Challenges in rectal cancer MRI: from image acquisition to interpretation

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Accurate locoregional staging of rectal cancer is essential for treatment decisions, including neoadjuvant therapy and surgical approach.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for rectal cancer staging and plays a role in surveillance after total neoadjuvant therapy.
• Current practices in rectal MRI acquisition and interpretation vary, despite existing guidelines, indicating a need for standardization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review optimal techniques for acquiring diagnostic quality rectal MRI.
• To address existing challenges and unmet needs in both the acquisition and interpretation of rectal MRI examinations.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of rectal MRI for oncologic staging.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and guidelines on rectal MRI acquisition and interpretation.
• Discussion of technical aspects of MRI scanning for rectal cancer.
• Analysis of common challenges and potential solutions in image interpretation.

Main Results:

• Optimal MRI acquisition techniques are detailed to ensure diagnostic quality.
• Key challenges in MRI acquisition, such as artifacts and patient preparation, are discussed.
• Common interpretation pitfalls and areas for improvement in image analysis are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Standardizing rectal MRI acquisition and interpretation is vital for improving patient outcomes.
• Addressing current challenges can enhance the accuracy and reliability of MRI in rectal cancer staging.
• Further research and education are needed to optimize rectal MRI practices across institutions.