Prognostic value of post-radiation regression of locally advanced rectal cancer
Currently, combination therapy, including preoperative irradiation of the tumor and areas of regional lymphatic drainage, has become the standard for the treatment of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Methods for evaluating neoadjuvant therapy response are increasingly being introduced into the practice of specialized medical centers. However, the prognostic value of tumor regression grade remains unclear. The results of numerous studies presented in modern literature are contradictory, and their comparative analysis is extremely difficult because of the abundance of post-radiation regression classifications used. This review article reflects the current views on the role and ways of assessing the therapeutic pathomorphosis of rectal cancer after radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy.