In a two-center study, researchers established a postoperative MRI-based scoring system for fibrosis in locally advanced rectal cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT). They found a positive correlation between anastomotic and perirectal fibrosis scores (AFS and PFS) and anorectal function, measured using the Wexner score. Age, tumor height, AFS, and PFS were identified as independent predictors of anorectal function. This innovative scoring system demonstrated its effectiveness in predicting anorectal function, offering a valuable tool for clinicians managing post-NCRT rectal cancer patients.
Journal Article by Yuan Y, Yu Y (…) Shen F et 9 al. in Ann Med