This is the fundamental study which established MR pelvis as the most important imaging technique for locoregional staging of rectal cancer. It was a combined, multicenter effort based on a shared, innovative culture emphasizing the importance of a free circumferential resection margin to allow a curative resection for rectal cancer. The ability of surgeons and oncologists to rely on a standardized imaging study for rectal cancer informing treatment decision on chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery largely derives from the efforts of this group of investigators.