Figure 1.

Radiological and pathological response. T downstaging defined as lower pathologic T stage compared with the pretreatment mrT stage. N downstaging defined as N negative pathologic stage compared with mrN positive at baseline. ^a15 ypN negative of 29 mrN positive at baseline. ^bDefined as intact mesorectum with only minor irregularities.

Abbreviations: CRM, circumferential resection margin; ITT, intention to treat; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; mr, magnetic resonance; pCR, pathological complete response; TME, Total mesorectal excision; TRG, tumor regression grade.