Copyright: ©Author(s) 2026. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. No commercial re-use. See permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
World J Gastrointest Surg. Aug 27, 2026; 18(8): 117559
Published online Aug 27, 2026. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.117559
Published online Aug 27, 2026. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.117559
Impact of target volume delineation accuracy on locoregional control and survival after postoperative radiotherapy for colorectal cancer
Yao Xing, Min Gu, Department of Radiation Oncology, Nantong First People’s Hospital (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University), Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, China
Author contributions: Xing Y and Gu M contributed to the study conception and design; Xing Y was responsible for data collection and analysis, as well as manuscript drafting; Gu M provided critical revision of the manuscript. Both authors approved the final version to be published and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Institutional review board statement: The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Nantong First People’s Hospital, No. 2025-kt402-01.
Informed consent statement: This study was retrospective in nature and involved the use of anonymized clinical data. The requirement for written informed consent was waived by the Medical Ethics Committee of Nantong First People’s Hospital.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Data sharing statement: No additional data are available.
Corresponding author: Yao Xing, Department of Radiation Oncology, Nantong First People’s Hospital (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University), No. 666 Shengli Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, China. 18756991625@163.com
Received: January 16, 2026
Revised: February 8, 2026
Accepted: April 1, 2026
Published online: August 27, 2026
Processing time: 211 Days and 23.2 Hours
Revised: February 8, 2026
Accepted: April 1, 2026
Published online: August 27, 2026
Processing time: 211 Days and 23.2 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Accurate target volume delineation is essential for effective postoperative radiotherapy in colorectal cancer. This study demonstrates that inaccurate target definition leads to markedly higher marginal and out-of-field recurrence, inferior disease-free and overall survival, and increased late intestinal toxicity. Target accuracy emerged as an independent prognostic factor comparable to nodal stage and margin status. These findings underscore the need for standardized delineation guidelines, multidisciplinary review, and advanced imaging integration to ensure optimal tumor coverage and minimize treatment failures.