Molecular, Pathologic and MRI Investigation of the Prognostic and Redictive Importance of Extramural Venous Invasion in Rectal Cancer (MARVEL) Trial

Extramural venous invasion (EMVI) is the spread of microscopic tumour cells into the veins around the tumour. Rectal cancer treatment has improved greatly over recent years. However, it is important for us to learn as much about the tumours as possible in order to develop newer therapies. Current treatments may benefit from new genetic information relating to the cancer. We hope to identify genetic differences in certain types of rectal cancer which will allow future treatments.