The Use of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) in the Assessments of Rectal Carcinoma.

EasyChair Preprint 14616

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has emerged as a crucial non-invasive tool in the assessment of rectal carcinoma. This imaging technique leverages the diffusion properties of water molecules within tissue to provide valuable insights into tumor characteristics, including cellularity and the integrity of cell membranes. DWI enhances the accuracy of staging, particularly in distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions, and in assessing the extent of local tumor invasion. Additionally, it plays a significant role in predicting and monitoring the response to neoadjuvant therapy, aiding in treatment planning and adjustment. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values derived from DWI are increasingly being used as biomarkers for tumor aggressiveness and treatment response. This review explores the applications of DWI in rectal carcinoma, emphasizing its impact on diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and prognosis, and discusses current limitations and future directions in integrating DWI into routine clinical practice.

Keyphrases: Distant Metastasis, Endorectal Ultrasound, Extramural Vascular Invasion, Multiparametric MRI, Nodal Involvement, Radiogenomics, mesorectal fascia

@booklet{EasyChair:14616,
  author    = {John Owen},
  title     = {The Use of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) in the Assessments of Rectal Carcinoma.},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 14616},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}