Historically, locally advanced rectal cancers with invasion of tumor into adjacent organs (T4 N1,2 tumors) have been considered poor prognosis cancers treated with palliative intent. However with the advent of multi-modality therapy and improvement in surgical reconstructive techniques, extended resections for rectal tumors are possible with acceptable patient morbidity and excellent oncological outcomes.
Extended surgery and pelvic exenteration for locally advanced rectal cancer: What are the limits?
