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Abstract #0340

Can DCE-MRI Predict Pathological Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy in Rectal Cancer Patients? Initial Observations in 38 Patients

Giuseppe Petralia1, Paul Summers1, Stefano Viotti2, Luke Bonello2, Moreno Pasin1, Maria Giulia Zampino3, Maria Cristina Leonardi4, Laura Travaini5, Valeria Panebianco6, Massimo Bellomi1,2

1Radiology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy; 2School of Radiology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; 3Medical Care Unit, Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy; 4Radiotherapy, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy; 5Nuclear Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy; 6Radiological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy


Better long-term outcome is reported for rectal cancer patients who achieve pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NACRT). Minimalist approaches are a reasonable alternative to radical surgery in such patients, with equivalent outcomes. Conventional T2-weighted MRI is not predictive of pCR, whilst DCE-MRI has shown potential for predicting therapy outcome. 34 patients underwent DCE-MRI before and after NACRT.