Diagnostic Performance of Imaging Techniques Used for the Preoperative Locoregional Staging of Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

In September 2005, at a forum on colon and rectal cancer organized by the Direction de la lutte contre le cancer, specialists observed that Québec lags behind the rest of Canada with regard to colon and rectal cancer mortality. Several strategies for improving patient management were discussed. One of the many solutions proposed was to improve access to medical imaging for better rectal cancer staging and better candidate selection for preoperative treatments in particular. During the course of the forum the specialist had, in fact, also discussed problems with access to endorectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in Québec.

This report is a systematic review of the literature on this topic. Because of its limited scope, in that it does no examine related organizational and economic issues, no recommendations can be made. However, its conclusions are intended to support decision-making aimed at improving imaging services, and to provide the CEPO with a basis for the development of clinical practice guidelines.