Current Neoadjuvant Strategies in Rectal Cancer

Treatment modalities in rectal cancer have undergone a slow, evolutionary transition over the past 30 years. More recently, contemporary descriptions of advanced preoperative chemotherapy and radiation schema have led to a rapid revolution in the management of this disease. In this review we focus on current evidence-based neoadjuvant strategies used in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer and metastatic rectal disease. Finally, we provide a foundation for discussion of still unresolved issues. J Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:321-326. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.