Тerminology of rectal cancer: consensus agreement of the expert working group

Unified terminology is a necessary condition for successful interdisciplinary communication within the field of oncology. The variety of anatomical, pathomorphological, and clinical terms used in rectal cancer is often accompanied by their ambiguous interpretation both in domestic and foreign scientific literature. This not only complicates the interaction between specialists, but also complicates the comparison of the results of rectal cancer treatment obtained in different medical institutions. Based on the analysis of recent domestic and international scientific and methodological literature on rectal cancer, the key terms used in the diagnosis and treatment planning of rectal cancer were selected, followed by a two-time online discussion of their interpretations by experts from the Russian Society of Radiologists and Therapeutic Radiation Oncologists, the Association of Oncologists of Russia, and the Russian Association of Therapeutic Radiation Oncologists until reaching consensus (≥80%) of experts on all items. Terms that fail to attain consensus were excluded in the final list. A list of anatomical, pathomorphological, and clinical terms used in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning of rectal cancer has been compiled and, based on expert consensus, their interpretation has been determined. A lexicon recommended in the description and formulation of the conclusion of diagnostic studies in patients with rectal cancer is proposed.