Capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: a single-institution long-term report

Background

Improved control of distant metastases has made total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) a standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, its toxicity raises concerns about overtreatment in lower-risk populations. This study evaluates long-term outcomes of capecitabine-based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (Cap-CRT) and proposes a pre-treatment clinical risk stratification for distant metastasis and survival.