Breakthroughs and challenges in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.1674-3946.2025.02.003.

Abstract

Abstract:

Although neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has become the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), its efficacy and long-term survival rates still need improvement.The rapid development of immunotherapy, particularly the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has brought new hope to the treatment of LARC.Studies indicate that combining neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with immunotherapy can increase the complete response rate in LARC patients and demonstrates good safety profiles.However, this novel treatment approach faces several challenges in clinical practice, including the identification of effective biomarkers, overcoming immune resistance, and optimizing treatment regimens.This review discusses the breakthroughs and challenges of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy in LARC and explores potential future directions for optimization, aiming to provide more effective treatment options for LARC patients..

Key words: Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer, Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy, Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy

Qianyu Wang, Junfeng Du, Shiyong Li. Breakthroughs and challenges in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer[J]. Chinese Journal of Operative Procedures of General Surgery(Electronic Edition), 2025, 19(02): 128-131.

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