Total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: a narrative review

Abstract

Locally advanced rectal cancer has traditionally been treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. However, a new strategy, total neoadjuvant therapy, involves the administration of CRT and neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the aim of eradicating micrometastases earlier and achieving greater control of the disease. The use of total neoadjuvant therapy has shown higher rates of pathological complete response and resectability compared with CRT, including improved survival. Nevertheless, distant relapse is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in locally advanced rectal cancer. To address this, new biomarkers are being developed to predict disease response.