Is the delayed surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiation beneficial for locally advanced rectal cancer?

Background: Neoadjuvant treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy is the preferred regimen for locally advanced rectal cancer, aiming to increase resectability and decrease local recurrence.

Aim: To evaluate the benefits of delayed surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in advanced rectal cancer regarding aspects of tumor response, survival and its deleterious effects.

Methods: Were treated 106 patients consecutively with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma.