Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
12:45
Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2022
Combined modality therapy for rectal cancer.
Bruce D Minsky1, Claus Röedel, Vincenzo Valentini
1Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. bruce.minsky@uchospitals.edu
Cancer Journal (Sudbury, Mass.)
|June 8, 2010
Summary
Preoperative chemoradiation is standard for rectal cancer, but its optimal use is debated. Research is exploring better imaging, molecular markers, and systemic agents to refine treatment and reduce overtreatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) involves preoperative chemoradiation.
- Significant controversies exist regarding the optimal application of this standard approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address controversies in preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer.
- To explore the potential of advanced imaging and molecular markers for patient stratification.
- To investigate the role of novel systemic agents in improving treatment outcomes and potentially reducing pelvic radiation.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of current clinical controversies and ongoing research questions.
- Highlighting the need for improved diagnostic tools (imaging, molecular markers).
- Considering the integration of systemic therapies with radiation and surgery.
Main Results:
- Current preoperative chemoradiation strategies face several unresolved questions.
- Accurate identification of nodal status is crucial for optimizing therapy.
- Systemic agents may enhance radiation efficacy and alter radiation requirements.
Conclusions:
- Further clinical investigation is required to optimize preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer.
- Personalized treatment approaches using advanced diagnostics and novel systemic agents are needed.
- Reducing overtreatment while maintaining efficacy is a key goal for LARC management.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation.
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...