Evaluation of the prognostic relevance of the recommended minimum number of lymph nodes in colorectal cancer-a propensity score analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Nodal status in colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important prognostic factor, and adequate lymph node (LN) staging is crucial. Whether the number of resected and analysed LN has a direct impact on overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) is much discussed. Guidelines request a minimum number of 12 LN to be analysed. Whether that threshold marks a prognostic relevant cut-off remains unknown.

Methods

Patients operated for stage I-III CRC were identified from a prospectively maintained database. The impact of the number of analysed LN on OS, CSS and DFS was assessed using Cox regression and propensity score analysis.

Results

Of the 687 patients, 81.8% had ≥ 12 LN resected and analysed. Median LN yield was 17.0 (IQR 13.0-2

SUBMITTER: Ramser M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7952332 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature