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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Gastric Cancer | Research

Clinical implications of micro lymph node metastasis for patients with gastric cancer

Authors: Yuan Tian, Yue Pang, Pei-Gang Yang, Hong-Hai Guo, Yang Liu, Ze Zhang, Ping-An Ding, Tao Zheng, Yong Li, Li-Qiao Fan, Zhi-Dong Zhang, Dong Wang, Xue-Feng Zhao, Bi-Bo Tan, Yu Liu, Qun Zhao

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Lymph node size is considered as a criterion for possible lymph node metastasis in imageology. Micro lymph nodes are easily overlooked by surgeons and pathologists. This study investigated the influencing factors and prognosis of micro lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer.

Methods

191 eligible gastric cancer patients who underwent D2 lymphadenectomy from June 2016 to June 2017 in the Third Surgery Department at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Specimens were resected en bloc and the postoperative retrieval of micro lymph nodes was carried out by the operating surgeon for each lymph node station. Micro lymph nodes were submitted for pathological examination separately. According to the results of pathological results, patients were divided into the “micro-LNM (micro lymph node metastasis)” group (N = 85) and the “non micro-LNM” group (N = 106).

Results

The total number of lymph nodes retrieved was 10,954, of which 2998 (27.37%) were micro lymph nodes. A total of 85 (44.50%) gastric cancer patients had been proven to have micro lymph node metastasis. The mean number of micro lymph nodes retrieved was 15.7. The rate of micro lymph node metastasis was 8.1% (242/2998). Undifferentiated carcinoma (90.6% vs. 56.6%, P = 0.034) and more advanced Pathological N category (P < 0.001) were significantly related to micro lymph node metastasis. The patients with micro lymph node metastasis had a poor prognosis (HR for OS of 2.199, 95% CI = 1.335–3.622, P = 0.002). For the stage III patients, micro lymph node metastasis was associated with shorter 5-year OS (15.6% vs. 43.6%, P = 0.0004).

Conclusions

Micro lymph node metastasis is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Micro lymph node metastasis appears to be a supplement to N category in order to obtain more accurate pathological staging.

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Title: Clinical implications of micro lymph node metastasis for patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Yuan Tian
Yue Pang
Pei-Gang Yang
Hong-Hai Guo
Yang Liu
Ze Zhang
Ping-An Ding
Tao Zheng
Yong Li
Li-Qiao Fan
Zhi-Dong Zhang
Dong Wang
Xue-Feng Zhao
Bi-Bo Tan
Yu Liu
Qun Zhao
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Gastric Cancer
Gastric Cancer
Metastasis
Lymphadenectomy
Gastrectomy
Gastrectomy
Published in: BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-023-11023-w

2024 ESC Congress

Springer Medicine

Clinical implications of micro lymph node metastasis for patients with gastric cancer

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2024 ESC Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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