| Abbreviations | Full meanings |
| LARC | locally advanced rectal cancer |
| TME | total mesorectal excision |
| VMAT | volumetric modulated arc therapy |
| IMRT | intensity modulated radiotherapy |
| 3D-CRT | three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy |
| CI | conformity index |
| HI | homogeneity index |
| GTV | gross tumour volume |
| CTV | clinical target volumes |
| PTV | planning target volume |
| OAR | organs at risk |
| TPS | treatment planning system |
| DVH | dose volume histogram |
| D5 | minimal dose received by 5% of the volume |
| Dmax | max dose |
| Dmean | mean dose |
| MU | monitor units |