Whether patients with rectal cancer need chemotherapy after surgery is usually determined by the severity of the disease and the patient's physical condition.
If the patient is in good physical condition and the tumor is less malignant, chemotherapy is generally not required. However, if the patient's physical condition is poor and the tumor is highly malignant, chemotherapy may be necessary.
1. Not needed: Patients with early-stage rectal cancer usually do not need chemotherapy after surgery, as the cancer cells have not yet spread or metastasized. After radical surgical removal of the lesion, the purpose of cure can be achieved. Such patients only need regular follow-up after surgery.
2. Needed: For patients with intermediate or advanced rectal cancer, chemotherapy drugs such as gemcitabine hydrochloride injection and paclitaxel injection need to be used after surgery to prevent cancer cell recurrence or metastasis. At the same time, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and other methods may also be used to improve symptoms. It is recommended that patients after rectal cancer surgery should rest adequately, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain a balanced diet with protein-rich foods such as eggs and milk to enhance resistance. If any significant discomfort occurs during this period, medical attention should be sought promptly to avoid delaying treatment.
