title: Immediate surgery or clinical follow-up after a complete clinical response?
abstract: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) is considered as one of the preferred treatment strategies for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. This treatment strategy may lead to significant tumor regression, ultimately leading to complete pathological response in up to 42% of patients. Assessment of tumor response following CRT and before radical surgery may identify patients with complete clinical response that could be managed non operatively with strict follow-up (Watch & Wait Strategy).
authors.affiliation: University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Rua Manoel da Nóbrega 1564, São Paulo, SP, 04001-005, Brazil, gamange@uol.com.br.
authors.forename: Angelita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Habr-Gama
authors.forename: Rodrigo Oliva
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Perez
mesh_terms: D059248:Chemoradiotherapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery