Purpose: To develop guidelines by international experts to standardize data acquisition, image interpretation, and reporting in rectal cancer restaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Materials and methods: Evidence-based data and experts' opinions were combined using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method to attain consensus guidelines. Experts provided recommendations for reporting template and protocol for data acquisition were collected; responses were analysed and classified as "RECOMMENDED" versus "NOT RECOMMENDED" (if ≥ 80% consensus among experts) or uncertain (if < 80% consensus among experts).
Results: Consensus regarding patient preparation, MRI sequences, staging and reporting was attained using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method. A consensus was reached for each reporting template item among the experts. Tailored MRI protocol and standardized report were proposed.
Conclusion: These consensus recommendations should be used as a guide for rectal cancer restaging with MRI.
Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Neoadjuvant therapy; Re-staging; Rectal neoplasms; “Watch-and-wait”.
Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.