Influence of Old Age on Risk of Lymph Node Metastasis and Survival in Patients With T1 Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Analysis

Background We aimed at determining the influence of old age on lymph node metastasis (LNM) and prognosis in T1 colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods We collected data from eligible patients in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2004 and 2015. Independent predictors of LNM were identified by logistic regression analysis. Cox regression analysis, propensity score-matched analysis, and competing risks analysis were used to analyze the associations between old age and lymph node (LN) status and to validate the prognostic value of old age on cancer-specific survival (CSS). Results In total, 10,092 patients were identified. Among them, 6,423 patients (63.6%) had greater than or equal to 12 examined lymph nodes (LNE >= 12), and 5,777 patients (57.7%) were 65 years or older. The observed rate of LNM was 4.6% (15 out of 325) in T1 CRC elderly patients, with tumor size <3 cm, well differentiated, with negative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, and adenocarcinoma. Logistic regression models demonstrated that tumor size >= 3 cm (odds ratio, OR = 1.316, P = 0.038), poorly differentiated (OR = 3.716, P < 0.001), older age (OR = 0.633 for ages 65-79 years, OR = 0.477 for age over 80 years, both P <0.001), and negative CEA level (OR = 0.71, P = 0.007) were independent prognostic factors. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that CSS was not significantly different between elderly patients undergoing radical resection with LNE >= 12 and those with LNE <12 (hazard ratio = 0.865, P = 0.153), which was firmly validated after a propensity score-matched analysis by a competing risks model. Conclusions The predictive value of tumor size, grading, primary site, histology, CEA level, and age for LNM should be considered in medical decision making about local resection. We found that tumor size was <3 cm, well differentiated, negative CEA level, and adenocarcinoma in elderly patients with T1 colorectal cancer which was suitable for local excision.

Automated summary

Old age has an impact on lymph node metastasis and prognosis in elderly patients with T1 colorectal cancer. Factors such as tumor size, grading, CEA level, and age are independent prognostic factors that should be considered in medical decision making. Local excision is suitable for elderly patients with T1 colorectal cancer who have smaller tumor size, well differentiation, negative CEA level, and adenocarcinoma.