Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with rectal cancer accounting for approximately one-third of these cases, making it one of the most prevalent forms of colorectal cancer globally [1]. Notably, up to 70 % of rectal cancer patients present with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) (≥T3 or N+) at diagnosis due to its subtle early symptoms [2]. The high risk of postoperative local recurrence and distant metastasis, pa…