Organ-preserving therapy for rectal cancer

摘要

Total mesorectal excision has resulted in low local recurrence rates in rectal cancer patients; however, it is associated with a significant impairment in quality of life. The operation may be disfiguring and cause permanent effects on gastrointestinal, genitourinary and sexual function. Recently, researchers have identified subgroups of rectal cancer patients who may be able to forgo total mesorectal excision without compromising their oncological outcomes. Two groups of patients are candidates for organ preservation: those with early-stage disease that may be adequately addressed by a more limited resection, and those with locally advanced disease that has responded completely to neoadjuvant therapy. Additionally, radiation alone may be curative in both early and locally advanced disease. This article reviews the data regarding these approaches.