Sistema FMUSP-HC: Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP) e Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSPVAILATI, Bruna BorbaJULIAO, Guilherme Pagin SaoHABR-GAMA, AngelitaPEREZ, Rodrigo Oliva2022-06-202022-06-202022SURGICAL ONCOLOGY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA, v.31, n.2, Special Issue, p.171-182, 20221055-3207https://observatorio.fm.usp.br/handle/OPI/47115Over the past few decades, rectal cancer management has become increasingly challenging for multiple reasons. Proper imaging using dedicated magnetic resonance (MR), standardization of total mesorectal excision (TME), and incorporation of neoadjuvant treatment regimens have contributed to a significant decrease in local recurrence rates while minimizing the need for definitive stomas (therefore allowing for sphincter-preservation alternatives).1 & ndash;3 However, the observation of complete tumor response to radiation (RT) or chemoradiation (CRT) led to the proposal of organpreservation strategies with avoidance of immediate surgery and close surveillance (Watch and Wait strategy) in selected patients.4 Initially considered for a very restricted subgroup of patients, the use of more contemporary neoadjuvant treatment regimens has resulted in a higher proportion of patients achieving complete tumor regression.5 The purpose of the present article is to review the current evidence related to the selection criteria and outcomes in patients enrolled in this Watch and Wait strategy. <comment>Superscript/Subscript Available</commentengrestrictedAccessWatch & waitOrgan preservationRectal cancerNeoadjuvant therapyClinical complete responsetransanal endoscopic microsurgerydiffusion-weighted mrineoadjuvant chemoradiation therapyclinical complete respondersterm-follow-uppostoperative chemoradiotherapyinternational watchorgan preservationsequential pet/ctsalvage surgeryarticleCopyright W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC10.1016/j.soc.2021.11.003PhysiologySport Sciences1558-5042