Role of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Remodeling Surgical Approaches for Gastrointestinal Malignancies

This review explores the evolving role of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in the management of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, emphasizing its impact on surgical resectability, tumor downstaging, and survival outcomes. It examines how NAT is reshaping traditional surgical approaches across GI cancers.

Recent evidence highlights the integration of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies in NAT protocols for esophageal, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and hepatobiliary cancers. Studies report improved R0 resection rates, reduced lymph node positivity, and enhanced eligibility for organ-preserving procedures. Precision medicine and artificial intelligence are emerging as tools to refine patient selection and predict therapeutic responses. NAT has transformed GI cancer care from a surgery-first model to a multimodal, biology-driven approach. While its benefits are substantial, challenges persist in toxicity management and treatment optimization. Future research should focus on refining protocols, enhancing predictive models, and advancing personalized therapeutic strategies to maximize patient outcomes.