Long-term anorectal function in rectal cancer patients managed by a watch-and-wait strategy after total neoadjuvant treatment: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study evaluates the long-term anorectal function and rectal toxicity in rectal cancer patients who achieved a clinical complete response (cCR) to total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) and were managed with a watch-and-wait (W&W) approach. While oncological outcomes have been favorable, functional outcomes warrant further investigation. Additionally, this research identifies clinical risk factors of anorectal dysfunction post-treatment.

Methods

This was a single-center, cross-sectional study. Rectal cancer patients who underwent TNT followed by W&W between December 2014 and November 2020 were recruited. A minimum 2-year follow-up with no disease progression was required. The study took the form of semi-structured interviews. Multiple scales for evaluation were use

SUBMITTER: Xu LY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12529818 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature