PET/MR for Rectal Cancer Treatment Monitoring and Surveillance

A Pilot Study of PET/MR for Rectal Cancer Treatment Monitoring and Surveillance

The goal of pilot study is to assess the feasibility of FDG-PET/MRI for monitoring rectal cancer disease status in the setting of rectal cancer non-operative management (NOM). Data from this study will be used to guide the design of future clinical trials involving FDG-PET/MRI for rectal cancer NOM.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years of age
• Biopsy-proven rectal adenocarcinoma of the rectum with clinically suspected or previously known stage I-IIIB (cT1-4, N0-2, M0) disease
• Anticipated or prior chemoradiation as part of an NOM treatment strategy
• Ability to understand and willingness to sign an IRB-approved written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior surgical resection of rectal cancer (endoscopic or TME)
• Contraindication to MRI
• Comorbidities that would limit patient's ability to cooperate with a PET/MRI examination (e.g. dementia, inability to follow commands, claustrophobia, tremors, requirement for oxygen by nasal cannula, etc…).
• Implanted devices or materials that may interfere with MRI imaging or create significant artifact
• Pregnancy
• Contraindication to gadolinium contrast or FDG
• End-stage renal disease