The reduction ratio of pre- to post-CRT s-CEA concentration may be an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival following preoperative CRT and surgery in rectal cancer patients with initial s-CEA>6 ng/mL.

The incidences of symptomatic DVT and PE were found to be not low in Asian colorectal cancer surgery patients compared with Western countries. The risk factors for VTE were a history of VTE, pre-existing cardiovascular disease, postoperative complications, advanced cancer stage, and postoperative immobilization. Thromboprophylaxis should be strongly considered in patients with these characteristics. Large prospective randomized controlled trials should be conducted to further evaluate the risk of VTE in Asian patients, and to determine the optimal prophylaxis.