What is the recommended follow-up/surveillance schedule following organ preservation treatment approach for cT1-2N0 rectal cancer?

Patients with stage I rectal cancer treated with organ preservation require close surveillance to rule out tumor regrowth and local recurrence that may be salvaged with radical surgery. The highest risk of recurrence is within 2 years after completion of neoadjuvant therapy and patients should be fo...

Here's what we know.

1. Recurrences are often asymptomatic hence, it is unreliable to follow up based on symptoms alone. Besides, by the time recurrence become symptomatic, they are often locally advanced and not amenable for salvage.
2. MRI (or EUS) is better than CT in evaluating rectal tumors especial...