Although NAT down-stages rectal cancer, it results in a significantly low yield of lymph nodes, which are also significantly smaller than those in nonirradiated controls. Therefore, surgeons and histopathologists must ensure adequate sampling and accurate staging is done for patients with irradiated rectal cancer.

PRC and DRC differ in the rate of abdomino-perineal resection, post-operative urinary retention and local recurrence. Survival in both groups was similar.