AUG 10, 2026 · REVIEW
Neoadjuvant Radiation Versus Upfront Surgery for Upper Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Evidence
Journal of Surgical Research
A rigorous meta-analysis of 13 studies (including 3 RCTs) with clear primary outcomes and adequate pooling; no overall survival benefit but significant local recurrence reduction supports selective rather than routine use in upper rectal cancer.
Reported
Overall survival risk ratio0.92
Overall survival 95% CI0.83–1.02
Local recurrence risk ratio0.63