Nancy N. Baxter, MD, PhD, Editor

Marcus J. Burnstein, MD, Editor

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  Is the sharp, precision dissection that is so critical and technically challenging in achieving an R0 resection for rectal cancer just as critical for colon cancer?

  
  
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  Do the higher local and distant recurrence rates following APR for rectal cancer indicate different biology in the distal rectum, or is this a technical problem that is overcome by an extralevator approach to the perineal dissection?

  
  
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  What local imaging of rectal cancer is optimal for selection of appropriate preoperative and operative management?

  
  
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  Will MRI fulfill the promise of allowing us to develop a more selective approach to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy?

  
  
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  How should we manage the rectal cancer patient who has a complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy?

  
  
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  Can we do better in the secondary prevention of colorectal cancer?

  
  
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  Can we do better in the management of stage 4 disease?

  
  
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  How well are we delivering and ensuring a high quality of care for all patients with colorectal cancer?

  
  
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  Is there anything left to prove in laparoscopic resection for colon and rectal cancer?

  
  
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  What is the current state of adjuvant chemotherapy?

  
  
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  Can we improve the quality of life for patients who survive their treatment for colorectal cancer?

We wanted answers to these questions, and we have collected our most knowledgeable and clear-thinking colleagues to provide them, or at least, to review the current, best evidence. They have done an excellent job and we are confident you will agree.