Prognostic variables for cancer-related survival in node-negative colorectal carcinomas

Background/Aim: The efficacy of adjuvant treatment in node-negative colorectal carcinoma is unproven. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prognostic value of routinely detectable clinicopathological variables in order to identify subgroups of node-negative colorectal cancer patients at a high risk of a recurrence. Methods: Seventy-three patients who did not receive radio- or chemotherapy were selected among 112 node-negative colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative resection. Follow-up was a minimum of 5 years or until death. The influence of 17 demographic, clinical, and pathological variables on the 5-year cancer-related survival was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The compliance with follow-up was 99%. The 5-year survival rate was 81%. Univariate analysis showed that T4 lesions (p<0.001), age 170 years (p=0.008), lymphatic invasion (p=0.001), and neural invasion (p=0.02) were significantly associated with a decreased survival. T4 stage (hazard ratio 12.75, p<0.001) and age 170 (hazard ratio 3.08, p=0.04) significantly affected the cancer-related survival on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Node-negative colorectal cancer patients with T4 carcinoma or those aged over 70 years have a higher risk of recurrences after resection. They should receive adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment compatible with their performance status. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.