Neoadjuvant Treatment Approaches for Stage II–III Rectal Cancer

Presented by:
Steven Nurkin
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 MD, MS
Volume/Issue:
Volume 21: Issue 5.5
Online Publication Date:
01 Jun 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6004/jnccn.2023.5010
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Excellent long-term outcomes are being achieved with contemporary treatment strategies for localized rectal cancer. A “watch-and-wait” nonoperative strategy seems to be a safe option for patients experiencing a complete clinical response. Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) has shown many advantages over standard chemoradiotherapy, although the optimal sequencing—with induction or consolidation chemotherapy—is still debated. The use of FOLFIRINOX can boost the benefit of TNT. Of note, in the small subset of patients whose tumors have mismatch repair deficiency, checkpoint inhibition has led to responses in most patients, eliminating the need for further treatment.

Disclosures: Dr. Nurkin has disclosed serving as a consultant for Merck & Co., Inc.

Correspondence: Steven Nurkin, MD, MS, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. Email: steven.nurkin@roswellpark.org
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Print ISSN:
1540-1405
Online ISSN:
1540-1413
Publisher:
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
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Copyright:
Copyright © 2023 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2023
Page Numbers:
4
Article Category:
Research Article
Print Publication Date:
01 May 2023
Online Publication Date:
01 Jun 2023

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