Optimizing the Personalized Care for the Management of Rectal Cancer: A Consensus Statement

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy in Turkey.
• Current rectal cancer management guidelines lack comprehensive details, leading to clinical practice variations.
• Standardized treatment principles exist, but specific uncertainties persist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify uncertainties in rectal cancer management through a consensus program.
• To establish evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, staging, and treatment.
• To provide guidance on neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy, recurrent disease, screening, and genetic counseling.

Main Methods:

• A consensus program involving multidisciplinary physicians from Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar and Koç Universities.
• Review of evidence-based data and current guidelines to identify management "gray zones".
• Discussion and consensus building on key aspects of rectal cancer care.

Main Results:

• Identified and addressed critical uncertainties in rectal cancer diagnosis and staging.
• Developed consensus recommendations for primary surgical treatment and neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapies.
• Provided guidance on managing recurrent rectal cancer, screening protocols, and genetic counseling.

Conclusions:

• The consensus program successfully clarified management uncertainties in rectal cancer.
• The structured recommendations aim to standardize clinical practice and improve patient outcomes in Turkey.
• This initiative provides a valuable resource for oncologists and healthcare professionals managing rectal cancer.