Is tumor deposit (N1c) alone an indication for adjuvant chemoRT for rectal cancer that did not receive neoadjuvant therapy?  

Some patients such as this were undoubtedly included in the early rectal cancer trials [GITSG and Mayo North Central (NCCTG)] that established the role of post-operative chemoradiation for stage II and III rectal cancer. However, accrual numbers were too small for stratification of TN subsets and it...

First, I think it helps to revisit the definition of what is considered a tumor deposit. The definition of a tumor deposit has evolved over the years in AJCC staging until the current definition first introduced in the 7th edition as “discrete foci of tumor found in the pericolic or perirectal...