Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT) versus Standard Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is a novel approach for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), which attempts to deliver both systemic chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy prior to surgery. However, its efficacy and safety remain controversial in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted this meta-analysis to assess such concerns.

Materials and methods

Head-to-head phase II/III RCTs were searched in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, as well as other sources. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR). Secondary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and the R0 resection rate.

Results

Eight phase II/III RCTs

SUBMITTER: Liu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8417863 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature