Objective: To assess the value of neoadjuvant therapy for resectable rectal cancer and the impact on postoperative complications.
Methods: Literature search was performed in PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Springer-Link and Elsevier ScienceDirect for randomized controlled trials published before May 2010 that compared neoadjuvant therapy with surgery alone or postoperative adjuvant therapy. The computer search was supplemented with hand search of reference lists for available primary studies. Inclusion criteria and quality assessment were performed.
Results: Eleven studies including 7407 patients were enrolled for analysis. Neoadjuvant therapy group had significant advantages in local recurrence (OR=0.43, 95%CI:0.37-0.50, P<0.01), distant recurrence (OR=0.85, 95%CI:0.76-0.95, P<0.01), 5-year overall survival (RR=1.15, 95%CI:1.04-1.28, P<0.01), and sphincter-saving surgery (RR=1.48, 95%CI:1.17-1.87, P<0.01). There were no significant difference in postoperative mortality rate(OR=1.20, 95%CI:0.68-2.13, P=0.53) and anastomotic complications (OR=1.04, 95%CI:0.73-1.48, P=0.84).
Conclusion: Neoadjuvant therapy improves local control, distant recurrence and long-term survival without increasing postoperative complications.