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Annals of Surgical Oncology
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology 11/2006

01-11-2006

The Prognostic Effect of Micrometastases in Previously Staged Lymph Node Negative (N0) Colorectal Carcinoma: A Meta-analysis

Authors: Douglas Iddings, DO, Aziz Ahmad, MD, David Elashoff, Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 11/2006

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Abstract

Background

The prognostic relevance of lymphatic micrometastases in colorectal carcinoma is unclear. To determine the prognostic significance of micrometastases in colorectal cancer, a meta-analysis was performed on all studies, which reported 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

Published studies selected for meta-analysis contained sufficient data from which to extrapolate estimates of 3-year DFS and/or OS. From 1991–2003, 25 studies re-examined N0 lymph nodes by serial sectioning and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Eight studies (566 patients) with IHC detected micrometastases and three (173 patients) with RT-PCR micrometastases were used to determine DFS and OS. Weighted estimates of 3-year survival were combined across studies within each group, and the combined survival estimates were compared across groups using a binomial test.

Results

Micrometastases were identified in all IHC studies; upstaging, including N1, N1mi and N0(i+), was achieved in 32% (179/566 patients). All RT-PCR studies identified micrometastases; upstaging to N0(mol+) was achieved in 37% (64/173 patients). There was a statistically significant difference in 3-year OS between RT-PCR positive N0(mol+) patients (77.8%) and those for whom micrometastases were not detected (96.6%) (P<.001).

Conclusion

The prognostic value of micrometastases detected retrospectively by RT-PCR is significant in AJCC stage II colorectal patients. Studies utilizing RT-PCR performed a more complete nodal analysis when compared to studies using IHC techniques. RT-PCR may also be more specific for the detection of clinically relevant micrometastases compared to IHC detected cytokeratins. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefit of systemic chemotherapy in patients with molecular metastases.
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Metadata
Title
The Prognostic Effect of Micrometastases in Previously Staged Lymph Node Negative (N0) Colorectal Carcinoma: A Meta-analysis
Authors
Douglas Iddings, DO
Aziz Ahmad, MD
David Elashoff
Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD
Publication date
01-11-2006
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 11/2006
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-006-9120-y

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