Table 4.

Definition of cCR, near cCR and poor response 10 weeks after CRT.

	cCR	Near cCR	Poor Response
DRE	No palpable tumor	Small and smooth mucosal irregularities	Palpable tumor mass
Rectoscopy	Flat, white scar with or without telangiectasia. No ulcer. No nodules.	Residual ulcer or small mucosal nodules or minor mucosal abnormalities. Mild persisting erythema of the scar.	Visible macroscopic tumor
MRI	No residual suspicious lymph nodes	Regression of lymph nodes with no malignant enhancement features but size greater than 5 mm.	No regression of suspicious lymph nodes.