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Rectal Cancer Neoadjuvant Therapy Selection (NCCN)

Rectal Cancer Neoadjuvant Therapy Selection (NCCN): Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer → MRF (Mesorectal Fascia) Status → High-Risk Features → Total Neoadju...

Interactive Decision Tree

Mini Map

Algorithm Steps

  1. Start

    Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

    cT3-4 or N+, MRI-staged

    1. Decision

      MRF (Mesorectal Fascia) Status

      • Threatened/involved
      • Clear (>1mm)
      1. Action

        High-Risk Features

        MRF+, EMVI+, N2, low tumor

        1. Action

          Total Neoadjuvant Therapy

          Chemo + CRT or SCRT + Chemo

          • RAPIDO/PRODIGE-23 regimens
          • May increase pCR rates
          1. Action

            Restaging MRI

            6-8 weeks post-treatment

            1. Decision

              Clinical Response

              • cCR - consider watch-wait
              • Near cCR
              • Residual disease
              1. End

                TME Surgery

                Low anterior resection or APR based on level

      2. Action

        Standard Risk

        MRF clear, no EMVI

        1. Action

          Long-Course CRT

          50.4 Gy + 5-FU/capecitabine

          • 5-6 weeks treatment
          • Surgery 6-12 weeks after
        2. Action

          Short-Course RT

          25 Gy in 5 fractions

          • For elderly or frail
          • Surgery 1-2 weeks or 6-8 weeks

Guideline Source

NCCN Rectal Cancer Guidelines: Neoadjuvant Therapy

Clinical Safety Information

Clinical Decision Support — Not a Substitute for Clinical Judgment

Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

Known Limitations

  • Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) increasingly favored
  • Watch-and-wait for cCR still investigational
  • MSI-H tumors may respond to immunotherapy alone

Applicable Regions

USAUUKEU

EU: ESMO guidelines similar approach

US: NCCN guidelines, TNT increasingly adopted

Version 1Next review: 2028-01-01

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rectal Cancer Neoadjuvant Therapy Selection (NCCN)?

The Rectal Cancer Neoadjuvant Therapy Selection (NCCN) is a management clinical algorithm for Colorectal Surgery. It provides a structured decision tree to guide clinical decision-making, based on NCCN Rectal Cancer Guidelines: Neoadjuvant Therapy.

What guideline is the Rectal Cancer Neoadjuvant Therapy Selection (NCCN) based on?

This algorithm is based on NCCN Rectal Cancer Guidelines: Neoadjuvant Therapy (DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2024.0002).

What are the limitations of the Rectal Cancer Neoadjuvant Therapy Selection (NCCN)?

Known limitations include: Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) increasingly favored; Watch-and-wait for cCR still investigational; MSI-H tumors may respond to immunotherapy alone. Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

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