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Standard of Care, and non surgical options (Rectal Cancer)

Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Oct 24, 2023 | Replies (8)
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@daledales

I would recommend discussing the watch and wait approach with your doctor. You may need to get a second or third opinion, not all doctors are comfortable with this approach.
I had colon cancer 3 years ago and achieved pathlogical complete response (pcr)
I am on a watch and wait protocol, no surgery. I am extremely happy with my results and quality of life.
This approach is not the "standard of care" for most surgeons.

I have blood work every 6 months(CBC and comprehensive metabolic panel)with CEA ,PSA tests, scans every 6 months-MRI alternating with PET scan, colonoscopy annually, Ctdna blood tests annually

Article on ctdna testing
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2200075
I have attached a link to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
https://www.mskcc.org/news/how-watch-and-wait-approach-may-help-people-rectal-cancer-preserve-their-quality-life
I have attached some articles from National Library of Medicine- you will need to register but it is free
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7422545/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8887849/
Keep reaching out and learning , good luck

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Replies to "I would recommend discussing the watch and wait approach with your doctor. You may need to..."
billbills | @daledales | Oct 14, 2023

My path to pcr was short course radition, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine pills. Some studies show 20 to 35% can achieve no residual disease with these type of treatments

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