Downstaging After Preoperative Chemoradiation Improves Survival in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who experience significant downstaging after preoperative chemoradiation have better overall survival compared to those with true pathologic stage 0-1 disease treated with upfront surgery. This was determined through a retrospective review of the national cancer database, which included a study population of 59,884 patients. The findings suggest that response to chemoradiotherapy can identify a subgroup of rectal cancer patients with a particularly favorable prognosis.