Clinical Trials

Inclusion Criteria

• Histologically confirmed primary adenocarcinoma, clinical Stage II disease (T3-4, N0) or Stage III disease (any T, N1-2)
• No known distant metastatic disease at initial staging
• Patients for whom the interdisciplinary treatment team has selected standard CRT followed by TME as the treatment plan
• Pre-treatment staging MRI available
• Blood sugar levels less than 200 mg/dl at the time of the exam
• A negative pregnancy test is required for female subjects of child-bearing potential within 48 hours of F-18 FDG injection
• Informed consent for dual modality PET/MRI without IV contrast material
• Age greater than 18, male or female

Exclusion Criteria

• No available initial staging MR exam.
• Any contraindication for MRI, including pacemakers, aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, and certain spinal stimulation devices.
• Subjects with a metallic prosthesis in the pelvis that may interfere with the MR and PET imaging.
• Nonsurgical candidates.
• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes.
• Patients with known distant metastatic disease (M1) at the time of initial staging.
• Patients with evidence of mucinous subtype of adenocarcinoma on biopsy and/or on initial staging MR exam.
• Prior pelvic radiation.
• Prior chemotherapy or surgery for rectal cancer.
• Patients in whom neoadjuvant therapy is contraindicated.
• Female subjects who are breast-feeding or with a positive pregnancy test.
• Patients with a known history of claustrophobia.
• Subjects unable to provide informed consent.