Waiting at least 8 weeks for surgery after chemoradiotherapy increases rectal cancer response

This study investigated the best interval time between chemoradiation therapy and rectal cancer surgery for the best outcomes in patients with rectal cancer. Researchers suggested that waiting at least 8 weeks until the surgery increases the tumor response to the treatment.

The standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer is long-course chemotherapy and radiation therapy (LC-CRT) and surgery. LC-CRT before surgery is known to improve tumor response and recurrence (when cancer comes back).

Prior studies reported improved tumor response in patients who received surgery 6 to 8 weeks after LC-CRT. Some studies with increased interval times reported better outcomes, but others did not.

The best interval time from LC-CRT to surgery in patients with rectal cancer remains unclear.

This study reviewed 26 other studies with information about 25445 patients with rectal cancer. These patients underwent LC-CRT and received surgery at least 8 weeks after.

An 8-week interval was associated with a 41% higher tumor response. Tumor shrinkage, surgery outcomes and complications were also improved. These patients had a 29% lower risk of having metastasis (spread to other parts of the body). Moreover, they also had a 24% lower risk of cancer recurrence.

This study concluded that an 8-week or longer interval between LC-CRT and surgery is associated with better rectal tumor response and outcomes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.