The prognostic value of amide proton transfer-weighted and intravoxel incoherent motion imaging for rectal adenocarcinoma.

Motivation: To improve the accuracy of rectal cancer staging via imaging techniques. Goal(s): To explore the correlation between amide proton transfer (APT) imaging, intravoxel incoherent motion imaging (IVIM) quantitative parameters, and the pathological traits and prognostic markers of rectal adenocarcinoma. Approach: Standard Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), APT, and IVIM scans were performed on patients with suspected rectal cancer. Following this, APT and IVIM quantitative parameters were derived. Results: Significant differences in D and D* values were observed across various T stages. However, no substantial variations in APT signal intensity (APTSI), D, D*, f were noted in different N stages, perineural invasion, and vascular invasion. Impact: The research conducted has significant implications for the clinical staging of rectal cancer. By providing a more detailed and nuanced understanding of the disease's progression, it can aid in developing more precise and individualized treatment plans.