Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) offers significant advantages for locally advanced rectal cancer, enhancing overall survival and lowering recurrence rates compared to traditional methods. Clinical trials, including RAPIDO and OPRA, indicate TNT’s effectiveness in tumor downstaging and achieving complete pathological responses. Although debates about neoadjuvant radiotherapy continue, strategies like organ preservation through the watch-and-wait approach show promise. Future advancements may include personalized treatment plans leveraging radiogenomics and artificial intelligence to optimize cancer management.
Review by Lișcu HD, Verga N (…) Ionescu AI et 9 al. in J Clin Med