Treatment of stage II-III rectal cancer patients.

The role and sequencing of radiotherapy in the management of T3-4 or node-positive rectal cancer has evolved over the last few decades. Given the significant local failure rate following surgery alone, both preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been studied to decrease local and systemic failure and improve survival in these patients. This review discusses current indications and controversies for treatment of stage II-III rectal cancer patients.