Dr. Rodrigo Perez

Organ-preservation with Watch & Wait in Rectal Cancer Patients

Dr. Perez graduated from the University of São Paulo School of Medicine (1993-1998) where he completed his surgical training under the supervision of Prof. Angelita Habr-Gama (1999-2003). In 2002 he was a Visiting Research Fellow at USC under the supervision of Dr. Robert Beart. He obtained his PhD in 2006 in studying potential molecular targets for gene therapy in rectal cancer. After joining the Angelita & Joaquim Gama Institute in 2004, Dr. Perez has concentrated his clinical and research activity on the management of rectal cancer. From 2010 to 2014, Dr. Perez was a Post-Doctoral fellow at the University of São Paulo in the use of molecular imaging (PET/CT) for rectal cancer. In 2014 and 2018, Dr. Perez was awarded the Young Research Fund  (FAPESP) to study molecular mechanisms associated with resistance/sensitivity of rectal cancers to chemoradiation. In 2020, he became director of the Colorectal Surgery Division at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz and runs multiple surgical educational activities funded by the medical industry. Currently, he serves on the editorial board of multiple scientific surgical and oncology journals and has contributed to numerous (>180) publications in the field. Since 2024 Dr. Perez has become Editor in Chief of the journal  Techniques in Coloproctology.

Innovations in Multimodal and Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Lower Rectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer remains the third most common cancer diagnosed globally, with approximately 30% classified as lower rectal cancer. In this context, Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT) has emerged as a promising strategy for managing locally advanced rectal cancer. This approach combines radiotherapy and chemotherapy prior to surgery, demonstrating improved treatment outcomes. This event will explore the current status and future directions of TNT clinical trials across various countries, along with institutional strategies for adopting TNT. Additionally, we will discuss effective surgical management following preoperative therapy, emphasizing the safe and appropriate use of medical devices.

With Johnson & Johnson MedTech

Rectal Cancer – Watch & Wait Complete Clinical Response

Rectal Cancer has always been considered a surgical condition. From the Miles procedure to the new, minimally invasive techniques, like TaTME, the focus was to obtain the best surgical resection possible, which, combined with neoadjuvant treatment (radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy), allows for a reduction of local recurrence. Nevertheless, proctectomy is not an innocuous procedure and may lead to significant complications: long-term urinary and sexual dysfunction, fecal incontinence, low anterior resection syndrome and the need for a temporary or a definitive stoma. To overcome these possible complications, research has been done into organ-preserving strategies. The Watch & Wait strategy emerged from these premises. The possibility to use Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy as a definitive treatment was first explored by Professor Angelita Habr-Gama, and has been increasingly used all over the World. In this lecture, Dr. Rodrigo O Perez, one of the leading experts in this approach, discusses the criteria for complete clinical response and how to assess it.

Multidisciplinary Decision-Making In Rectal Cancer

In this event we want to highlight the decision-making process behind the treatment strategy chosen for each of our patients. Pathologists, radiologists, oncologists., and surgeons from all over the world will be coming together to discuss the best available options, the ideal path to follow, and the need for supplemental treatment.

With Johnson & Johnson MedTech