- Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NRT) may improve survival in patients with resectable locally advanced rectal cancer.
- NRT significantly increases the risk of permanent diverting stomas, particularly in upper rectal tumors.
- Tumor height is crucial in treatment planning for rectal cancer.
- Selective use of radiotherapy may reduce the risk of overtreatment in certain patients.
- Advances in surgical technique may mitigate the need for routine NRT in some cases.
Source: JAMA Network Open
