Current Views on the Interval Between Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation and Surgery for Rectal Cancer

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) has been established as standard treatment for stage II and III rectal cancer, and delayed interval between CRT and rectal resection has emerged as appropriate treatment due to the marked benefits associated with this approach. Despite favorable findings on downstaging and pathological complete response without increasing in morbidity and mortality, no significant improvement in sphincter preservation rate and rectal cancer overall survival has been observed with the current recommended 6–8-week interval. Trials are currently underway and may provide answers regarding the optimal interval between CRT and surgical resection, but until now, the best interval between CRT and surgery remains unclear.