Can patients with low rectal cancer avoid permanent surgery?
This study investigates the effectiveness of the Watchful Waiting (WW) strategy for patients with low rectal cancer (within 5 cm of the anal verge) who have achieved a complete clinical response (cCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The primary goal is to avoid permanent rectal resection with stoma formation while maintaining strict disease surveillance.
How Are Patients Selected for WW?
Digital rectal exam (DRE), proctoscopy, and biopsy to rule out any suspicious lesions.
Imaging studies confirm complete tumor regression and the absence of metastatic lymph nodes.
Serum CEA levels return to normal as an indicator of disease inactivity.
MSK 2020 criteria were applied to validate the complete response status.
Key Study Findings:
WW does not significantly differ from surgery in overall survival (OAS), disease-free survival (DFS), and mortality rates.
Compared to surgical treatment, higher local recurrence rates were observed in the WW group.
WW may be a viable organ-preserving strategy for patients with a cCR post-neoadjuvant therapy, provided they undergo regular monitoring to detect early recurrence.
For more details on this study:
Source: Meta-analysis of 18 non-randomized studies on PubMed
How Can You Benefit from Knowture?
Are you a medical researcher, specialist, or postgraduate student looking to stay updated on the latest advancements in cancer treatment?
Knowture offers specialized courses in oncology, surgery, and emerging treatment strategies, such as watchful waiting in rectal cancer, to help you enhance your academic and professional skills.
Learn from top experts in the field through specialized lectures.
Earn accredited certificates to boost your career.
Join a world-class scientific community with access to the latest research and medical practices.
Register now on Knowture and take your medical learning to the next level
How can this research shape treatment decisions for rectal cancer patients? Join the discussion and share your insights