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Clin Colon Rectal Surg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1791722
Special Article

The Ongoing Development of Watch and Wait

Mikhael Belkovsky
1   Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts
,
Ali Alipouriani
2   Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
,
Arielle E. Kanters
2   Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
,
Joshua Sommovilla
2   Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
,
Emre Gorgun
2   Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
,
David Liska
2   Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
,
Scott R. Steele
2   Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

The nonoperative management of rectal cancer, known as watch and wait (W&W), has gained increasing acceptance in recent years. This approach is based on using complete clinical response (cCR) as a marker for complete pathological response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). Advances in nCRT regimens have resulted in higher tumor regression rates, making W&W a viable option for selected patients. This study presents the historical evolution and efficacy of the W&W strategy and offers modern recommendations based on recent clinical findings. Key findings include an 85 to 92% 5-year disease-free survival rate in patients achieving cCR, highlighting the potential for improved quality of life and reduced morbidity without compromising survival outcomes.

Keywords

rectal cancer - watch and wait - nonoperative management

Originality

This study is original, written without generative AI, and has not been previously presented or published elsewhere.


Authors' Contributions

All the authors made substantial contributions to the conception, design, and drafting of the work, and the final approval of the version to be published and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work, ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work were appropriately investigated and resolved.




Publication History

Article published online:
04 November 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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