[Neo-adjuvant therapy for locally advanced low rectal cancer]

Rectal cancer is one of the most malignant tumors in gastrointestinal tract, while low rectal cancer with locally advanced stage is the most common type in China. The concept of neo-adjuvant therapy has challenged the traditional treatment strategy for rectal cancer, and has showed encouraging effects in local relapse control, radical resection and sphincter preservation. However, some important issues still remain controversial, including course and dose of radiotherapy, choice of chemotherapy regimen, long-term benefits. This article aims to review and discuss related issues of neo-adjuvant therapy.