Locally recurrent rectal cancer: towards a second chance at cure?

Abstract

Background: Neoadjuvant (chemo)radiation (n(C)RT) in combination with total mesorectal excision (TME) for primary rectal cancer is associated with low rates of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC), but can jeopardize LRRC management as there are limitations to the radiation dose. The primary aim of this study was to provide an overview of LRRC after TME in the Netherlands, with a secondary focus on the impact of n(C)RT for primary rectal cancer on outcomes of LRRC.