STAR-TREC Trial Shows Rectal Cancer Patients Can Avoid Surgery

A clinical trial found that 80% of early-stage rectal cancer patients could avoid major surgery by using a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The STAR-TREC study, funded by Cancer Research UK and Stand Up To Cancer, suggests that patients can keep their rectum intact if the tumor responds to treatment.

Researchers noted that while this approach preserves quality of life, patients require intensive surveillance, as surgery remains an option if the cancer fails to respond or returns.