Organ-sparing management of luminal gastrointestinal cancers: current and emerging approaches

Treatment of luminal gastrointestinal malignancies with curative intent has traditionally required a combination of systemic treatments and complex surgical resections, which carry risks to function and quality of life. Organ-sparing approaches to treating gastrointestinal malignancies have advanced significantly. With increasing efficacy of upfront systemic and radiation therapies, select patients can safely avoid radical surgery while maintaining oncologic outcomes. This review discusses current and future organ-sparing approaches in the management of gastro-oesophageal, colon, rectal and anal cancers.