Individual tumor volume responses to short-course oxaliplatin-containing induction chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer - Targeting the tumor for radiation sensitivity?

Oxaliplatin-containing NACT led to substantial tumor volume reduction with particularly good responses in T3 cases. NACT did not impede subsequent CRT response, and experimental results rather suggested enhanced radiosensitivity in oxaliplatin-exposed cells, encouraging studies to explore the administration of NACT prior to CRT. Data are still lacking to support omitting radiation in LARC management.