RESUMO
In recent years, multidisciplinary therapeutic management of rectal cancer has evolved. This progress had interest radio and chemotherapy. Aim: To describe the main spots of the progress in the therapeutic strategies of the disease, surgical techniques and standardization of these techniques, particularly regarding locoregional extension in the mesorectum. Literature review. Treatment of rectal cancer is multidisciplinary. On the surgical field, excision of the mesorectum [total mesorectal excision [TME]] has reduced local recurrence and the genitourinary sequelae. Meanwhile, chemoradiotherapy has become important. The standard now is to indicate to T3 T4 N+ tumors to decrease local recurrence without improving survival, however. Advances in the management of rectal cancer with both imaging progress and therapeutic modalities have improved the prognosis and survival of this cancer