Tumor deposits in rectal cancer: from diagnostics to staging and treatment

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally. Despite significant advancements in prognosis and treatment at the local level, the risk of distant metastasis and mortality remains high. Tumor deposits are clusters of tumor tissue located in close proximity to, but separate from, the primary tumor in colorectal cancer. Several studies have indicated that tumor deposits are a negative prognostic factor for colon cancer. This project aims to investigate whether tumor deposits also serve as a prognostic factor for rectal cancer. We intend to examine whether the number of tumor deposits affects the risk of local recurrence, distant metastasis, and mortality. Furthermore, we aim to explore the potential for diagnosing tumor deposits using magnetic resonance imaging and, through genetic analysis, determine whether tumor deposits are associated with genetic mutations that could be targeted for treatment.