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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2024; 37(03): 180-184
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770730
Review Article

Management of Rectal Cancer in Lynch Syndrome: Balancing Risk Reduction and Quality of Life

Bradley A. Krasnick
1   Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
,
Matthew F. Kalady
1   Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
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Abstract

Patients with Lynch syndrome are predisposed to developing colorectal cancer and a variety of extracolonic malignancies, at a young age. The management of rectal cancer in the setting of Lynch syndrome is a complex clinical scenario that requires the expertise of a multidisciplinary management team. In this review, we delve into the approach for rectal cancer in these patients, and specifically focus on several key aspects of treatment. Some unique aspects of rectal cancer in Lynch syndrome include the decision between proctectomy alone versus total proctocolectomy with or without an ileal pouch, the utility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, nonoperative rectal cancer management, and the management of rectal polyps. Throughout, we highlight the delicate interplay between future cancer risk reduction and quality of life optimization.

Keywords

Lynch syndrome - mismatch repair - rectal cancer - colorectal cancer - hereditary rectal cancer


Publication History

Article published online:
10 August 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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