Rectal cancer is a malignancy arising in the cells lining the rectum, the terminal segment of the large intestine. Most cases are adenocarcinomas that develop from glandular epithelium, typically progressing through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in which benign polyps acquire successive genetic and epigenetic alter…
Rectal cancer is a malignancy arising in the cells lining the rectum, the terminal segment of the large intestine. Most cases are adenocarcinomas that develop from glandular epithelium, typically progressing through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in which benign polyps acquire successive genetic and epigenetic alterations and evolve into invasive cancer; serrated lesions represent an alternative pathway of colorectal carcinogenesis. As part of the colorectal cancer spectrum, rectal cancer shares risk factors and molecular features with colon cancer but differs in anatomical location, surgical approach, and the role of radiotherapy, owing to the rectum's confined position within the pelvis. Because early disease is often asymptomatic, screening and early detection are central to improving outcomes, and treatment commonly combines surgery with chemotherapy and radiation according to stage. Research relevant to this area examines molecular diagnostics for colorectal malignancy, including microRNA-based screening assays applied to stool, the role of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in chemoprevention, and the pathways underlying serrated and conventional carcinogenesis. It also encompasses surgical management of the lower gastrointestinal tract and the influence of nutrition and biological aging on cancer risk. Understanding the molecular pathogenesis, screening strategies, and stage-directed treatment of rectal cancer supports earlier diagnosis and more effective, organ-appropriate management of this common gastrointestinal malignancy.
9 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 9 articles above have been cited 37 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Rectal Cancer, linking to each citing work.