Horizons in treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer

This research offers new insights into the treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer. It emphasizes the importance of personalized treatments, where chemotherapy and radiotherapy play a significant role. Achieving a complete tumour response (pCR) is shown to be essential and may potentially allow for the postponement or avoidance of major surgery in the future. Advanced imaging techniques enable more accurate treatment assessments, and a specifically developed recovery program (ERAS) has improved postoperative recovery. These findings promise better survival rates and a higher quality of life for these patients, representing an important step towards future-oriented, customized care.