Objective To summarize the application and advancement of neoadjuvant therapy combined with transanal resection in stage T2-3 rectal cancer. Methods Domestic and abroad publications on the studies of neoadjuvant therapy combined with transanal resection in stage T2-3 rectal cancer in recent years were collected and reviewed. Results In selected patients with stage T2-3 rectal cancer, neoadjuvant therapy combined with transanal resection was efficacious in sphincter preservation and complications prevention. Compared with modality without chemoradiation, the recurrence rate had decreased from 17%-62% to 0-20%. Conclusion Selected patients with stage T2-3 rectal cancer can benefit from neoadjuvant chemoradiation combined with transanal resection.