Jin Cheon Kim; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(5):410-420. Published online April 28, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.00143.0020

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6 Web of Science
5 Citations

Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of lymph node yield (LNY) for survival outcomes according to tumor response after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) in patients with rectal cancer.
Methods
This study was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary center. A total of 1,240 patients with clinical stage II or III rectal cancer who underwent curative resection after PCRT between 2007 and 2016 were included. Patients were categorized into the good response group (tumor regression grade [TRG], 0–1) or poor response group (TRG, 2–3). Propensity score matching was performed for age, sex, and pathologic stage between LNY of ≥12 and LNY of <12 within tumor response group. The primary outcome was 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results
LNY and positive lymph nodes were inversely correlated with TRG. In good responders, 5-year DFS and 5-year OS of patients with LNY of <12 were better than those with LNY of ≥12, but there was no statistical significance. In poor responders, the LNY of <12 group had worse survival outcomes than the LNY of ≥12 group, but there was also no statistical significance. LNY of ≥12 was not associated with DFS and OS in multivariate analysis.
Conclusion
LNY of <12 showed contrasting outcomes between the good and poor responders in 5-year DFS and OS. LNY of 12 may not imply adequate oncologic surgery or proper staging in rectal cancer patients treated by PCRT. Furthermore, a decrease in LNY should be comprehended differently according to tumor response.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Breaking Myths: Comparable Outcomes in Lymph Node Analysis Across Surgical Methods
Salvatore Pezzino, Tonia Luca, Mariacarla Castorina, Giulia Fuccio Sanzà, Gaetano Magro, Stefano Puleo, Ornella Coco, Sergio Castorina
Cancers.2025; 17(8): 1312. CrossRef
A predictive nomogram for assessing the likelihood of retrieving 12 lymph nodes after rectal cancer surgery: a single-center study
Jian Ma, Runyang Hao, Shuai Jiao, Qingmin Chen, Baohong Yang, Xu Guan, Jiale Li, Xinxuan Zhao, Yu Huo, Qingxia Xu, Haiyi Liu, Wen Su, Xishan Wang
Frontiers in Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Effects of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Oncologic Outcomes in Patients With Stage ⅡA Rectal Cancer Above the Peritoneal Reflection Who Did Not Undergo Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy
Hyo Seon Ryu, Jong Lyul Lee, Chan Wook Kim, Yong Sik Yoon, In Ja Park, Seok-Byung Lim, Yong Sang Hong, Tae Won Kim, Chang Sik Yu
Clinical Colorectal Cancer.2024; 23(4): 392. CrossRef
Artificial Intelligence-Driven Volumetric Analysis of Muscle Mass as a Predictor of Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Rectal Cancer
Minsung Kim, Sang Min Lee, Il Tae Son, Jaewoong Kang, Gyoung Tae Noh, Bo Young Oh
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2024; 13(23): 7018. CrossRef
Multidisciplinary Treatment Strategy for Early Colon Cancer: A Review-An English Version
Gyung Mo Son, Su Bum Park, Tae Un Kim, Byung-Soo Park, In Young Lee, Joo-Young Na, Dong Hoon Shin, Sang Bo Oh, Sung Hwan Cho, Hyun Sung Kim, Hyung Wook Kim
Journal of the Anus, Rectum and Colon.2022; 6(4): 203. CrossRef

Malignant disease, Rectal cancer,Prognosis and adjuvant therapy

Beware of Early Relapse in Rectal Cancer Patients Treated With Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy: Seul Gi Oh, In Ja Park, Ji-hyun Seo, Young Il Kim, Seok-Byung Lim, Chan Wook Kim, Yong Sik Yoon, Jong Lyul Lee, Chang Sik Yu, Jin Cheon Kim; Ann Coloproctol. 2020;36(6):382-389. Published online June 17, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2020.06.11

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7 Web of Science
7 Citations

Abstract PDF

Purpose
Recurrence patterns in rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) are needed to evaluate for establishing tailored surveillance protocol.
Methods
This study included 2,215 patients with locally-advanced mid and low rectal cancer treated with radical resection between January 2005 and December 2012. Recurrence was evaluated according to receipt of PCRT; PCRT group (n = 1,258) and no-PCRT group (n = 957). Early recurrence occurred within 1 year of surgery and late recurrence after 3 years. The median follow-up duration was 65.7 ± 29 months.
Results
The overall recurrence rate was similar between the PCRT and no-PCRT group (25.8% vs. 24.9%, P = 0.622). The most common initial recurrence site was the lungs in both groups (50.6% vs. 49.6%, P = 0.864), followed by the liver, which was more common in the no-PCRT group (22.5% vs. 33.6%, P = 0.004). Most of the recurrence occurred within 3 years after surgery in both groups (85.3% vs. 85.8%, P = 0.862). Early recurrence was more common in the PCRT group than in the no-PCRT group (43.1% vs. 32.4%, P = 0.020). Recurrence within the first 6 months after surgery was significantly higher in the PCRT group than in the no-PCRT group (18.8% vs. 7.6%, P = 0.003). Lung (n = 27, 44.3%) and liver (n = 22, 36.1%) were the frequent the first relapsed site within 6 months after surgery in PCRT group.
Conclusion
Early recurrence within the first 1 year after surgery was more common in patients treated with PCRT. This difference would be considered for surveillance protocols and need to be evaluated in further studies.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Efficacies of radiotherapy in rectal cancer patients treated with total mesorectal excision or other types of surgery: an updated meta-analysis
Wenshu Wang, Runyuan Zhao, Xi Liang, Manjun Liu, Haiyan Bai, Jianli Ge, Binxi Yao, Zheng Zhi, Jianming He
Oncology Reviews.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Watch and wait strategies for rectal cancer: A systematic review
In Ja Park
Precision and Future Medicine.2022; 6(2): 91. CrossRef
Update on Diagnosis and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Chan Wook Kim
The Ewha Medical Journal.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
The watch-and-wait strategy versus radical resection for rectal cancer patients with a good response (≤ycT2) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Chungyeop Lee, In Ja Park, Seok-Byung Lim, Chang Sik Yu, Jin Cheon Kim
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research.2022; 103(6): 350. CrossRef
Optimal Postoperative Surveillance Strategies for Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Observational Study
Min-Young Park, In-Ja Park, Hyo-Seon Ryu, Jay Jung, Min-Sung Kim, Seok-Byung Lim, Chang-Sik Yu, Jin-Cheon Kim
Cancers.2021; 13(14): 3502. CrossRef
Comparison between Local Excision and Radical Resection for the Treatment of Rectal Cancer in ypT0-1 Patients: An Analysis of the Clinicopathological Factors and Survival Rates
Soo Young Oh, In Ja Park, Young IL Kim, Jong-Lyul Lee, Chan Wook Kim, Yong Sik Yoon, Seok-Byung Lim, Chang Sik Yu, Jin Cheon Kim
Cancers.2021; 13(19): 4823. CrossRef
Shifting Treatment Strategies to Prevent Early Relapse of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer After Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy
Eun Jung Park
Annals of Coloproctology.2020; 36(6): 357. CrossRef

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