Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

This chapter will give an overview of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities used in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) staging with an emphasis on the role of MRI and its significance for planning an effective therapeutic strategy for the individual patient. Specifically, the aim of this chapter is to present a brief review about: 1. Methodologies of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in LARC staging a. Morphologic MRI b. Functional MRI i. Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) ii. Diffusion Weighted MRI (DW-MRI) 2. The role of MRI in diagnosis, staging, evaluation of response of neoadjuvant treatment, follow-up post surgery. This chapter will be organised in the following sections. First, in order to better define the role of MRI in LARC management, we will briefly describe the epidemiological scenario and therapeutic options, with an emphasis on issues in which MRI is relevant. Second, we will describe morphologic and functional MRI including DCE-MRI and DW-MRI. Finally, a systematic review of the literature concerning MRI, CT and PET for LARC management will be presented.