title: Neoadjuvant treatment in rectal cancer: actual status.
abstract: Neoadjuvant (preoperative) concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has become a standard treatment of locally advanced rectal adenocarcinomas. The clinical stages II (cT3-4, N0, M0) and III (cT1-4, N+, M0) according to International Union Against Cancer (IUCC) are concerned. It can reduce tumor volume and subsequently lead to an increase in complete resections (R0 resections), shows less toxicity, and improves local control rate. The aim of this review is to summarize actual approaches, main problems, and discrepancies in the treatment of locally advanced rectal adenocarcinomas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology and Oncology Sciences "L. A. Seragnoli", Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Garajová
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Di Girolamo
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: de Rosa
authors.forename: Jody
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Corbelli
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Agostini
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Biasco
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brandi