Publication Name	World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
Manuscript ID	107831
Country	Spain

Category	Surgery
Manuscript Type	Review
Article Title	Watch and wait in locally advanced rectal cancer: Evolution, current evidence, and future directions
Manuscript Source	Invited Manuscript
All Author List	Andrés García-Fernández, Pilar del Pozo-Elso, Arantxa Villadóniga-Sánchez, Raquel Martínez and Miguel Suarez
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Andrés García-Fernández, MD, Department of General Surgery, Virgen de la Luz Hospital, Calle Hermandad de Donantes de Sangre, 1, Cuenca 16002, Castille-La Mancha, Spain. angarciafernandez@sescam.jccm.es
Key Words	Locally advanced rectal cancer; Watch and wait; Total neoadjuvant therapy; Organ preserving therapy; Target tailored therapy
Core Tip	The management of locally advanced rectal cancer has undergone major advancements, shifting toward more personalized and less invasive strategies. This review explores key innovations, including the watch and wait approach for clinical complete responders, the total neoadjuvant therapy paradigm, and the expansion of minimally invasive surgical techniques. Additionally, targeted therapies and immunotherapy are emerging as promising options. These advancements aim to improve survival while preserving organ function and minimizing morbidity. Future research should focus on optimizing patient selection and long-term outcomes, ensuring that novel therapeutic strategies continue to enhance cancer care.
Citation	García-Fernández A, del Pozo-Elso P, Villadóniga-Sánchez A, Martínez R, Suarez M. Watch and wait in locally advanced rectal cancer: Evolution, current evidence, and future directions. World J Gastrointest Surg 2025; In press

Received	2025-03-31 08:24
Peer-Review Started	2025-03-31 08:24
To Make the First Decision
Return for Revision	2025-04-28 09:05
Revised	2025-05-11 16:30
Second Decision	2025-07-11 02:42
Accepted by Journal Editor-in-Chief
Accepted by Executive Editor-in-Chief	2025-07-11 07:52
Articles in Press	2025-07-11 07:52
Publication Fee Transferred
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1948-9366 (online)
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