The JGO has successfully published the focus issue “Current and Future Directions of Rectal Cancer Management” led by our issue editor and editorial board member Dr. Timothy Wagner from Tripler Army Medical Center. We owe the success of this issue to Dr. Wagner and all the authors contributed their articles to this issue.
This focus issue demonstrates evolution of colorectal cancer genetics, and detailed review of the role of local excision in the treatment of early rectal cancer. It explores the concept of combined modality therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer from a historical perspective and present the emerging role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and how this change in therapy sequencing may further improve outcomes, particularly in terms of reducing rates of distant metastatic disease. A comprehensive discussion on liver-directed therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer is also included. We can understand what patients are going through after treatment and to provide them with tools to help break down the barriers that are often faced in colorectal cancer survivorship by reading this issue.
Disclosure:
The series “Current and Future Directions of Rectal Cancer Management” was commissioned by the editorial office, Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology without any sponsorship or funding. Timothy D. Wagner served as the unpaid Guest Editor for the series.