Mechanisms of immune microenvironment regulation of lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer and advances in related imaging research

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.2095-3224.2026.04.008

Abstract

Abstract:

Lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer, which is regulated by the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), is closely correlated with patient prognosis. Nevertheless, the current accuracy in evaluating lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer patients is still less than satisfactory and needs further enhancement. This review clarifies the main mechanisms by which the immune microenvironment regulates lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer and summarizes the current state of research on imaging-based assessment of immune microenvironment heterogeneity, with a focus on MRI. The objective is to enhance the precision of preoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis, improve patient prognosis, and provide novel perspectives for individualized diagnosis and treatment.

Key words: Rectal cancer, Diagnostic imaging, Tumor microenvironment, Lymphatic metastasis

Yimin Wang, Alian Liu. Mechanisms of immune microenvironment regulation of lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer and advances in related imaging research[J]. Chinese Journal of Colorectal Diseases(Electronic Edition), 2026, 15(04): 349-355.

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