Risk factors, monitoring, and treatment strategies for early recurrence after rectal cancer surgery

Early recurrence (ER) following surgery for rectal cancer is a significant factor impacting patient survival rates. Tsai et al identified age, preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, length of hospital stay, tumour location, and pathological stage as factors influencing the risk of ER. Postoperative monitoring for ER should encompass a thorough medical history review, physical examination, tumour marker testing, and imaging studies. Additionally, noninvasive circulating tumour cell DNA testing can be utilized to predict ER. Treatment strategies may involve radical surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Through a comprehensive analysis of risk factors, the optimization of monitoring methods, and the development of personalized treatment strategies, it is anticipated that both the efficacy of treatment and the quality of life for rectal cancer patients with postoperative recurrence can be significantly improved.