A new treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer, confirmed by a study at Uppsala University and published in eClinicalMedicine, shows promising results in avoiding surgery and reducing the risk of recurrence. This treatment involves radiotherapy and chemotherapy followed by surgery if needed, with the aim of complete tumor disappearance to avoid surgery altogether. The study, conducted in everyday healthcare settings, found that this approach doubled the chances of avoiding bowel removal surgery and preserving normal rectal function. The results also showed a reduced rate of local recurrences. The treatment approach has been successful in eliminating the need for surgery in a significant percentage of patients, with no increase in local recurrence rate observed after years of follow-up.
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New treatment for rectal cancer offers hope in avoiding surgery
