Rectal Cancer (IMAGE) Brown University Caption Only 60 percent of rectal cancer patients comply with chemotherapy after surgery. More patients complied and got the full benefit of chemotherapy when they received it first. For 13 patients in the study, the tumor (left) had disappeared when it was time for surgery. Credit CONTRE Trial/Lifespan/Brown University Usage Restrictions with credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.