BMJ  2006;333 (14 October), doi:10.1136/bmj.333.7572.0-a

MRI helps predict curative resection of rectal cancer

Preoperative high resolution magnetic resonance imaging can accurately predict the chances of achieving a surgically clear resection margin after rectal cancer surgery. The MERCURY Study Group (p 779) looked at preoperative imaging and pathohistology at the margins of surgical specimens from 408 patients with various stages of rectal cancer. Of the patients in whom imaging predicted that clear resection margins were achievable, 94% had a clear margin on histology. The authors conclude that this technique could be reproduced in multiple centres and could help avoid unnecessary preoperative treatment.


Figure 1
 Credit: SIMON FRASER/SPL

 


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Relevant Article

Diagnostic accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in predicting curative resection of rectal cancer: prospective observational study
MERCURY Study Group
BMJ 2006 333: 779. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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