STAR-TREC trial suggests chemoradiotherapy spares surgery for early-stage rectal cancer
Big news for anyone worried about rectal cancer: a clinical trial called STAR-TREC has suggested a way to treat early-stage cases without surgery.
Instead, doctors combined chemotherapy and targeted radiation therapy, helping most patients skip the major operation (and those temporary or permanent colostomy bags).
The results just dropped in Lancet Oncology today.
STAR-TREC participants avoided surgery 1st year
Rectal cancer affects thousands every year, and surgery can be life-changing.
In the STAR-TREC trial, four out of five people who got the treatment avoided surgery in their first year.
One participant, Hugh Chown, said side effects were manageable and he didn't need an operation.
Researchers are hopeful this could mean fewer complications for future patients, with final results expected next year.