Diffusion weighted imaging improves diagnostic ability of MRI for determining complete response to neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer.

•The rate of pathological complete response (pCR) following NACRT was 14.7 %.•Combination of morphology and DWI patterns was 89–96 % accurate in predicting pCR.•Radiologists of varying experience agreed best with combined approach.•Radiologists were more confident of their response using the combined approach.