Table 1

Flowchart with the clinical and radiological evaluations

Assessment	Baseline	Re-evaluation	Day before surgery	Follow-up every 6–8 months
Informed consent	X
Selection criteria validation	X
Demographic and clinical data	X
Physical examination	X
Patient inclusion	X
Stool sample	X	X	X
Patient vital status				X
Tumour evaluation
Rectal MRI	X	X		X
CT	X			X
Rectal examination	X	X		X