Current evidence on the management of re-recurrent rectal cancer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Re-recurrent rectal cancer (RRRC) represents a highly complex disease following curative-intent treatment of recurrent rectal cancer (RRC). While management principles for primary and locally recurrent rectal cancer (RRC) have been defined by expert collaborations, no specific guidelines currently outline the perioperative management of RRRC. This systematic review aimed to appraise the reported perioperative strategies and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing curative-intent treatment for RRRC.

METHODS

Eligibility criteria, Studies reporting perioperative management and outcomes of adult patients undergoing curative-intent treatment for RRRC were included. Non-English articles, letters, abstracts, and studies lacking surgical or oncological data were excluded. Information sources, The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251244390). MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for relevant articles. Risk of bias, Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Synthesis of results, Given heterogeneity in treatment strategies and outcome reporting, results were synthesized narratively.

RESULTS

Included studies, Three retrospective cohort studies comprising 169 patients treated with curative intent surgery for RRRC were included. Synthesis of results, Neoadjuvant therapy was administered in 20-92% of included patients, depending on the previous cumulative radiation dose. Pelvic exenteration was frequently required, with total exenteration performed in 6-20% and sacrectomy in up to 15% of cases; reconstructive procedures were reported in less than 16%. IORT was used in 44-77% of patients in centers where it was available. R0 resection rates ranged from 33% to 62%, with oncological outcomes directly associated with margin status.

DISCUSSION: Limitations of evidence, Evidence was limited to retrospective observational studies with small sample sizes, heterogeneous management, and varied institutional resources, precluding meta-analysis. Interpretation, Curative-intent surgery for RRRC is feasible in highly selected patients, with R0 being the principal prognostic determinant of oncological outcome. However, significant variability in perioperative pathways, margin definition, MRI-based classification, and reconstructive strategies underlines the necessity for the development of standardized, consensus-based recommendations to optimize multidisciplinary treatment.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251244390, identifier CRD420251244390.