Abstract
The possibility of organ preservation in early rectal cancer has gained popularity
during recent years. Patients with early tumor stage and low risk for local recurrence
do not usually require neoadjuvant chemoradiation for oncological reasons. However,
these patients may be considered for chemoradiation exclusively for the purpose of
achieving a complete clinical response and avoid total mesorectal excision. In addition,
cT2 tumors may be more likely to develop complete response to neoadjuvant therapy
and may constitute ideal candidates for organ-preserving strategies. In the setting
where the use of chemoradiation is exclusively used to avoid major surgery, one should
consider maximizing tumor response. In this article, we will focus on the rationale,
indications, and outcomes of patients with early rectal cancer being treated by neoadjuvant
chemoradiation to achieve organ preservation by avoiding total mesorectal excision.
Keywords
rectal cancer - watch and wait - early tumor
