Persistent extramural vascular invasion positivity on magnetic resonance imaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy predicts poor outcome in rectal cancer

Guner O. S. , Tumay L. V.

ASIAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY, vol.44, no.6, pp.841-847, 2021 (Journal Indexed in SCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 44 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2021.01.011
  • Title of Journal : ASIAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY
  • Page Numbers: pp.841-847

Abstract

Background: In rectal cancer, extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) is the presence of tumour cells in blood vessels outside the muscular layer, which is associated with poor prognosis. Regression of EMVI on MRI following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or its persistence may have prognostic implications. Methods: This retrospective study included 52 patients with rectal cancer who underwent total mesorectal excision following long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). EMVI assessments were done on previous pelvic MRIs obtained before neoadjuvant CRT and eight weeks after the completion of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in initially EMVI positive cases.