Jang JK, et al. - The pathological characteristics of magnetic resonance tumor regression grade (mrTRG) after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for rectal cancer and their implications for surgery were evaluated. Researchers retrospectively examined patients undergoing long-course CRT (45–50 Gy plus a booster dose of 4–6 Gy) for mid or low rectal cancer (cT3-4 or cN+ without metastasis) between 2011 and 2015 who had post-CRT rectal MRI before surgery and assessed that patients with mrTRG1 without tumor spread may be suitable for transanal excision (TAE). Patients with mrTRG1 and mrTRG2 without tumor spread were ypN+ in 3% and 16% respectively. For the patients with mrTRG1–2 and no tumor spread, no significant differences were noted regarding recurrence-free survival between total mesorectal excision and TAE.