Structured and shared MRI staging lexicon and report of rectal cancer: A consensus proposal by the French Radiology Group (GRERCAR) and Surgical Group (GRECCAR) for rectal cancer

Background Staging of rectal cancer with MRI has major impact on treatment choice and may be of importance in new cancer management strategies such as “wait-and-see” policy. Purpose To assess the reproducibility of a software package recently developed at our department to measure volumes, apparent diffusion coefficient, and the skewness of apparent diffusion coefficient in lymph nodes and tumors in rectal cancer patients before and after chemoradiation treatment. Material and Methods This study included 20 consecutive patients with biopsy-verified rectal cancer, in whom MRI staging had been performed both before and after chemoradiation treatment. The diffusion-weighted images were transferred to the software. The volume, apparent diffusion coefficient, and skewness were determined for 93 lymph nodes and 40 tumors. The volumes were compared with manual measurements of the volume of the same lymph nodes and tumors. Results The agreement in semi-automatic measurements of lymph nodes was very good (ICC = 0.99), and in tumors good (ICC = 0.88). The agreement in manual measurements of lymph nodes was very good (ICC = 0.95) when all lymph nodes were included, but low (ICC = 0.52) if three outliers were excluded. Bland–Altman plots showed clear agreement between manual and semi-automatic measurements in the lymph nodes, but not in measurements of tumors. The values of apparent diffusion coefficient and skewness in tumors differed before and after treatment but did not differ in lymph nodes as a group. Conclusion The software package showed a high degree of reproducibility in measurements on lymph nodes but requires further development to improve the reproducibility of tumor measurements.

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cT3N0 rectal cancer: Potential overtreatment with preoperative chemoradiation (CRT) is warranted

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.3568 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽

pp. 3568-3568

Author(s):

J. G. Guillem ◽

J. Diaz-Gonzalez ◽

B. Minsky ◽

M. Rodriguez-Bigas ◽

S. Jeong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Anal Verge ◽

Pathologic Complete Response ◽

Radical Resection ◽

Complete Response ◽

Median Number ◽

Mri Staging ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Us ◽

To Receive

3568 Background: Although CRT has emerged as the preferred treatment for T3 and/or lymph node (LN) positive rectal cancer, Sauer et al (NEJM 2004) demonstrated that 18% of patients deemed suitable for preop CRT via endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) were overstaged and therefore received unnecessary preoperative CRT. Since data also suggest that LN negative rectal cancer s/p TME may not need adjuvant therapy, it is reasonable to consider the omission of radiotherapy for the cT3N0 subset. We therefore determined the accuracy of pre-CRT ERUS/MRI staging in order to explore the validity of a non-radiation approach for cT3N0 disease. Methods: 188 ERUS/MRI staged T3N0 rectal cancer patients from 6 insitutions in the US, Europe and Asia received preoperative CRT (5-FU based and 45–52.5 Gy) followed by radical resection. Rates of pathologic complete response (pCR) and mesorectal LN involvement were determined. Results: Tumors were located a median of 5 centimeters from the anal verge. Sphincter-preserving surgery was performed in 135 (81%) patients. Overall pCR was 19%. Median number of LN sampled was 9 (range 0–38). Rate of positive LN was significantly associated with T-stage: pT0: 3%, pT1: 7%, pT2: 20%, pT3–4: 36%(p=0.001). 41 patients (22%) had pathologically positive mesorectal LN. There was no significant difference in rate of positive LN between those staged by ERUS and MRI(25% vs 16%, p=0.19). Conclusions: Accuracy of preoperative ERUS/MRI for identifying mid to distal T3N0 rectal cancer is limited, as 22% will have undetected mesorectal LN involvement despite CRT. Therefore, ERUS/MRI staged T3N0 patients should continue to receive preoperative CRT. Although 19% are overstaged and therefore overtreated, our data suggest that an even larger number would be understaged and require postoperative CRT, which is associated with inferior local control, higher toxicity, and poor functional outcome. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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Organ preservation in rectal cancer patients treated with total neoadjuvant therapy.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2019.37.4_suppl.692 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (4_suppl) ◽

pp. 692-692

Author(s):

Rosa Maria Jimenez-Rodriguez ◽

Felipe Fernando Quezada-Diaz ◽

Irbaz Hameed ◽

Sujata Patil ◽

Jesse Joshua Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Neoadjuvant Therapy ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Rectal Adenocarcinoma ◽

Case Series ◽

Complete Response ◽

Stage Ii ◽

Clinical Complete Response ◽

Mri Staging ◽

Total Neoadjuvant Therapy

692 Background: Retrospective case series suggest that watch-and-wait (WW) is a safe alternative to total mesorectal excision (TME) in selected patients with a clinical complete response (cCR) after chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Because treatment strategies vary widely and total numbers of patients treated at different institutions have not been reported, the proportion of rectal cancer patients who can potentially benefit from WW is not known. Here, we report the results of a treatment strategy incorporating WW in a cohort of rectal cancer patients treated with total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). Methods: Consecutive patients with stage II/III (MRI staging) rectal adenocarcinoma treated with TNT from 2012 to 2017 by a single surgeon were included. TNT consisted of mFOLFOX6 (8 cycles) or CapeOX (5 cycles) either before or after CRT (5600 cGy in 28 fractions with sensitizing fluorouracil or capecitabine). Tumor response was assessed with a digital rectal exam, endoscopy, and MRI according to predefined criteria. Patients with a cCR were offered WW, and patients with residual tumor were offered TME. WW and TME patients were compared based on intention to treat, using the chi-square or rank sum test. Relapse-free survival (RFS) was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: A total of 109 patients were identified. One patient died during CRT. Of the 108 patients, 64 (59%) had an incomplete clinical response; 4 of the 64 patients declined surgery or had local excision, and 60 underwent TME. The remaining 44 patients (41%) had a cCR and underwent WW. On average, patients in the WW group were older and had smaller, more distal tumors. Median radiation dose, number of chemotherapy cycles, number ofadverse events, or length of follow-up (28 months) did not differ between the TME and WW groups. Five (11%) of the 44 WW patients had local tumor regrowth, at a median of 14 (4–25) months after TNT; 2 of the 5 also had distant metastasis. Six (10%) of the 60 TME patients had a pathological complete response. RFS did not differ between the TME and WW groups (log rank P= 0.09). Conclusions: Approximately 40% of patients with stage II/III rectal cancer treated with TNT achieve a clinical complete response and can benefit from a WW approach with the aim of preserving the rectum.

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Locally advanced rectal cancer: The value of magnetic resonance imaging as a predictive tool.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2013.31.15_suppl.e14666 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e14666-e14666

Author(s):

Louise Catherine Connell ◽

Charlotte Stuart ◽

Norma Daly ◽

Brian Mehigan ◽

M. John Kennedy

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Rectal Cancer ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Locally Advanced ◽

Stage I ◽

Pathology Report ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Predictive Tool ◽

Curative Intent ◽

Mri Staging

e14666 Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of pelvis stratifies patients (pts) with rectal cancer (ca) according to locally advanced disease (dx) & risk of local recurrence. By determining the extent of lymph node (LN) positivity, it enables the appropriate selection of pts for neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) prior to curative surgical resection (Sx). We assessed our institution’s experience of NAT versus upfront Sx in stage I-III rectal ca to ascertain the utility of MRI as a predictive tool in LN status evaluation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database for all pts with a diagnosis of stage I-III rectal ca from January 2006 to September 2012 in a specialist colorectal cancer centre. We analysed data with respect to preoperative MRI staging & definitive histopathological confirmation of LN stage. Results: A total of 210 pts were identified that had Sx for rectal ca with curative intent. Of these, 112 pts received NAT while 98 had upfront Sx. Of those who proceeded directly to Sx, there were 41 females & 57 males. Average age in this group was 73.4 years (range 33 -90). LN staging by MRI was accurate in 45.9% (n=45). LN status could not be evaluated (Nx) in 17.3% (n=17). In 19.4% (n=19) more advanced LN staging was apparent on histology while in 17.3% (n=17) LN stage was deemed more aggressive by MRI. Of those who had NAT, there were 75 males & 37 females. Average age was 62.3 years (range 26-82). In this cohort, 81.3% (n=91) had both a preoperative MRI & pathology report available for comparison. MRI in this group matched histology in 61.5% (n=56). Nx was recorded in 3.3 % (n=3). In 17.6% (n=16) more aggressive LN involvement was evident at histology while 17.6% (n= 16) had less advanced dx at tissue sampling. Overall in this study, MRI accurately predicted LN status in 53.4% (n=101). Conclusions: While MRI is a valuable tool in determining those pts with rectal ca that would benefit from NAT, its predictive value has limitations. With further analysis of the dataset at our institution, we aim to identify other factors involved & create a predictive nomogram for the rectal ca pt with locally advanced dx. We plan to validate this work by including data from other Irish cancer centres.

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Evolution in multimodality management of locally advanced rectal cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2017.35.4_suppl.684 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (4_suppl) ◽

pp. 684-684 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Campbell SD Roxburgh ◽

Paul Strombom ◽

Patricio B Lynn ◽

Andrea Cercek ◽

Leonard Saltz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Anal Verge ◽

Locally Advanced ◽

Surgical Site Infections ◽

High Volume ◽

Response Rates ◽

Advanced Rectal Cancer ◽

Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer ◽

Perioperative Outcomes ◽

Mri Staging

684 Background: This study reports the evolving multimodality management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and associated outcomes at a high volume center. Methods: Patients with Stage II/III LARC <15cm from the anal verge evaluated by the colorectal surgery service were identified from a prospective database. Clinical management including neoadjuvant therapy (NT) and surgical treatment along with pathologic and perioperative outcomes were collected. Results: Between June 2009 and March 2015, 798 patients were evaluated and received NT for LARC. Majority were staged cT3/T4 (84%) or cN+ (78%), and 635 had surgery within 26wks following NT. Reliance on MRI staging increased from 57% to 98% during the study period (P < 0.001). There was increased usage of total NT (NEO) with pre-op chemotherapy (CT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) (17% to 76%, p < 0.001) with a concomitant decrease in use of CRT alone (77% to 16%, p < 0.001) and post-op CT (70% to 15%, p < 0.001). The proportion undergoing surgery beyond 8wks after NT rose from 41% to 62% (P < 0.001) and beyond 8 wks after CRT rose from 45% to 72% (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients not undergoing resection by 26wks (nonoperative management) rose from 12% to 27%, P < 0.001). Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) increased from 33% to 71% (P < 0.001); in 2014-15 98% of MIS was robot-assisted. Over the study period there was a decrease in LOS (mean 8.1 to 6.5 days, p < 0.001), grade III-V complications (13% to 7%, p < 0.05), surgical site infections (25% to 8%, p < 0.001), and anastomotic leak (11% to 3%, p < 0.05). The proportion undergoing ileostomy closure within 15 wks rose from 7% to 73% (P < 0.001). Involved CRM rates decreased from 9% to 3% (P < 0.01). TNM downstaging increased from 62% to 74% (p = 0.002). Complete response rates (clinical and pathologic) at 26wks was 26% in 2009-10 and 32% in 2014/5 (p = 0.067). Conclusions: Over the past decade, there has been a shift to MRI staging, total NT (NEO), and MIS rectal resection at 8-12 weeks. This has been associated with higher response rates, shorter LOS, and fewer complications.

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Rectal cancer staging using MRI: adherence in reporting to evidence-based practice

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.1177/0284185120906663 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 61 (11) ◽

pp. 1463-1472

Author(s):

Gustav Alvfeldt ◽

Peter Aspelin ◽

Lennart Blomqvist ◽

Nina Sellberg

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

Evidence Based Practice ◽

Imaging Modality ◽

Anal Verge ◽

Cancer Staging ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Mri Staging ◽

Line Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Local Lymph Node

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the first-line imaging modality for local staging of rectal cancer. The radiology report should deliver all relevant available imaging information to guide treatment. Purpose To explore and describe if there was a gap between the contents in MRI reports for primary staging of rectal cancer in Sweden in 2010 compared to evidence-based practice. Material and Methods A total of 243 primary MRI staging reports from 2010, collected from 10 hospitals in four healthcare regions in Sweden, were analyzed using content analysis with a deductive thematic coding scheme based on evidence-based practice. Focus was on: (i) most frequently reported findings; (ii) correlation to key prognostic findings; and (iii) identifying if any findings being reported were beyond the information defined in evidence-based practice. Results Most frequently reported findings were spread through the bowel wall or not, local lymph node description, tumor length, and distance of tumor from anal verge. These items accounted for 35% of the reporting content. Of all reported content, 86% correlated with the evidence-based practice. However, these included more information than was generally found in the reports. When adjusting for omitted information, 48% of the reported content were accounted for. Of the reported content, 20% correlated to key pathological prognostic findings. Six types of findings were reported beyond the evidence-based practice, representing 14% of the total reporting content. Conclusion There was a gap between everyday practice and evidence-based practice in 2010. This indicates a need for national harmonization and implementation of standardized structured reporting templates.

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Evolutions in rectal cancer MRI staging and risk stratification in The Netherlands

Abdominal Radiology ◽

10.1007/s00261-021-03281-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nino Bogveradze ◽

Najim el Khababi ◽

Niels W. Schurink ◽

Joost J. M. van Griethuysen ◽

Shira de Bie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rectal Cancer ◽

High Risk ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Risk Stratification ◽

Risk Classification ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

Free Text ◽

Mri Staging ◽

Radiological Staging ◽

Completeness Of Reporting

Abstract Purpose To analyze how the MRI reporting of rectal cancer has evolved (following guideline updates) in The Netherlands. Methods Retrospective analysis of 712 patients (2011–2018) from 8 teaching hospitals in The Netherlands with available original radiological staging reports that were re-evaluated by a dedicated MR expert using updated guideline criteria. Original reports were classified as “free-text,” “semi-structured,” or “template” and completeness of reporting was documented. Patients were categorized as low versus high risk, first based on the original reports (high risk = cT3-4, cN+, and/or cMRF+) and then based on the expert re-evaluations (high risk = cT3cd-4, cN+, MRF+, and/or EMVI+). Evolutions over time were studied by splitting the inclusion period in 3 equal time periods. Results A significant increase in template reporting was observed (from 1.6 to 17.6–29.6%; p < 0.001), along with a significant increase in the reporting of cT-substage, number of N+ and extramesorectal nodes, MRF invasion and tumor-MRF distance, EMVI, anal sphincter involvement, and tumor morphology and circumference. Expert re-evaluation changed the risk classification from high to low risk in 18.0% of cases and from low to high risk in 1.7% (total 19.7%). In the majority (17.9%) of these cases, the changed risk classification was likely (at least in part) related to use of updated guideline criteria, which mainly led to a reduction in high-risk cT-stage and nodal downstaging. Conclusion Updated concepts of risk stratification have increasingly been adopted, accompanied by an increase in template reporting and improved completeness of reporting. Use of updated guideline criteria resulted in considerable downstaging (of mainly high-risk cT-stage and nodal stage). Graphic abstract

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