Prediction of mesorectal nodal metastases after chemoradiation for rectal cancer: results of a randomised trial. Implication for subsequent local excision

For patients with tumours downstaged by chemoradiation to ypT0 and ypT1 full thickness local excision may be considered as an acceptable approach, because the risk of mesorectal lymph nodes metastases is low. The selection criteria for preoperative radio(chemo)therapy and local excision are discussed.