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Adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery: A quest to improve survival for stage II and III rectal cancer

  • Published:
Current Colorectal Cancer Reports

Abstract

Combined multimodality treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, and total mesorectal excision have been studied extensively over the past few decades, with efforts toward improving rates of locoregional recurrence and disease-free and overall survival in rectal cancer. Predictive and prognostic markers to adjuvant systemic chemotherapy have been identified, with the goal of tailoring therapy and continuing improvement in survival. In our article, we discuss these factors, including tumor downstaging, pathologic node status, gene expression, and future directions in therapy of rectal cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 676 North Saint Clair, Suite 850, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Al B. Benson III

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  1. Max Vergo
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  2. Halla Nimeiri
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  3. Al B. Benson III
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Correspondence to Al B. Benson III.

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Vergo, M., Nimeiri, H. & Benson, A.B. Adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery: A quest to improve survival for stage II and III rectal cancer. Curr colorectal cancer rep 5, 151–157 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-009-0022-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-009-0022-9

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