Genomic predictor of complete response after chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer

A multimodal approach to locally advanced (cT3, 4 and/ or N+) rectal cancer, based on the use of concurrent chemo-radiotherapy followed by radical surgery with total mesorectal excision, has led to a significant improvement in oncologic outcomes (1,2). This therapeutic approach also improves tumor resectability and increases the chance to preserve anal sphincter (3,4). For these reasons, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery has become the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer.