MRI for Rectal Cancer: Updates and Controversies—AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review

Expert Panel Narrative Review, we address recent advances and key areas of contention related to the use of MRI for rectal cancer. Our objectives include discussing concepts regarding anatomic localization of rectal tumors; exploring the evolving rectal cancer treatment paradigm and implications for MRI assessment; reviewing updates and controversies regarding rectal MRI for locoregional staging, restaging, and surveillance; reviewing current rectal MRI acquisition protocols; and highlighting challenges in homogenizing and optimizing acquisition parameters.