Local excision after (near) complete response of rectal cancer to neoadjuvant radiation: does it add value?

If complete response can be determined clinically, local excision of the scar does not confer benefit, but follow-up should be maintained. If there is regrowth or residual tumour at TEM, further recurrence is common, and the benefits of TEM may not outweigh the risks, except in those unsuitable for radical surgery.