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Current Views on the Interval Between Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation and Surgery for Rectal Cancer

  • Surgery and Surgical Innovations in Colorectal Cancer (S Huerta, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Colorectal Cancer Reports

Abstract

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) has been established as standard treatment for stage II and III rectal cancer, and delayed interval between CRT and rectal resection has emerged as appropriate treatment due to the marked benefits associated with this approach. Despite favorable findings on downstaging and pathological complete response without increasing in morbidity and mortality, no significant improvement in sphincter preservation rate and rectal cancer overall survival has been observed with the current recommended 6–8-week interval. Trials are currently underway and may provide answers regarding the optimal interval between CRT and surgical resection, but until now, the best interval between CRT and surgery remains unclear.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mater Dei Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

    Maria Emilia Carvalho e Carvalho

  2. Division of Coloproctology, School of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil

    Bruno Augusto Alves-Martins & Luiz Felipe de Campos-Lobato

  3. Serviço de Coloproctologia, Clínica Cirúrgica, Hospital, Universitário de Brasília (UnB), 604/605 - Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, 70840-901, Brazil

    Luiz Felipe de Campos-Lobato

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  1. Maria Emilia Carvalho e Carvalho
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Correspondence to Luiz Felipe de Campos-Lobato.

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e Carvalho, M.E.C., Alves-Martins, B.A. & de Campos-Lobato, L.F. Current Views on the Interval Between Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation and Surgery for Rectal Cancer. Curr Colorectal Cancer Rep 13, 234–239 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-017-0370-9

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