Definitive Chemoradiotherapy (“Watch-and-Wait” Approach)

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision has been the standard of care for locally advanced patients with rectal cancer. Some patients achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) to CRT and the oncologic outcomes are particularly favorable in this group. The role of surgery in patients with a pCR is now being questioned as radical rectal resection is associated with significant morbidity and long-term effects on quality of life. In an attempt to better tailor therapy, there is an interest in a “watch-and-wait” approach in patients who have a clinical complete response (cCR) after CRT with the goal of omitting surgery and allowing for organ preservation.
Source: Seminars in Radiation Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research