title: Optimal therapy for resectable rectal cancer.
abstract: A lot can be gained by improving our understanding of the optimal sequence of existing therapies in rectal cancer, with the more difficult task of balancing the morbidity of recurrence with the morbidity of prescribed therapies that are particularly toxic owing to tumour location. This review aims to highlight a recent shift in treatment strategies in the opposite direction, with a focus on earlier, more intense systemic treatments with reduced local therapies. Understanding the rationale for and evidence to support this shift will help identify gaps, shape future trials, and ultimately answer the question of whether this is indeed the right path to follow with regards to maintaining local control rates and long-term outcomes for patients, and improving distal disease control and local treatment-related morbidities without compromising quality of life.
authors.affiliation: a NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre , Chris O'Brien Lifehouse , Camperdown NSW , Australia.
authors.forename: Subotheni
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thavaneswaran
authors.affiliation: b The Queen Elizabeth Hospital , University of Sydney and University of Adelaide , Woodville , SA , Australia.
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011788:Quality of Life; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Locally advanced; resectable rectal cancer