Baseline T Classification Predicts Early Tumor Regrowth After Nonoperative Management in Distal Rectal Cancer After Extended Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation and Initial Complete Clinical Response

BACKGROUND: Selected patients with rectal cancer and complete clinical response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation have been managed nonoperatively with acceptable outcomes. However, ≈20% of these patients will develop early tumor regrowth. Identification of these patients could select candidates for more intensive follow-up. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of baseline radiological T classification on recurrences after a complete clinical response managed nonoperatively after chemoradiation. DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of a prospective collected database. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a single center. PATIENTS: Patients with distal rectal cancer (cT2-4N0-2M0) undergoing extended chemoradiation (54 Gy + 5-fluorouracil–based chemotherapy) were eligible. Patients were reassessed for tumor response at 10 weeks after radiation completion. Patients with complete clinical response (clinical, radiological, and endoscopic) were managed nonoperatively and strictly followed. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Complete clinical response rates, early tumor regrowth rates (

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