Prognostic significance of peritoneal tumour cells identified at surgery for colorectal cancer

Authors: Katoh, H.; Yamashita, K.; Sato, T.; Ozawa, H.; Nakamura, T.; Watanabe, M.

Source: British Journal of Surgery, Volume 96, Number 7, July 2009 , pp. 769-777(9)

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract:

Background:

The prognostic significance of intraperitoneal tumour cells (IPCs) in colorectal cancer is not clear. This study aimed to determine whether detection of IPCs could be used a prognostic marker for selecting patients at high risk of recurrence.

Methods:

The study included 226 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent elective resection. Clinical variables, including the presence of IPCs, were analysed for their prognostic significance.

Results:

Thirty-three patients (14·6 per cent) were positive for IPCs. Univariable analysis indicated that the presence of IPCs was a significant prognostic factor in patients with stage III colorectal cancer; the 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 14 per cent in IPC-positive patients versus 79 per cent in those without IPCs (P < 0·001). Multivariable analysis showed that IPC positivity was the most robust prognostic factor in stage III disease (hazard ratio 2·2; P = 0·003), whereas nodal category (N1 or N2) showed no significant association with prognosis. In addition, IPCs were associated with haematogenous recurrence (P = 0·004) rather than peritoneal or local recurrence (P = 0·077) in patients with stage III disease.

Conclusion:

The presence of IPCs is a significant prognostic factor in patients with stage III colorectal cancer. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bjs.6622

Publication date: 2009-07-01

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