title: Nonoperative management of rectal cancer: identifying the ideal patients.
abstract: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) is considered one of the preferred treatment strategies for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. This strategy may lead to significant tumor regression, ultimately leading to a complete pathologic response in up to 42% of patients. Assessment of tumor response following CRT and before radical surgery may identify patients with a complete clinical response who could possibly be managed nonoperatively with strict follow-up (watch-and-wait strategy). The present article deals with critical issues regarding appropriate selection of patients for this approach.
authors.affiliation: Angelita and Joaquim Gama Institute, Rua Manoel da Nóbrega 1564, Paraiso, São Paulo 04001-005, Brazil; University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Rua Manoel da Nóbrega 1564, Paraiso, São Paulo 04001-005, Brazil. Electronic address: gamange@uol.com.br.
authors.forename: Angelita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Habr-Gama
authors.affiliation: Angelita and Joaquim Gama Institute, Rua Manoel da Nóbrega 1564, Paraiso, São Paulo 04001-005, Brazil.
authors.forename: Guilherme Pagin
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: São Julião
authors.affiliation: Angelita and Joaquim Gama Institute, Rua Manoel da Nóbrega 1564, Paraiso, São Paulo 04001-005, Brazil; Colorectal Surgery Division, Department of Gastroenterology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Rua Manoel da Nóbrega 1564, Paraiso, São Paulo 04001-005, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rodrigo O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Perez
mesh_terms: D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy / Q000379:methods; D018579:Patient Selection; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Complete clinical response; Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy; Rectal cancer; Watch and wait