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World Journal of Surgery

Published in:

01-12-2009

Lymph Node Harvest in Colon Cancer: Influence of Microsatellite Instability and Proximal Tumor Location

Authors: Kjetil Søreide, Bjørn Steinar Nedrebø, Jon Arne Søreide, Aida Slewa, Hartwig Kørner

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 12/2009

Abstract

Background

At least 12 harvested lymph nodes are recommended for proper staging of colon cancer. The effect of tumor-related factors associated with lymph node harvest is not well understood as data are lacking. We investigated tumor-related factors in relation to the number of lymph nodes harvested.

Methods

Patient and tumor characteristics were investigated in relation to harvested lymph nodes (LN ≥ 12), number of metastatic nodes, LN ratio (LNR), and prognosis with univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

An LN harvest ≥12 nodes was achieved in 36% of the patients. Having <12 nodes harvested was not associated with increased risk for locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, or decreased survival. Tumor size >5 cm, microsatellite instability (MSI), and proximal tumor location predicted a harvest of LN ≥ 12. The highest rate (54%) of LN ≥ 12 was found for MSI cancers [odds ratio (OR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–6.5; P = 0.011]. Multivariate analysis identified a proximal location as an independent factor of LN ≥ 12 (adjusted OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.5–8.2; P = 0.003), with MSI an independent factor in stage II to III colon cancer (adjusted OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1–6.0; P = 0.026). To determine the best prognosticator, LNR was the only significant factor in the multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.9 (95% CI 1.1–7.8; P = 0.038) for LNR 0.01–0.17 and an HR of 5.8 (95% CI 2.5–13.1; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Proximal tumor location and microsatellite instability are associated with a higher number of lymph nodes harvested, pointing to possible underlying genetic and immunologic mechanisms. The LNR is an independent prognostic variable for colon cancer.

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Title: Lymph Node Harvest in Colon Cancer: Influence of Microsatellite Instability and Proximal Tumor Location
Authors: Kjetil Søreide
Bjørn Steinar Nedrebø
Jon Arne Søreide
Aida Slewa
Hartwig Kørner
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 12/2009
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-009-0255-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Lymph Node Harvest in Colon Cancer: Influence of Microsatellite Instability and Proximal Tumor Location

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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