01-07-2017 | Original Article
Recurrence and survival factors analysis of 171 cases of sacral chordoma in a single institute
Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 7/2017
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Purpose
To evaluate postoperative recurrence, survival and metastasis results and related factors of sacral chordoma.
Methods
Between 1978 and 2013, a total of 171 patients with sacral chordoma were diagnosed at our institution and 162 cases underwent operation. The clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of all these patients were reviewed.
Results
The 3-year recurrence free survival rate was 83.1%. The median recurrence free survival time was 73 ± 7.8 months. Tumor level in sacrum and surgical margin were significant factors influencing recurrence. Recurrence was significant factor influencing metastasis. One hundred and fifty-seven cases were followed up for an average of 55.6 months. 135 cases (86%) survived, 37 cases (23.6%) developed recurrence, and 17 cases (10.8%) developed metastasis. The overall 5- and 10-year survival rate was 88.3% and 59.6%, respectively. Age (p = 0.037) and metastasis (p = 0.001) were significant factors influencing survival. The 3-year recurrence free survival rate was 80.1%. The median recurrence free survival time was 69 ± 12.7 months. Tumor level in sacrum (p = 0.035) and surgical margin (p = 0.009) were significant factors influencing recurrence. Seventeen cases (10.8%) had metastasis. Recurrence (p = 0.016) was significant factors influencing metastasis.
Conclusions
Sacral chordoma tended to occur in elderly male patients and locate below sacral 3 level. The recurrence rate was high, especially for tumor above sacral 3 level. Wide surgical margin is very important for good local control. The patients with metastasis had poor prognosis.