The current multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer

Multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer has rapidly evolved over the last several years. This review describes recent data surrounding total neoadjuvant therapy, organ preservation, and management of lateral pelvic lymph nodes. It then presents our treatment algorithm for management of rectal cancer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the context of this and other existing literature. As part of this discussion, the review describes how we tailor management based upon both patient and tumor-related factors in an effort to optimize patient outcomes. This review describes recent data surrounding total neoadjuvant therapy, organ preservation, and management of lateral pelvic lymph nodes. It then presents our treatment algorithm for management of rectal cancer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the context of this and other existing literature. As part of this discussion, the review describes how we tailor management based upon both patient and tumor-related factors in an effort to optimize patient outcomes.image