Neoadjuvant Therapy for Organ Preservation in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Review

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision (TME) effectively control tumor growth in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, associated complications can impair the quality of life (QoL) of the patients. Neoadjuvant therapies, such as consolidation neoadjuvant therapy and total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), can improve tumor regression, potentially achieving a complete response and allowing organ preservation. Emerging clinical data suggest that these approaches can promote long-term cancer control in patients with LARC.