Objective: Tumor-associated macrophages are divided into two phenotypes, termed M1/M2 macrophages. M1 macrophages promote tumoricidal responses whereas M2 macrophages assist tumor progression and metastasis. In this study, we have analyzed a clinical significance of M2 macrophages in excised sections from patients with colorectal cancer. Method: Patients who had surgical resection for colorectal cancer between 2005 and 2006 were identified from a prospective database. Tissue sections with adenocarcinoma in pT3 category were employed in this study. The sections were stained with anti-CD204, a marker of M2 macrophages. The relation between the staining pattern and tumor budding or patient prognosis was examined. Results: Fifty-two patients (30 male, 22 female) with a median age of 67 years (range 23-86) were studied. The tumors were classified into four subtypes according to the staining patterns of CD204-positive cells, i.e. sparse type (n=9), invading-tip type (n=6), peri-nest type (n=18), and dense diffuse type (n=19). Only a dense diffuse type was related to the high degree of tumor budding. The prognosis with a dense diffuse type demonstrated a poor prognosis as compared to the other types. Conclusion: Even the case with comparable tumor depth, CD204-positive macrophages with dense diffuse distribution was related to the poor prognosis. Objective: The treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer has shown a significant development over the last decade. The total mesorectal excision and the use of pre-operative radio (chemo)-therapy are leading the patients to a gradual improvement of local control of the disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the pathological tumour response to pre-operative treatment through correlation between the clinical stage (cTNM) and the pathological stage (ypTNM). Method: Since 2009, 35 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, assessed by high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) and TNM staging system, have been evaluated by the Colorrectal Multidisciplinary Team. Pre-operative radio (chemo)-therapy was mandatory before undertaking standard surgery. Surgical specimens were evaluated according to the Vikingo Project's protocol implemented by The Spanish Association of Surgeons.