Is Total Neoadjuvant Treatment Beneficial for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is a new strategy combining neoadjuvant therapy and chemotherapy to enhance tumor shrinkage and systemic control. Its effectiveness remains debated.

Objectives: This study conducts a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess TNTs impact and provide high-quality evidence for rectal cancer treatment decisions.