Study: Endorectal Ultrasound Best for Determining Extent of Rectal Cancer

Endorectal ultrasound remains the most accurate way of determining the extent of rectal cancer and thus is crucial for planning surgery and subssequent followup radiation of chemotherapy, according to German researchers.

Reporting in the journal Colorectal Disease, the researchers said two other techniques used to detect advanced colorectal cancer -- computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) -- were not as useful for planning treatment.

"High accuracy rates in the assessment of the depth of infiltration (80-90 percent) and in the determination of the lymph node status (70-80 percent) have been confirmed in several studies" involving endorectal ultrosound, the researchers reported.

They said new techniques that have contributed significantly to the evolution of endorectal ultrasound include three-dimensional endorectal ultrasound, high-frequency miniprobes and transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy techniques.

"Although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are very sensitive in the detection of metastastic disease, local staging of rectal cancer with these techniques has been disappointing," the researchers concluded.

Other sources: Colorectal Disease