Abstract

Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer facilitates tumour downstaging and complete pathological response (pCR). Neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy (total neoadjuvant chemotherapy, TNT) further improves pCR rates. While some patients forgo surgery, total mesorectal excision (TME) remains the standard of care. While TNT appears to be non-inferior to nCRT with respect to short-term oncological outcomes, little data exists on perioperative outcomes. Factors such as conversion, sphincter preservation and anastomosis rates do not impact oncological outcomes but affect quality of life (QOL).

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