Does Extramural Vascular Invasion Predict Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer?

Introduction: Extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) is associated with distant recurrence after treatment of locogionally advanced rectal adenocarcinomas (LARCs), but its use as a marker for response to neoadjuvant therapy is less well understood. We examined the relationship between EMVI and tumor or nodal category downstaging after treatment of LARCs with neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods: Patients with EMVI categorized on initial staging pelvic MRI for LARC who underwent curative-intent surgery after neoadjuvant therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2016 to 2022 were identified.