Two-Year Outcomes after Direct-to-Surgery in Good Prognosis Margin-Clear Stage II or III Rectal Cancer: The QuickSilver Study.
Ann Surg OncolJun 17, 2026 (epub)
Erin D Kennedy, Marko Simunovic, Selina Schmocker et al.
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In 30 seconds
The QuickSilver Study, a phase II multicenter trial, evaluated 2-year oncologic outcomes in 139 patients with margin-clear Stage II or III rectal cancer who underwent direct low anterior resection without neoadjuvant therapy. The study found a local recurrence rate of 1%, disease-free survival of 85%, and overall survival of 99%.
Key findings
- Local recurrence rate was 1% (95% CI 0-6.8) at 2 years.
- Disease-free survival was 85% (95% CI 75.3-92.0) at 2 years.
- Overall survival was 99% (95% CI 93.2-100) at 2 years.
- Only 8% of patients received adjuvant radiotherapy.
Why it matters
This study suggests that selected patients with margin-clear Stage II or III rectal cancer may safely proceed directly to surgery, potentially reducing the need for neoadjuvant therapies and their associated side effects.