Watch and Wait Strategy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Update From Results of Recent Clinical Trials

Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is a common malignant tumor in the digestive system. Currently, despite growing recognition of personalized medicine, systematic risk stratification and full incorporation of patient preferences for anal preservation and treatment tolerance remain challenging in some clinical settings. This review summarizes the latest clinical research progress on the watch-and-wait (W&W) strategy for LARC, including the applicable population of W&W, the factors predicting tumor regression, and the methods to increase the W&W rate. By synthesizing the current evidence, this review aims to inform clinical decision-making and advance the practice of evidence-based precision medicine.