Immunotherapy Horizons in Rectal Cancer: Biomarkers, Organ Preservation and Surgical Nuances

Rectal cancer management is being redefined. Landmark data on PD-1 blockade in mismatch repair–deficient locally advanced rectal cancer have moved immunotherapy to the centre of neoadjuvant strategy and opened a real path toward organ preservation. In Episode 2 of Immunotherapy Horizons in Colorectal Cancer, chaired by Prof. Antonino Spinelli, a multidisciplinary faculty translates this evidence into daily practice. Dr. Guillermo Argiles reviews biomarker-driven approaches beyond standard protocols; Prof. Attila Kovács addresses non-surgical management in the era of systemic immunotherapy; Dr. Delia Cortés Guiral presents a surgical video on the technical nuances of minimally invasive rectal resection in patients previously treated with immunotherapy; and Dr. Juan Carlos Pernas maps the radiological challenges of response assessment and organ preservation. A closing panel moderated by Prof. Spinelli brings the four perspectives together around one practical question: when is clinical complete response a safe endpoint, and when does surgery remain the answer?

PROGRAM:

Clinical Background

1. Welcome & Introduction – Dr. Antonino Spinelli (Italy)

2. Biomarker-Driven Approaches in Rectal Cancer: Beyond Standard Protocols – Dr. Guillermo Argiles (USA)

3. Non-surgical management in the era of systemic immunotherapy – Dr. Attila Kovacs (Country)

4. Surgical Video: Technical Nuances of Minimally Invasive Rectal Resection in Immunotherapy Patients – Dr. Delia Cortés (Spain)

5. The Radiologist’s Map: Navigating Response Assessment and Organ Preservation Challenges – Dr. JC Pernas

6. Panel Discussion & Closing Remarks – Moderated by Dr. Antonino Spinelli (Italy)