How Should Imaging Direct/Orient Management of Rectal Cancer?

Modern rectal cancer management is dependent on preoperative staging, and radiological assessment is a crucial part of this process. Imaging must provide sufficient information to guide preoperative decision-making that is reliable and reproducible. Different methods have been used for local staging; however, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown to be the most reliable tool for this purpose.

A meta-analysis comparing the risk of metastases in patients with rectal cancer and MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (mrEMVI) vs mrEMVI-negative cases.

Background: Pathological extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) is an independent prognostic factor in rectal cancer, but can also be identified on MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (mrEMVI). We perform a meta-analysis to determine the risk of metastatic disease at presentation and after surgery in mrEMVI-positive patients compared with negative tumours.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched from January 1980 to March 2016.

Defining response to radiotherapy in rectal cancer using magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological scales.

Aim: To define good and poor regression using pathology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) regression scales after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for rectal cancer.

Methods: A systematic review was performed on all studies up to December 2015, without language restriction, that were identified from MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1960-2015), and EMBASE (1991-2015). Searches were performed of article bibliographies and conference abstracts.

Magnetic Resonance Tumor Regression Grade and Residual Mucosal Abnormality as Predictors for Pathological Complete Response in Rectal Cancer Postneoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

Background: Pathological complete response after chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer occurs in 10% to 30% of patients. The best method to identify such patients remains unclear. Clinical assessment of residual mucosal abnormality is considered the most accurate method.

Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

Laparoscopic surgery for colonic cancer is a safe and established alternative to traditional open colectomy. The potential advantages of shorter length of stay, faster recovery and fewer operative complications are well documented. The last 5 years has seen an increase in the number of laparoscopic colorectal operations as more surgeons learn this technique.

The molecular mechanisms of vascular restenosis: Which genes are crucial?

Many patients with coronary heart disease undergo percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to improve myocardial tissue perfusion. However, a major complication after revascularisation procedures is restenosis of the injured artery. The molecular mechanism involved is not fully elucidated and no successful treatment is currently available.