title: Treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer.
abstract: Historically, locally advanced rectal cancer is known for its dismal prognosis. The treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer is subject to continuous change due to development of new and better diagnostic tools, radiotherapeutic techniques, chemotherapeutic agents and understanding of the subject. It is clear, that a multimodality approach is the only way to achieve satisfactory local recurrence and survival rates in this type of cancer. However, which multimodality strategy is to be used still remains a point of controversy. This review summarises recent developments in imaging, (neo-) adjuvant therapy and surgical techniques in the treatment of primary locally advanced rectal cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, P.O. Box 1350, 5602 ZA Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: René A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Klaassen
authors.forename: Grard A P
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Nieuwenhuijzen
authors.forename: Hendrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Martijn
authors.forename: Harm J T
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Rutten
authors.forename: Geke A P
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Hospers
authors.forename: Theo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wiggers
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*