Is watch and wait a safe and effective way to treat rectal cancer in older patients?

ConclusionW&W for older patients with a clinical (near) complete response appears to be a safe alternative to a total mesorectal excision (TME), with a very high pelvic control rate, and few rectal cancer related deaths. Most patients can avoid major surgery and a definitive colostomy, and have a reasonable anorectal and urinary function.
Source: European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO) - Category: Surgery Source Type: research