This interventional, non-randomized, prospective trial aims to evaluate the role of endoscopic resection following neoadjuvant treatment in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
Phase I focuses on assessing the feasibility, safety and efficacy of endoscopic resection of residual scar or superficial residual neoplastic tissue following neoadjuvant treatment.
Phase II explores the potential of this approach to guide patient selection for total mesorectal excision and to serve as a definitive treatment option for those with limited residual disease.
Age > 18 years old
Signed informed consent
Patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer showing complete or near-complete clinical response after neoadjuvant therapy without evidence of invasive disease (>T2) or locoregional invasion on magnetic resonance imaging and without any signs of metastatic disease on a computerized tomography scan.
Patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer showing incomplete response with presence of superficial residual lesions, without invasive features on endoscopic evaluation, without evidence of invasive disease (>T2) or locoregional invasion on magnetic resonance imaging and without any signs of metastatic disease on a computerized tomography scan.
Previous medical history of rectal cancer
Previous rectal surgery