Objectives: This study evaluates MRI-based morphological features as predictors of long-term clinical outcomes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 134 patients treated between 2014 and 2024. Patients underwent dose-intensified radiotherapy (55 Gy) with concurrent capecitabine followed by surgery. Radiological features analyzed on pre- and post-CRT MRI included Tumor Extension Beyond Muscularis Propria (TEMP), Circumferential Resection Margin (CRM), Extramural Venous Invasion (EMVI), and Lateral Lymph Nodes (LLN). Results: Five-year Overall Survival (OS), Disease-Free Survival (DFS), and Local Control (LC) rates were 85%, 83%, and 88%, respectively. Patients with TEMP > 5 mm had significantly worse LC (p = 0.02) and DFS (p = 0.04). A positive CRM (<1 mm) significantly correlated with reduced DFS (p = 0.04). The presence of EMVI was associated with significantly lower LC (p = 0.01). Additionally, persistent pathological LLN after treatment significantly impacted LC (p = 0.04). Conclusions: MRI morphological features such as TEMP > 5 mm, CRM < 1 mm, EMVI, and pathological LLN are significant predictors of worse oncological outcomes. Identifying these imaging biomarkers allows for better risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies in LARC.
MRI-Based Morphological Features as Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: Insights from a Single-Institution Experience
Lucarelli M.;Rosa C.;Di Tommaso M.;Augurio A.;Nuzzo M.;Taraborrelli M.;Trignani M.;Vinciguerra A.;Delli Pizzi A.;Di Nicola M.;Genovesi D.;D'Aviero A.
2026-01-01
Abstract
Objectives: This study evaluates MRI-based morphological features as predictors of long-term clinical outcomes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 134 patients treated between 2014 and 2024. Patients underwent dose-intensified radiotherapy (55 Gy) with concurrent capecitabine followed by surgery. Radiological features analyzed on pre- and post-CRT MRI included Tumor Extension Beyond Muscularis Propria (TEMP), Circumferential Resection Margin (CRM), Extramural Venous Invasion (EMVI), and Lateral Lymph Nodes (LLN). Results: Five-year Overall Survival (OS), Disease-Free Survival (DFS), and Local Control (LC) rates were 85%, 83%, and 88%, respectively. Patients with TEMP > 5 mm had significantly worse LC (p = 0.02) and DFS (p = 0.04). A positive CRM (<1 mm) significantly correlated with reduced DFS (p = 0.04). The presence of EMVI was associated with significantly lower LC (p = 0.01). Additionally, persistent pathological LLN after treatment significantly impacted LC (p = 0.04). Conclusions: MRI morphological features such as TEMP > 5 mm, CRM < 1 mm, EMVI, and pathological LLN are significant predictors of worse oncological outcomes. Identifying these imaging biomarkers allows for better risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies in LARC.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
