Proposal of a T3 Subclassification for Colon Carcinoma

Simple Summary One of the most important prognostic factors for patients with colon cancer is the anatomical extent at the time of surgery. It is described by the TNM classification, which is the basis for treatment planning. T refers to the extent of the primary tumor. Usually, four T categories are distinguished. T3 describes invasion into the pericolic tissue and is the most frequent category found in colon carcinomas. A subclassification of T3, as we present here in this retrospective study, helps to better predict prognosis and further optimize treatment and therapeutic standards. The TNM classification system is one of the most important factors determining prognosis for cancer patients. In colorectal cancer, the T category reflects the depth of tumor invasion. T3 is defined by a tumor that invades through the muscularis propria into pericolorectal tissues. The data of 1047 patients with complete mesocolic excision were analyzed. The depth of invasion beyond the outer border of the muscularis propria into the subserosa or into nonperitonealized pericolic tissue was measured and categorized in 655 pT3 patients: pT3a (<= 1 mm), pT3b,c (>1-15 mm) and pT3d (>15 mm). The prognosis of these categories was compared. Five-year distant metastasis increased significantly from pT3a (5.7%) over pT3b,c (17.7%) to pT3d (37.2%; p = 0.001). There was no difference between pT2 (5.3%) and pT3a or between pT3d and pT4a (42.1%) or pT4b (33.7%). The 5-year disease-free survival decreased significantly from pT3a (77.4%) over pT3b,c (65.4%) to pT3d (50.1%; p = 0.015). No significant difference was found between pT2 (80.5%) and pT3a or between pT3d and pT4a (43.9%; p = 0.296) or pT4b (53.4%). The prognostic inhomogeneity in pT3 colon carcinoma has been demonstrated. A three-level subdivision of T3 for colon carcinoma in the TNM system into T3a (<= 1 mm), T3b (>1-15 mm), and T3c (>15 mm) is recommended.

Automated summary

One of the most important prognostic factors for patients with colon cancer is the anatomical extent at the time of surgery. This retrospective study suggests that a subclassification of T3, based on the depth of tumor invasion, can help predict prognosis and optimize treatment in colon cancer patients. A three-level subdivision of T3 into T3a, T3b, and T3c is recommended.