What is the impact of systemic chemotherapy for lateral lymph nodes in patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer?

ConclusionFor patients without swollen LLNs, SC could allow for omission both of lateral irradiation and LLND. For patients with swollen LLNs, the lateral local control was favourable after SC and LLND without chemoradiotherapy (CRT); however, oxaliplatin-based SC might be insufficient to improve survival, requiring more intensive chemotherapy. CRT should be indicated according to the other risk factors of central local recurrence, although the swollen LLNs should be removed.
Source: International Journal of Colorectal Disease - Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research