Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nikhil Lal, Kenneth Jordan Ng Cheong Chung, Nicola Hodges, John T. Jenkins, Gina Brown
Format: Artículo Open Access
Published: Wiley 2026
Subjects:
Online Access:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/codi.70491
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1867018410414571520
author Nikhil Lal
Kenneth Jordan Ng Cheong Chung
Nicola Hodges
John T. Jenkins
Gina Brown
author_facet Nikhil Lal
Kenneth Jordan Ng Cheong Chung
Nicola Hodges
John T. Jenkins
Gina Brown
Nikhil Lal
Kenneth Jordan Ng Cheong Chung
Nicola Hodges
John T. Jenkins
Gina Brown
collection Wiley Open Access
contents MRI prognostic features in rectal cancer neoadjuvant trials: A systematic review of reporting gaps across two decades Nikhil Lal Kenneth Jordan Ng Cheong Chung Nicola Hodges John T. Jenkins Gina Brown Colorectal Disease Abstract Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is central to staging and treatment planning in rectal cancer, particularly in identifying candidates for neoadjuvant therapy. Prognostic MRI features such as tumour depth (mrT), extramural venous invasion (EMVI) and tumour deposits (TDs) are increasingly recognised as markers of systemic risk, yet their reporting in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the reporting frequency, consistency and integration of pre‐treatment MRI prognostic variables in RCTs assessing neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer. Methods A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL from 01 January 2005 to 18 November 2025. RCTs evaluating neoadjuvant strategies in adult patients with resectable rectal cancer were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data on MRI variables, protocol details and trial design. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Results Of 1,283 screened studies, 34 RCTs met inclusion criteria. All studies reported mrT, and 33 (97%) included nodal staging (mrN). mrEMVI was reported in only 10 trials (29.4%), and mrT substage was reported in 5 studies (14.7%). MRI protocols were inconsistently described, with only 5 trials specifying acquisition parameters. Only 10 studies incorporated EMVI into risk stratification frameworks. Four trials did not mandate MRI for baseline staging. Conclusion Despite MRI's critical role in rectal cancer management, key prognostic features such as EMVI/TDs and mrT substage are underreported. This omission risks poor risk stratification, trial imbalance and misinformed clinical guidance. Standardisation of MRI reporting is urgently needed to enhance trial validity and optimise personalised treatment strategies. 10.1111/codi.70491 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
doi_str_mv 10.1111/codi.70491
format Artículo Open Access
id wiley_oa_10_1111_codi_70491
institution Wiley Open Access
license_str_mv http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
publishDate 2026
publisher Wiley
record_format wiley_oa
spellingShingle MRI prognostic features in rectal cancer neoadjuvant trials: A systematic review of reporting gaps across two decades
Nikhil Lal
Kenneth Jordan Ng Cheong Chung
Nicola Hodges
John T. Jenkins
Gina Brown
Colorectal Disease
MRI prognostic features in rectal cancer neoadjuvant trials: A systematic review of reporting gaps across two decades Nikhil Lal Kenneth Jordan Ng Cheong Chung Nicola Hodges John T. Jenkins Gina Brown Colorectal Disease Abstract Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is central to staging and treatment planning in rectal cancer, particularly in identifying candidates for neoadjuvant therapy. Prognostic MRI features such as tumour depth (mrT), extramural venous invasion (EMVI) and tumour deposits (TDs) are increasingly recognised as markers of systemic risk, yet their reporting in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the reporting frequency, consistency and integration of pre‐treatment MRI prognostic variables in RCTs assessing neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer. Methods A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL from 01 January 2005 to 18 November 2025. RCTs evaluating neoadjuvant strategies in adult patients with resectable rectal cancer were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data on MRI variables, protocol details and trial design. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Results Of 1,283 screened studies, 34 RCTs met inclusion criteria. All studies reported mrT, and 33 (97%) included nodal staging (mrN). mrEMVI was reported in only 10 trials (29.4%), and mrT substage was reported in 5 studies (14.7%). MRI protocols were inconsistently described, with only 5 trials specifying acquisition parameters. Only 10 studies incorporated EMVI into risk stratification frameworks. Four trials did not mandate MRI for baseline staging. Conclusion Despite MRI's critical role in rectal cancer management, key prognostic features such as EMVI/TDs and mrT substage are underreported. This omission risks poor risk stratification, trial imbalance and misinformed clinical guidance. Standardisation of MRI reporting is urgently needed to enhance trial validity and optimise personalised treatment strategies. 10.1111/codi.70491 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
title MRI prognostic features in rectal cancer neoadjuvant trials: A systematic review of reporting gaps across two decades
topic Colorectal Disease
url https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/codi.70491