Harvest of at least 18 lymph nodes is associated with improved survival in patients with pN0 colon cancer: a retrospective cohort study

The optimal number of lymph node dissections in three-field lymphadenectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a large retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal number of lymph node dissections (LNDs) in three-field lymphadenectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aimed to explore the relationship between the LND count and overall survival (OS) in ESCC patients to determine the optimal number of LNDs that confer a survival benefit.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on ESCC patients who underwent three-field lymphadenectomy at Fujian Cancer Hospital from February 2004 to January 2018. The optimal LND number was determined using X-Tile software. Kaplan‒Meier survival curves and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between LND count and OS.

RESULTS

A total of 1053 ESCC patients who underwent three-field lymphadenectomy were included in this study (median age 58 years [IQR: 52-65], 781 males [74.2%]). Using X-Tile software, 27 was identified as the optimal cutoff value for the number of LNDs. The 5-year OS for the > 27 LNDs group was significantly better than that for the ≤ 27 LNDs group (67.8% vs. 59.8%, P = 0.042). Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that LND count (≤ 27 and > 27) was an independent protective factor for OS (HR = 0.724; P = 0.004). Stratified analysis on the basis of TNM stage revealed that in patients with T3-4N0M0 disease (HR = 0.412; P = 0.001) and T1-2 N + M0 disease (HR = 0.503; P = 0.025), a greater number of dissected lymph nodes was closely associated with a survival benefit.

CONCLUSION

For ESCC patients undergoing three-field lymphadenectomy, dissecting more than 27 lymph nodes is associated with better prognosis, especially for patients with T3-4N0M0 and T1-2 N + M0 stages.

Optimal lymph node yield for long-term survival in elderly patients with right-sided colon cancer: a large population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although the recommended minimal lymph node yield (LNY) in colon cancer is 12, this standard remains controversial in elderly patients with right-sided colon cancer (RSCC) due to insufficient evidence. This study aims to clarify this issue by assessing the relationship between LNY and long-term survival in elderly patients with RSCC.

METHODS

Data from the SEER database (split into 7:3 training and testing sets) and patients from the colorectal surgery departments of two tertiary hospitals in China (validation set) were analyzed. Elderly patients with stages I-III RSCC undergoing resection were included. The correlation between LNY and overall survival (OS) was evaluated by a multivariate model and the application of the restricted cubic spline curve (RCS). The odds ratios (ORs) for stage migration and the hazard ratios (HRs) for OS with increased LNY were estimated using Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing (LOWESS), with structural breakpoints identified using the Chow test.

RESULTS

The distribution of LNY was similar across the training (median: 18, IQR [14, 23]), testing (median: 18, IQR [14, 23]), and validation (median: 17, IQR [14, 20]) sets. Increasing LNY was associated with significantly improved OS in all datasets (Training set: HR = 0.983; Testing set: HR = 0.981; Validation set: HR = 0.944, all P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounders. Cut-point analysis identified an optimal LNY threshold of 18, validated across datasets, effectively discriminating survival probabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher LNY is associated with improved survival. Our findings robustly support 18 LNYs as the optimal threshold for assessing the quality of lymph node dissection and prognosis stratification in elderly patients with RSCC.

Lymph node harvesting after laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision colectomy in colon cancer with practical application of glacial acid, absolute ethanol, water, and formaldehyde solution: A prospective cohort study

Objectives

Quality of surgery has recently become an essential topic in the prognosis of colon cancer. Complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer has recently gained popularity with high-quality surgery. Patient specimens after complete mesocolic excision with central vessel ligation procedures have an integrity of the mesocolon and the yield of three fields of lymph node harvest. We apply the glacial acid, absolute ethanol, water, and formaldehyde solution to each specimen based on the Japanese classification of lymph node groups and station numbers. We aim to identify the distribution and status of lymph node metastasis according to each tumor site and some pathological characteristics related to this disease.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed on 45 laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision surgery patients.

Results

2791 lymph nodes were harvested after complete mesocolic excision surgery. The average number was 62.0 ± 22.3 nodes. The mean tumor size (in the largest dimension) was 4.2 ± 1.8 cm. The average length of the resected bowel segments was 29.1 ± 7.7 cm. There are 63 (2.3%) node metastases in 2791 lymph nodes, in which 17/45 (37.8%) patients had pN(+). The minimum positive node size was 1 mm. The positive pericolic lymph nodes (station 1) accounted for the highest rate, with 53 nodes (1.9%). The number of lymph nodes in young age ⩽60 is more significant than in older. The results were similar, with a more significant node retrieval in the group with a tumor size >4.5 cm and specimen length >25 cm. The number of lymph nodes in lower tumor invasive (pT1,3) was smaller than pT4. Our research shows that the cecum, ascending, and descending colon had greater nodes than others, with a mean number of 78.6, 74.2, and 71.3, respectively.

Conclusions

The metastasis and harvested lymph nodes accounted for the highest rate of colon cancer in station 1 and the lowest rate in station 3. The number of retrieved lymph nodes was significantly associated with tumor location, size, specimen length, and patient age.

Advantage of log odds of positive lymph nodes in prognostic evaluation of patients with early-onset colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer (CC) is one of the most common cancers of the digestive tract, the third most common cancer worldwide, and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Previous studies have demonstrated a higher risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in young patients with CC. It might be reasonable to treat patients with early-onset locally advanced CC with extended lymph node dissection. However, few studies have focused on early-onset CC (ECC) patients with LNM. At present, the methods of predicting and evaluating the prognosis of ECC patients with LNM are controversial.

AIM

To compare the prognostic values of four lymph node staging indices and establish the best nomogram for patients with ECC.

METHODS

From the data of patients with CC obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, data of young patients with ECC (≤ 50 years old) was screened. Patients with unknown data were excluded from the study, while the remaining patients were included. The patients were randomly divided into a training group (train) and a testing group (test) in the ratio of 7:3, while building the model. The model was constructed by the training group and verified by the testing group. Using multiple Cox regression models to compare the prediction efficiency of LNM indicators, nomograms were built based on the best model selected for overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS). In the two groups, the performance of the nomogram was evaluated by constructing a calibration plot, time-dependent area under the curve (AUC), and decision curve analysis. Finally, the patients were grouped based on the risk score predicted by the prognosis model, and the survival curve was constructed after comparing the survival status of the high and low-risk groups.

RESULTS

Records of 26922 ECC patients were screened from the SEER database. N classification, positive lymph nodes (PLN), lymph node ratio (LNR) and log odds of PLN (LODDS) were considered to be independent predictors of OS and CSS. In addition, independent risk factors for OS included gender, race, marital status, primary site, histology, grade, T, and M classification, while the independent prognostic factors for CSS included race, marital status, primary site, grade, T, and M classification. The prediction model including LODDS is composed of minimal Akaike information criterion, maximal concordance indexes, and AUCs. Factors including gender, race, marital status, primary site, histology, grade, T, M classification, and LODDS were integrated into the OS nomogram, while race, marital status, primary site, grade, T, M classification, and LODDS were included into the CSS nomogram. The nomogram representing both cohorts had been successfully verified in terms of prediction accuracy and clinical practicability.

CONCLUSION

LODDS is superior to N-stage, PLN, and LNR of ECC. The nomogram containing LODDS might be helpful in tumor evaluation and clinical decision-making, since it provides an appropriate prediction of ECC.

Lymph node retrieval colon cancer: Are we making the grade?

BACKGROUND

Adequate lymph node (LN) excision is imperative for pathologic staging and determination of adjuvant treatment.

METHODS

he 2004-2017 National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for curative colon cancer resections. Tumors were categorized by location: left, right, and transverse colon cancers. Adequate (12-20 LNs) vs. inadequate (<12 LNs) lymphadenectomy was examined and sub-analysis of <12 LNs, 12-20 LNs or >20 LNs. Primary outcome was predictors of inadequate lymph node retrieval.

RESULTS

Of 101,551 patients, 11.2% (11,439) had inadequate lymphadenectomy. The inadequate lymphadenectomy rate steadily decreased. On multivariable analysis, inadequate LN retrieval was associated with transverse (OR 1.49, CI [1.30-1.71]) and left colon cancers (OR 2.66, CI [2.42-2.93], whereas income >$63,333 had decreased likelihood of inadequate LN retrieval (OR 0.68, CI[0.56-0.82].

CONCLUSION

We are making the grade as NCDB data demonstrates a steady decrease in inadequate lymphadenectomy (2004-2017). There remain socioeconomic risk factors for inadequate lymphadenectomy that need to be addressed.

Optimal examined lymph node number for accurate staging and long-term survival in rectal cancer: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Although the recommended minimal examined lymph node (ELN) number in rectal cancer (RC) is 12, this standard remains controversial because of insufficient evidence. We aimed to refine this definition by quantifying the relationship between ELN number, stage migration and long-term survival in RC.

METHODS

Data from a Chinese multi-institutional registry (2009-2018) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2008-2017) on stages I-III resected RC were analysed to determine the relationship between ELN count, stage migration, and overall survival (OS) using multivariable models. The series of odds ratios (ORs) for negative-to-positive node stage migration and hazard ratios (HRs) for survival with more ELNs were fitted using a Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing (LOWESS) smoother, and structural breakpoints were determined using the Chow test. The relationship between ELN and survival was evaluated on a continuous scale using restricted cubic splines (RCS).

RESULTS

The distribution of ELN count between the Chinese registry ( n =7694) and SEER database ( n =21 332) was similar. With increasing ELN count, both cohorts exhibited significant proportional increases from node-negative to node-positive disease (SEER, OR, 1.012, P <0.001; Chinese registry, OR, 1.016, P =0.014) and serial improvements in OS (SEER: HR, 0.982; Chinese registry: HR, 0.975; both P <0.001) after controlling for confounders. Cut-point analysis showed an optimal threshold ELN count of 15, which was validated in the two cohorts, with the ability to properly discriminate probabilities of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher ELN count is associated with more precise nodal staging and better survival. Our results robustly conclude that 15 ELNs are the optimal cut-off point for evaluating the quality of lymph node examination and stratification of prognosis.

Higher Numbers of Examined Lymph Nodes Are Associated with Increased Survival in Resected, Treatment-Naïve, Node-Positive Esophageal, Gastric, Pancreatic, and Colon Cancers

BACKGROUND OR PURPOSE

The role of extended lymphadenectomy as part of resection for lymph node (LN)-positive gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies remains controversial with no clear clinical guidance. The purpose of this retrospective study is to determine whether the number of LNs examined as part of GI malignancy resections affects overall survival (OS) among patients with node-positive esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colon cancers.

METHODS

Participants with LN-positive GI cancers who were diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 and underwent oncologic resections were selected from National Cancer Database (NCDB). The primary predictor was the number of examined LNs categorized in tertiles. The effect on OS was measured by hazard ratio (HR) derived from multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

From 2004 to 2015, 1877, 10,086, 18,193, and 102,500 patients with LN-positive esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colon adenocarcinomas who did not receive neoadjuvant treatment and underwent oncologic tumor resection were registered in the NCDB. Using multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling, greater LNs examined in surgically resected LN-positive GI cancers were found to be associated with increased OS for all histologies. This association was the strongest (as compared to the lowest tertile) for gastric cancer (middle tertile: HR = 0.91, 95% CI, 0.86-0.96, p = 0.001; highest tertile: HR = 0.73, 95% CI, 0.69-0.78, p < 0.001), followed by colon (highest tertile: HR = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.84-0.88, p < 0.001), esophageal (highest tertile: HR = 0.83, 95% CI, 0.72-0.95, p = 0.01), and pancreatic (highest tertile: HR = 0.93, 95% CI, 0.89-0.98, p = 0.002) cancers.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In patients with surgically resected node-positive GI malignancies who did not receive neoadjuvant systemic therapy, a higher number of examined LNs is associated with increased OS. This association is the strongest for gastric cancer, followed by colon, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers respectively.

The optimal minimum lymph node count for carcinoembryonic antigen elevated colon cancer: a population-based study in the SEER set and External set

PURPOSE

The aim of this paper was to clarify the optimal minimum number of lymph node for CEA-elevated (≥ 5 ng/ml) colon cancer patients.

METHODS

Thirteen thousand two hundred thirty-nine patients from the SEER database and 238 patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (External set) were identified. For cancer-specific survival (CSS), Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn and data were analyzed using log-rank test. Using X-tile software, the optimal cut-off lymph node count was calculated by the maximal Chi-square value method. Cox regression model was applied to perform survival analysis.

RESULTS

In CEA-elevated colon cancer, 18 nodes were defined as the optimal minimum node. The number of lymph node examined (< 12, 12-17 and ≥ 18) was an independent prognosticator in both SEER set (HR_{12-17 nodes} = 1.329, P <  0.001; HR_{< 12 nodes} = 1.985, P <  0.001) and External set (HR_{12-17 nodes} = 1.774, P <  0.032; HR_{< 12 nodes} = 2.741, P <  0.006). Moreover, the revised 18-node standard could identify more positive lymph nodes compared with the 12-node standard in this population.

CONCLUSIONS

With the purpose of favorable long-term survival and accurate nodal stage for CEA-elevated colon cancer patients, the 18-node standard could be regarded as an alternative to the 12-node standard advocated by the ASCO and NCCN guidelines.

Analysis of the risk factor of insufficient examined lymph nodes in stage II colon cancer from the perspective of stage migration: A retrospective study combined with external validation

BACKGROUND

An insufficient examined lymph node (ELN) count is a high risk factor for recurrence in patients with stage II colon cancer (CC). This study aimed to explore this risk factor in relation to stage migration.

METHODS

We screened 18,544 patients with stage II (pT3/4N0M0) and IIIB (pT3/4N1M0) CC diagnosed after radical resection from 2010 to 2015, using the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Propensity score matching was used to balance confounding factors for short-term and long-term survival, and survival analysis was carried out using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The optimal cutoff for the number of ELNs in patients with stage II CC was determined using X-tile software. Independent prognostic factors were screened using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Finally, the results were externally validated in 318 patients with stage Ⅱ and ⅢB CC in our hospital from 2013 to 2015.

RESULTS

The best cutoff value for the number of ELNs in patients with stage II CC was 14. Multivariate analysis identified age, grade, histology, tumor size, T stage, N stage, ELN count, and chemotherapy as independent prognostic factors, and the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria values for the prognostic value of ELN count were relatively small. Patients with stage II CC with <15 ELNs had similar prognoses to patients with stage ⅢB CC (P = 0.939). Subgroup analysis and external validation yielded similar results.

CONCLUSION

Patients with stage II CC should be considered as stage ⅢB if the ELN count is insufficient.

Exploration of a modified stage for pN0 colon cancer patients

Exploring a modified stage (mStage) for pN0 colon cancer patients. 39,637 pN0 colon cancer patients were collected from the SEER database (2010–2015) (development cohort) and 455 pN0 colon cancer patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (2011–2015) (validation cohort). The optimal lymph nodes examined (LNE) stratification for cancer-specific survival (CSS) was obtained by X-tile software in the development cohort. LNE is combined with conventional T stage to form the mStage. The novel N stage was built based on the LNE (N0a: LNE ≥ 26, N0b: LNE = 11–25 and N0c: LNE ≤ 10). The mStage include mStageA (T1N0a, T1N0b, T1N0c and T2N0a), mStageB (T2N0b, T2N0c and T3N0a), mStageC (T3N0b), mStageD (T3N0c, T4aN0a and T4bN0a), mStageE (T4aN0b and T4bN0b) and mStageF (T4aN0c and T4bN0c). Cox regression model showed that mStage was an independent prognostic factor. AUC showed that the predictive accuracy of mStage was better than the conventional T stage for 5-year CSS in the development (0.700 vs. 0.678, P < 0.001) and validation cohort (0.649 vs. 0.603, P = 0.018). The C-index also showed that mStage had a superior model-fitting. Besides, calibration curves for 3-year and 5-year CSS revealed good consistencies between observed and predicted survival rates. For pN0 colon cancer patients, mStage might be superior to conventional T stage in predicting the prognosis.

Postoperative survival effect of the number of examined lymph nodes on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with pathological stage T1-3N0M0

BACKGROUND

The postoperative survival effect of the number of examined lymph nodes on patients of R0-resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with pathological stage T1-3N0M0 is still unclear.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with pathological stage T1-3N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from two cancer databases-our cancer center (N = 707), and Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (N = 151). The primary clinical endpoint was overall survival. The X-tile software was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of the number of examined lymph nodes, and propensity score matching was conducted to reduce selection bias according to the results of X-tile software. The cohort of 151 patients from another database was used for validation.

RESULTS

X-tile software provided an optimal cutoff value of 15 examined lymph nodes based on 707 patients, and 231 pairs of matched patients were included. In the unmatched cohort, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed better overall survival in patients with more than 15 examined lymph nodes (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.566, 95% confidence interval, 0.445-0.720; p < 0.001) compared with patients with 15 or fewer examined lymph nodes. In the validation cohort, patients with more than 15 examined lymph nodes also had better overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio 0.665, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of examined lymph nodes is a significant prognostic factor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with pathological stage T1-3N0M0, and more than 15 examined lymph nodes are associated with better overall survival. Although the difference is not significant, the survival curve of patients with examined lymph nodes > 30 is better than those with examined lymph nodes 15-30. We believe that the number of examined lymph nodes can provide prognostic guidance for those patients, and the more examined lymph nodes cause lesser occult lymph nodes metastasis and lead to a better prognosis. Therefore, surgeons and pathologists should try to examine as many lymph nodes as possible to evaluate the pathological stage precisely. However, we need more validation from other studies.

Is Laparoscopic Complete Mesocolic Excision and Central Vascular Ligation Really Necessary for All Patients With Right-Sided Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer treatment is on the way to evolution over several decades. The minimally invasive surgery has improved postoperative short-term outcomes. Adjuvant chemotherapy has prolonged the survival of advanced colon cancer patients. Hohenberger proposed the noble concept of complete mesocolic excision (CME) which consists of 3 components: plane surgery, sufficient longitudinal bowel resection, and central vascular ligation (CVL). Mesocolic plane surgery shares the same surgical principle of total mesorectal excision, which is maintaining the intact mesothelial envelope. However, there remain debates about the extent of bowel resection and the level of CVL for maximizing lymph node dissection. There is no solid clinical evidence for the oncological necessity and benefit of extended radical dissection in right hemicolectomy. CME with CVL based on open surgery has been adopted in laparoscopic surgery. So, it is also necessary to look at how the CME could be transformed and successfully implanted in the laparoscopic era. Recent rapid advances in surgical technology and cancer biology are preparing for fundamental changes in cancer surgery. In this study, we reviewed the history, oncological necessity, and compatibility of CME for the right hemicolectomy in the laparoscopic era and outline the new perspectives on the evolution of cancer surgery.

A Novel Prognostic Model and Practical Nomogram for Predicting the Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer: Based on Tumor Biomarkers and Log Odds of Positive Lymph Node Scheme

Background

Emerging evidence shows that serum tumor biomarkers (TBs) and log odds of positive lymph node scheme (LODDS) are closely associated with the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The aim of our study is to validate the predictive value of TBs and LODDS clinically and to develop a robust prognostic model to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with CRC.

Methods

CRC patients who underwent radical resection and with no preoperative chemotherapy were enrolled in the study. The eligible population were randomized into training (70%) and test (30%) cohorts for the comprehensive evaluation of the prognostic model. Clinical implications of serum biomarkers and LODDS were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox proportion regression analysis. The predictive ability and discriminative performance were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier (K–M) curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Clinical applicability of the prognostic model was assessed by decision curve analysis (DCA), and the corresponding nomogram was constructed based on the above factors.

Results

A total of 1,202 eligible CRC patients were incorporated into our study. Multivariable COX analysis demonstrated that CA199 (HR = 1.304), CA125 (HR = 1.429), CEA (HR = 1.307), and LODDS (HR = 1.488) were independent risk factors for OS (all P < 0.0001). K–M curves showed that the high-risk group possessed a shorter OS than the low-risk counterparts. The area under curves (AUCs) of the model for 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were 86.04, 78.70, and 76.66% respectively for the train cohort (80.35, 77.59, and 74.26% for test cohort). Logistic DCA and survival DCA confirmed that the prognostic model displayed more clinical benefits than the conventional AJCC 8^th TNM stage and CEA model. The nomograms were built accordingly, and the calibration plot for the probability of survival at 3- or 5-years after surgery showed an optimal agreement between prediction and actual observation.

Conclusions

Preoperative serum TBs and LODDS have significant clinical implications for CRC patients. A novel prognostic model incorporating common TBs (CA199, CA125, and CEA) and LODDS displayed better predictive performance than both single factor and the TNM classification. A novel nomogram incorporating TBs and LODDS could individually predict OS in patients with CRC.

Comparison of open and minimally invasive approaches to colon cancer resection in compliance with 12 regional lymph node harvest quality measure

BACKGROUND

There has been a growing trend toward minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for colon cancer. Pathological analysis of a minimum of 12 lymph nodes (LNs) is a benchmark for adequate resection. Here, we present a comparison of surgical techniques in achieving a full oncologic resection.

METHODS

Patients undergoing surgery for Stage I-III colon cancer (2010-2016) were identified from the National Cancer Database. Cases were stratified by surgical approach. Trends in approach were assessed, including whether the 12-LN benchmark was met. Uni- and multivariate regression was used to assess overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A total of 290,776 colectomies were analyzed. MIS increased from 32.8% to 57.2% from 2010 to 2016 (p < .001). An overall median of 18 LNs were harvested and compliance with the 12-LN benchmark increased (84.6%-91.6%, p < .001); there were no difference between open and MIS. A subset analysis comparing hospital type revealed that regardless of approach, compliance was lower at community hospitals (p < .001). OS was better for patients treated at academic or National Cancer Institute centers, underwent MIS, and in those meeting the 12-LN benchmark (all p ≤ .002).

CONCLUSION

As MIS colon resections continue to increase, we demonstrate that there is no difference in the ability to achieve the 12-LN benchmark with open and MIS approaches.

The prognostic factors of primary colorectal sarcoma and the clinical outcomes of negative lymph node dissection

Background

Primary colorectal sarcoma is an extremely rare malignancy that is associated with poor patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic factors of primary colorectal sarcoma and evaluate the clinical outcomes associated with these prognostic factors.

Methods

Between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2016, the clinical data of 315 patients with primary colorectal sarcoma were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and by log-rank test. The prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis and hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of covariates were also estimated. The optimal cutoff value for NLN count at dissection was identified using X-tile software and validated by univariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

Of the 315 patients with primary colorectal sarcoma identified, 88.6% received surgery. The median follow-up time was 34 months with an interquartile range (IQR) of 9-79 months. The 5-year rate of CSS was 76.73% and 27.8% for the surgery group and the non-surgery group, respectively (P<0.0001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis performed on the data of nonmetastatic patients demonstrated that sex, race, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy had no effect on patient CSS, with age, tumor site, tumor grade, and NLN dissection being independent prognostic factors. A significant correlation was found between advanced age (>80 years old) and poor CSS (HR 1.964; 95% CI: 1.005-3.839; P=0.048). There were also significant correlations between colonic tumors and poor CSS (HR 2.903; 95% CI: 1.348-6.250; P=0.006) and grade IV tumors and poor CSS (HR 3.431; 95% CI: 1.725-6.823; P<0.001), while NLN dissection was associated with improved CSS (HR 0.946; 95% CI: 0.911-0.983; P=0.004). X-tile software analysis was used to determine that the optimal cutoff value for NLN count was 13. Patients who received NLN dissection with a cutoff value of 13 or more displayed better CSS than those who did not (P=0.016).

Conclusions

Primary colorectal sarcoma patients can benefit significantly from primary tumor surgery. Age, tumor site, grade and NLN dissection are independent prognostic factors for CSS in nonmetastatic patients. Importantly, nonmetastatic patients treated with NLN dissection with an NLN count of 13 or more have significantly better CSS.

Development and validation of prognostic nomograms for early-onset locally advanced colon cancer

BACKGROUND

The incidence of colorectal cancer in patients younger than 50 years has been increasing in recent years.

OBJECTIVE

Develop and validate prognostic nomograms predicting overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) for early-onset locally advanced colon cancer (EOLACC) based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

RESULTS

The entire cohort comprised 13,755 patients with EOLACC. The nomogram predicting OS for EOLACC displayed that T stage contributed the most to prognosis, followed by N stage, regional nodes examined (RNE) and surgery. The nomogram predicting CSS for EOLACC demonstrated similar results. Various methods identified the discriminating superiority of the nomograms. X-tile software was used to classify patients into high-risk, medium-risk, and low-risk according to the risk score of the nomograms. The risk stratification effectively avoided the survival paradox.

CONCLUSIONS

We established and validated nomograms for predicting OS and CSS based on a national cohort of almost 13,000 EOLACC patients. The nomograms could effectively solve the issue of survival paradox of the AJCC staging system and be an excellent tool to integrate the clinical characteristics to guide the therapeutic choice for EOLACC patients.

METHODS

Nomograms were constructed based on the SEER database and the Cox regression model.