title: Nonoperative management of rectal cancer: current perspectives.
abstract: While surgery plays a central role in the management of all stages of operable rectal cancer, nonoperative approaches for both early-stage and locally advanced disease are being explored. This comprehensive review summarizes the current literature regarding the nonoperative management of rectal cancer and discusses caveats and controversies to such an approach.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology Duke, University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Kristin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: Christopher G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Willett
authors.forename: Brian G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Czito
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome