Survival in colon and rectal cancers in Finland and Sweden through 50 years

Alginate-modified graphene oxide anchored with lactoperoxidase as a novel bioactive nanocombination for colorectal cancer therapy

It is imperative to explore new biocompatible drugs with low toxicity for use in medicinal fields such as fighting tumors. Bovine lactoperoxidase (BLPO) stems from the most important enzymes in the bovine whey that provide a proper pattern for nano-formulation with nanomaterials. LPO is a suitable protein to be coated or adsorbed to alginate modified graphene oxide (GO-SA), which forms the modified GO-SA-LPO hybrid structure. This novel combination provides LPO stability with strong anticancer effects and boosts immunity response. The characterization results obtained from different techniques confirmed a successful LPO adsorption on the GO-SA composite surface. Moreover, nano-formulation of LPO with GO-SA composite exhibited a reduction in its size and overall charge. In addition, the experimental results showed greater LPO activity stability in the modified GO-SA-LPO nanocombination than free LPO after storage for 10 weeks at 4 °C. The in vitro study, a crucial step in the validation of our approach, demonstrated that the modified GO-SA-LPO nanocombination showed a potent anticancer selectivity toward colon cancer cell lines more than GO-SA composite or free form of LPO, which enhanced in a dose-dependent manner with high safety manner against normal cells. The apoptotic effect of this novel nanocombination was confirmed by the greatest variations in the expression of both well-known apoptosis genes (p53 and Bcl-2), severe changes in the cellular morphology, DNA fragmentation, and nuclear staining with fluorescence yellow and orange of the target cancer cells. Also, this superior efficacy of the modified GO-SA-LPO nanocombination was induced by suppressing some pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-6), and necrosis factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB). Our observations presented that the modified nanocombination of LPO may offer a novel remedy for treating colon tumors via induced apoptosis pathway, inflammation reduction, and immune response improvement.

Diverting ostomy prior to neoadjuvant treatment in rectal cancer should be used selectively: A retrospective single-center cohort study

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer patients commonly benefit from neoadjuvant therapy before resection surgery. For these patients, an elective ostomy diversion is frequently considered, despite the absence of conclusive evidence when a diversion is advantageous. This is a retrospective observational single-center study on a 4-year consecutive rectal cancer cohort undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, aiming at improving the understanding of risks and benefits associated with ostomy diversion.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Baseline characteristics, tumor-specific data, clinical events, and outcomes were collected using the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and medical records.

RESULTS

Thirty-two (30.2%) of the 106 included patients presented with endoscopic impassable tumors at diagnosis, of which 18 (56.2%) had diverting ostomy. Three out of 14 with impassable tumor and no diversion developed a bowel obstruction. None of the patients with an endoscopically passable tumor at diagnosis (n = 74) experienced a bowel obstruction. The elective diversions (n = 40) were not associated with serious complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ⩾ 3b). Patients with a diverting ostomy (n = 30) had similar time intervals from diagnosis to neoadjuvant treatment and to definite tumor resection as those without diversion but experienced more complex primary tumor resections in terms of blood loss and operation time.

CONCLUSION

An elective diverting ostomy is a relatively safe procedure in rectal cancer patients requiring neoadjuvant therapy. More than one out of five non-diverted patients with endoscopically impassable rectal tumors developed bowel obstruction and would potentially have benefited from an elective diversion.

A metric for comparison and visualization of age disparities in cancer survival

AIMS

Diagnostic age is an important determinant of cancer survival but the methods generally used to analyze age-group-specific survival are not developed for ready visualization of survival differences. We aim at developing a novel metric for comparing and visualizing age-group-specific survival data over different cancers, sexes, periods and countries.

METHODS

The metric describes the mean absolute deviation between age-groups. The metric can be used in two variations, one showing the mean variation and its 95% confidence intervals and the other highlighting individually each age-groups distinguishing positive or negative deviations. We demonstrate the applications with age-group- specific 5-year relative survival data from the NORDCAN database RESULTS: The mean absolute deviation between age-groups for Swedish colon cancer survival declined from about 5% in 1972-1981-1% in 1992-2001 and to 1.3% in 2012-2021. Patients diagnosed before age 50 years accounted for the largest positive deviation. For acute myeloid leukemia (AML) the mean deviation increased from 4% (female) to 17% and 23%. Patients diagnosed at age below 50 years showed the largest deviations. Comparing colon cancer mean deviations between the Nordic countries, a time-related decline was observed for all, those in Sweden ending at the lowest and in Finland the highest level.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the usefulness of the devised metric for summarizing age-specific survival data between cancers, sexes, periods and countries. The two variations of the metric allow a simple visual presentation of the survival experience as to deviation of the survival data, its 95%CIs and its highlighted individual age-group components.

Income disparities in loss in life expectancy after colon and rectal cancers: a Swedish register-based study

BACKGROUND

Differences in the prognosis after colorectal cancer (CRC) by socioeconomic position (SEP) have been reported previously; however, most studies focused on survival differences at a particular time since diagnosis. We quantified the lifetime impact of CRC and its variation by SEP, using individualised income to conceptualise SEP.

METHODS

Data included all adults with a first-time diagnosis of colon or rectal cancers in Sweden between 2008 and 2021. The analysis was done separately for colon and rectal cancers using flexible parametric models. For each cancer and income group, we estimated the life expectancy in the absence of cancer, the life expectancy in the presence of cancer and the loss in life expectancy (LLE).

RESULTS

We found large income disparities in life expectancy after a cancer diagnosis, with larger differences among the youngest patients. Higher income resulted in more years lost following a cancer diagnosis. For example, 40-year-old females with colon cancer lost 17.64 years if in the highest-income group and 13.68 years if in the lowest-income group. Rectal cancer resulted in higher LLE compared with colon cancer. Males lost a larger proportion of their lives. All patients, including the oldest, lost more than 30% of their remaining life expectancy. Based on the number of colon and rectal cancer diagnoses in 2021, colon cancer results in almost double the number of years lost compared with rectal cancer (24 669 and 12 105 years, respectively).

CONCLUSION

While our results should be interpreted in line with what individualised income represents, they highlight the need to address inequalities.

Rectal cancer survival and prognostic factors in Iranian population: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer (RC) poses a significant global health challenge, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the survival rates of RC patients and identify the factors that influence their survival. The study considers demographic characteristics, tumor features, and treatment received as the factors under consideration.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 593 RC patients. Data were collected through a comprehensive review of medical records and conducting telephone interviews. Survival rates were estimated using the life table method, and subgroup comparisons were performed using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was utilized to assess the independent associations between RC survival time and various covariates.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 593 RC patients, with a predominantly male representation. The mean age at diagnosis was 58.18 years, and the majority of patients (78.6 %) underwent surgical interventions. The median age at symptom onset and diagnosis were 58 and 59 years, respectively. Survival rates at 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 10th years were estimated to be 85 %, 59 %, 47 %, and 36 %, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed several significant prognostic factors, including age, education, symptoms, and cancer stage. In the multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis, advanced regional stage (HR = 1.54, 95 % CI, 1.13-2.08), presence of metastasis (HR = 3.73, 95 % CI, 2.49-5.58), and age over 70 (HR = 1.65) were associated with a higher risk of mortality.

CONCLUSION

Given the alarming prognosis of RC observed in the study area and the significant delay between symptom onset and diagnosis, it is crucial to address this issue and potentially improve the survival rates of RC patients.

Developing a multivariable prediction model of global health-related quality of life in patients treated for rectal cancer: a prospective study in five countries

PURPOSE

Rectal cancer and its treatment have a negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). If risk factors for sustained low HRQoL could be identified early, ideally before the start of treatment, individualised interventions could be identified and implemented to maintain or improve HRQoL. The study aimed to develop a multivariable prediction model for global HRQoL 12 months after rectal cancer treatment.

METHODS

Within COLOR II, a randomised, multicentre, international trial of laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer, a sub-study on HRQoL included 385 patients in 12 hospitals and five countries. The HRQoL study was optional for hospitals in the COLOR II trial. EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CR38 were analysed preoperatively and at 1 and 12 months postoperatively. In exploratory analyses, correlations between age, sex, fatigue, pain, ASA classification, complications, and symptoms after surgery to HRQoL were studied. Bivariate initial analyses were followed by multivariate regression models.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics and clinical factors explained 4-10% of the variation in global HRQoL. The patient-reported outcomes from EORTC QLQ-C30 explained 55-65% of the variation in global HRQoL. The predominant predictors were fatigue and pain, which significantly impacted global HRQoL at all time points measured.

CONCLUSION

We found that fatigue and pain were two significant factors associated with posttreatment global HRQoL in patients treated for rectal cancer T1-T3 Nx. Interventions to reduce fatigue and pain could enhance global HRQoL after rectal cancer treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT00297791.

Recurrence Patterns and Risk Factors after Curative Resection for Colorectal Cancer: Insights for Postoperative Surveillance Strategies

This study aimed to assess recurrence patterns and related risk factors following curative resection of colorectal cancer (CRC). This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center, including 2622 patients with stage I-III CRC who underwent curative resection between 2008 and 2018. Hazard rates of recurrence were calculated using a hazard function. The primary outcome was the peak recurrence time after curative resection and secondary outcomes were prognostic factors associated with recurrence. Over a median follow-up period of 53 months, the overall, locoregional and systemic recurrence rates were 8.9%, 0.7%, and 8.5%, respectively. Recurrence rates were significantly higher for rectal cancer (14.9% overall, 4.4% locoregionally, and 12.3% systemically) than for colon cancer (all p < 0.001). The peak recurrence time was 11 months, with variations in hazard rates and curves depending on the tumor location, stage, and risk factors. Patients with AL or CRM involvement exhibited a distinct pattern, with a high hazard rate in the early postoperative period. Understanding these recurrence patterns and risk factors is crucial for establishing effective postoperative surveillance strategies. Our findings suggested that short-interval surveillance should be considered during the first 2 years post-surgery, particularly for high-risk patients who should receive early attention.

Long-Term Periodic and Conditional Survival Trends in Prostate, Testicular, and Penile Cancers in the Nordic Countries, Marking Timing of Improvements

Survival studies are important tools for cancer control, but long-term survival data on high-quality cancer registries are lacking for all cancers, including prostate (PC), testicular (TC), and penile cancers. Using generalized additive models and data from the NORDCAN database, we analyzed 1- and 5-year relative survival for these cancers in Denmark (DK), Finland (FI), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE) over a 50-year period (1971-2020). We additionally estimated conditional 5/1-year survival for patients who survived the 1st year after diagnosis. Survival improved early for TC, and 5-year survival reached 90% between 1985 (SE) and 2000 (FI). Towards the end of the follow-up, the TC patients who had survived the 1st year survived the next 4 years with comparable probability to the background population. For PC, the 90% landmark was reached between 2000 (FI) and after 2010 (DK). For penile cancer, 5-year survival never reached the 90% landmark, and the improvements in survival were modest at best. For TC, early mortality requires attention, whereas late mortality should be tackled for PC. For penile cancer, the relatively high early mortality may suggest delays in diagnosis and would require more public awareness and encouragement of patients to seek medical opinion. In FI, TC and penile cancer patients showed roughly double risk of dying compared to the other Nordic countries, which warrants further study and clinical attention.

Quality of life patient/cancer survivor version in Chinese cancer survivors: A validation study

Objective

To validate the Chinese version of the Quality of Life (QoL) Patient/Cancer Survivor Version (QOLCSV-C) for measuring QoL in Chinese cancer survivors.

Methods

The study followed a seven-step research practice guideline for cross-cultural research instrument validation study including translation, adaptation, and psychometric assessment. A forward- and backward-translation procedure was approached, followed by cultural adaptation and acceptability assessment. For its psychometric properties, its concurrent validity with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) was examined with correlation analysis. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and item-total and item-subtotal correlations of the QOLCSV-C were obtained. Factor analyses were conducted. Floor and ceiling effects and the discriminant performance of the selected variables on QOLCSV-C score were also examined.

Results

The QOLCSV-C was translated from the 41-item QOLCSV with four domains: psychological, physical, spiritual and social well-being. The content validity was excellent (CVI ​= ​1.00). Time spent to complete the QOLCSV-C was about 10 ​min. The QOLCSV-C was found easy to use, appropriate in length, and reflective of their QoL. The strong correlation between QOLCSV-C and FACT-G indicates a satisfactory concurrent validity (Spearman's rho ​= ​0.765, P ​< ​0.001, n ​= ​205). The overall internal consistency of the QOLCSV-C (Cronbach's alpha ​= ​0.888) and the split-half reliability (Spearman-Brown r ​= ​0.918) were excellent. Most of the items show moderate to strong item-total correlation. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution, and confirmatory factor analysis has a satisfactory model fit with indicative items. None of the total scores of QOLCSV-C reveal the floor or ceiling effect. For discriminant performance, variables demonstrating significant between-group differences include sleep quality, pain, fatigue, nausea, physical health, and financial burden.

Conclusions

The QOLCSV-C is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the QoL in Chinese cancer survivors. Future studies can explore the factor structure, gender universal or specific items, and significant predictors of QoL of cancer survivors in different cultures.

Long-term survival trends in solid cancers in the Nordic countries marking timing of improvements

Survival studies are an important indicator of the success of cancer control. We analyzed the 5-year relative survival in 23 solid cancers in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden over a 50-year period (1970-2019) at the NORDCAN database accessed from the International Agency for Research on Cancer website. We plotted survival curves in 5-year periods and showed 5-year periodic survival. The survival results were summarized in four groups: (1) cancers with historically good survival (>50% in 1970-1974) which include melanoma and breast, endometrial and thyroid cancers; (2) cancers which constantly improved survival at least 20% units over the 50 year period, including cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, kidney, brain and ovary; (3) cancer with increase in survival >20% units with changes taking place in a narrow time window, including oral, oropharyngeal, testicular and prostate cancers; (4) the remaining cancers with <20% unit improvement in survival including lung, esophageal, liver, pancreatic, bladder, soft tissue, penile, cervical and vulvar cancers. For cancers in groups 1 and 2, the constant development implied multiple improvements in therapy, diagnosis and patient care. Cancers in group 3 included testicular cancers with known therapeutic improvements but for the others large incidence changes probably implied that cancer stage (prostate) or etiology (oropharynx) changed into a more tractable form. Group 4 cancers included those with dismal survival 50 years ago but a clear tendency upwards. In 17 cancers 5-year survival reached between 50% and 100% while in only six cancers it remained at below 50%.

Survival in gastric and esophageal cancers in the Nordic countries through a half century

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) and esophageal cancer (EC) are among the most fatal cancers and improving survival in them is a major clinical challenge. Nordic cancer data were recently released up to year 2019. These data are relevant for long-term survival analysis as they originate from high-quality national cancer registries from countries with practically free access to health care, thus documenting 'real-world' experience for entire populations.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Data were obtained for Danish (DK), Finnish (FI), Norwegian (NO), and Swedish (SE) patients from the NORDCAN database from years 1970 through 2019. Relative 1- and 5-year survival were analyzed, and additionally the difference between 1- and 5-year survival was calculated as a measure of trends between years 1 and 5 after diagnosis.

RESULTS

Relative 1-year survival for Nordic men and women in GC was 30% in period 1970-74 and it increased close to 60%. Early 5-year survival ranged between 10 and 15% and the last figures were over 30% for all women and NO men while survival for other men remain below 30%. Survival in EC was below that in GC, and it reached over 50% for 1-year survival only for NO patients; 5-year survival reached over 20% only for NO women. For both cancers, the difference between 1- and 5-year survival increased with time. Survival was worst among old patients.

CONCLUSION

GC and EC survival improved over the 50-year period but the increase in 5-year survival was entirely explained by gains in 1-year survival, which improved at an accelerated pace in EC. The likely reasons for improvements are changes in diagnosis, treatment, and care. The challenges are to push survival past year 1 with attention to old patients. These cancers have a potential for primary prevention through the avoidance of risk factors.

Survival in hematological malignancies in the Nordic countries through a half century with correlation to treatment

Studies of survival in hematological malignancies (HMs) have generally shown an improvement over time, although most of these studies are limited by a short follow-up period. Using the NORDCAN database with data from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, we follow periodic increases in relative survival in seven HMs through half a century up to 2015-2019. Five-year survival improved in all seven HMs, reaching 90% for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), myeloproliferative neoplasias and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 60% for multiple myeloma (MM) and chronic myeloid leukemias (CMLs), 50% for the myelodysplastic syndromes and 30% for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Improvements in survival over 50 years ranged from 20% to more than 50% units across the different HMs. The likely reasons for such progress include earlier diagnoses, improved risk stratification and advances in treatment. We observed differing temporal trends in improvements in survival. The gradual increases observed in HL, CLL and AML highlight the impact of optimization of existing therapies and improvements in diagnostics and risk stratification, whereas the rapid increases observed in the CMLs and MM highlight the impact of novel therapies. Recent therapeutic advances may further improve survival in HMs where survival remains low such as in AML.

Survival in Colon, Rectal and Small Intestinal Cancers in the Nordic Countries through a Half Century

Background: Survival studies in intestinal cancers have generally shown favorable development, but few studies have been able to pinpoint the timing of the changes in survival over an extended period. Here, we compared the relative survival rates for colon, rectal and small intestinal cancers from Denmark (DK), Finland (FI), Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE). Design: Relative 1-, 5- and 5/1-year conditional survival data were obtained from the NORDCAN database for the years 1971-2020. Results: The 50-year survival patterns were country-specific. For colon and rectal cancers, the slopes of survival curves bended upwards for DK, were almost linear for NO and bended downwards for FI and SE; 5-year survival was the highest in DK. Survival in small intestinal cancer was initially below colon and rectal cancers but in FI and NO it caught up toward the end of the follow-up. Conclusions: Relative survival in intestinal cancers has developed well in the Nordic countries, and DK is an example of a country which in 20 years was able to achieve excellent survival rates in colon and rectal cancers. In the other countries, the increase in survival curves for colon and rectal cancer has slowed down, which may be a challenge posed by metastatic cancers.

Risk factors for right colon, left colon and rectal cancers differ between men and women: the population-based HUNT study in Norway

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess established risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) separately for right colon, left colon and rectal cancer in men and women.

METHOD

This was a prospective cohort study comparing incidental CRC cases and the general population participating in a longitudinal health study in Norway (the HUNT study).

RESULTS

Among 78 580 participants (36 825 men and 41 754 women), 1827 incidental CRCs were registered (931 men and 896 women). Among men, the risk of cancer at all locations increased with age [HR 1.46 (1.40-1.51), HR 1.32 (1.27-1.36), HR 1.30 (1.25-1.34) per 5 years for right colon, left colon and rectal cancer, respectively] and the risk of left colon cancer increased with higher body mass index [HR 1.28 (1.12-1.46) per 5 kg/m² ]. The risk of right colon cancer (RCC) increased with smoking [HR 1.07 (1.04-1.10) per 5 pack years]. Among women, the risk of cancer at all locations increased with age [HR 1.38 (1.34-1.43), HR 1.23 (1.19-1.27), HR 1.20 (1.16-1.24) per 5 years] and smoking [HR 1.07 (1.02-1.12), HR 1.07 (1.02-1.12), HR 1.10 (1.05-1.17) per 5 pack years] for right colon, left colon and rectal cancer, respectively. The risk of RCC increased with night shift work [HR 1.93 (1.22-3.05)].

CONCLUSION

The risk factors for developing CRC differ by anatomical location and sex. The relationship between risk factors and CRC may be more nuanced than previously known.

Survival trends in solid cancers in the Nordic countries through 50 years

AIMS

Global survival studies in cancer have generally shown favourable development, but studies over extended periods on populations for which medical care is essentially free of charge are lacking.

METHODS

We analyse relative 1- and 5-year survival in all solid cancers in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden through a 50-year period (1970-2019) using the NORDCAN database.

RESULTS

The most recent survival results showed three types of patterns. Cancers of very good survival (5-year survival ∼90%) included common cancers of the breast and prostate, as well as melanoma. The second pattern, which included the largest number of cancers, showed 1-year survival of over 80% and a drop of 10-20 % units in 5-year survival. The third group consisted of eight fatal cancers, sharing poor 5-year survival (around 20%). The 50-year improvement in 1-year survival was largest (30-50 % units) in kidney, brain, gallbladder and liver cancers, and (∼30%) in colon, small intestinal, lung, pleural, pancreas and ovarian cancers. Improvements in 5-year survival were highest (40-50 % units) in prostate and kidney cancers but remained at 10-20 % units for the eight fatal cancers. Survival showed significant sex preferences for a few cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis over a half-century confirms the progress in 'real-world' cancer control, and in 84% of patients 5-year survival was &gt;60%. Metastases remain a challenge, placing the emphasis on early detection before metastasis occurs. Novel therapies, such as immunotherapy which has curative potential even against metastatic disease, are needed.

Molecular Mechanism of Anti-Colorectal Cancer Effect of Hedyotis diffusa Willd and Its Extracts

With the sharp change in our diet and lifestyle, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing among young people and has become the second most common malignant tumor worldwide. Although the current treatment of CRC is getting updated rapidly, recurrence and metastasis are still inevitable. Therefore, new anticancer drugs are needed to break existing limitations. In recent years, Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) extracts have been proved to demonstrate excellent anti-colorectal cancer effects and have been widely used in clinical practices. In this review, we aim to explore the advantages, potential signaling pathways, and representative active ingredients of HDW in the treatment of CRC from the perspective of molecular mechanism, in order to provide new ideas for the future treatment of CRC.

Cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer incidence and survival trends in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden with implications to treatment

Background

Incidence of cervical cancer has been reduced by organized screening while for vaginal and vulvar cancers no systematic screening has been implemented. All these cancers are associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. We wanted to analyze incidence trends and relative survival in these cancers with specific questions about the possible covariation of incidence, survival changes coinciding with incidence changes and the role of treatment in survival. We used nationwide cancer registry data for Denmark (DK), Finland (FI), Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE) to address these questions.

Methods

We use the NORDCAN database for the analyses: incidence data were available from 1943 in DK, 1953 in FI and NO and 1960 in SE, through 2016. Survival data were available from 1967 through 2016. World standard population was used in age standardization.

Results

In each country the incidence of cervical cancer declined subsequent to rolling out of screening activities. The attained plateau incidence was lowest at 4/100,000 in FI and highest at 10/100,000 in DK and NO. The incidence of vaginal and vulvar cancer remained relatively constant at about 2/100,000. Relative 1-year survival in cervical cancer improved in all countries from low 80%s to high 80%s in the 50-year period, and 5-year survival improved also but at 20% units lower level. Survival gains were found only in patients diagnosed before age 60 years. Survival in vaginal and vulvar cancer followed the same patterns but at a few % units lower level.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer screening appeared to have reached its limits in the Nordic countries by year 2000. Novel treatments, such as immunotherapy, would be needed to improve survival until HPV vaccination will reach population coverage and boost the global fight against these cancers.

Comparison of Prognosis and Lymph Node Metastasis in T1-Stage Colonic and Rectal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Background

Limited evidence and contradictory results have been reported regarding the impact of tumor site on lymph node metastasis (LNM) and prognosis in T1 stage adenocarcinoma (AC). We aimed to compare two anatomic locations in terms of LNM and prognosis using a comprehensive statistical analysis of a large population.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and our center (First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University) were used to extract patient information. Univariate and multivariate logistic or Cox regression and propensity score matching were used to explore the association between LNM/survival and tumor site.

Results

Information for 12,404 patients, including 9655 colonic AC and 2749 rectal AC patients, was extracted from the SEER database. The 516 AC patients included 184 colonic and 332 rectal AC patients from our center. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a correlation between LNM and tumor site (colon vs rectum, odds ratio [OR] =1.52, 95% CI, 1.349–1.714, P<0.001). Additionally, we found that younger age, T1b stage, poor differentiation, and lymphatic invasion were risk factors for LNM. After adjusting for confounding factors by PSM, we found that the location of the rectum remained a higher risk factor for LNM. However, we found that patients diagnosed with rectal AC had a prognosis similar to that of patients diagnosed with colonic AC, which was demonstrated by the analysis of SEER data and data from our center.

Conclusion

T1-stage rectal AC may have a higher risk of LNM than colonic AC, while rectal AC has a prognosis similar to that of colonic AC.

Perineural invasion is a prognostic factor in stage II colorectal cancer but not a treatment indicator for traditional chemotherapy: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Perineural invasion (PNI) is considered a risk factor of survival but does not yet inform treatment decisions, and has not been studied separately in stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) patients whose postoperative traditional chemotherapy is controversial. This cohort study aimed to assess the association of PNI with basic clinicopathological features and patient outcomes after curative resection and the effects of PNI on responses to adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II CRC.

METHODS

The clinical data of 371 stage II CRC patients who underwent curative-intent surgery at the National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital in 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The adjuvant chemotherapy data were acquired from follow-up information. PNI status was examined, and the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

PNI was detected in 82 of the 371 patients (22.1%) and was closely correlated with preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (P=0.030), gross tumor type (P=0.010), tumor differentiation (P=0.010), p stage (P<0.001), and extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) (P<0.001). The median follow-up time was 71 months. The 5-year OS was 84.1% and 96.5% (P<0.001), and the 5-year DFS was 75.6% and 91.3% (P<0.001) for PNI-positive (+) and PNI-negative (-) patients, respectively. The multivariate regression analyses identified PNI as an independent negative prognostic factor for DFS [hazard ratio (HR): 2.95; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.546-5.626; P=0.001] and OS (HR: 3.966; 95% CI, 1.642-9.575; P=0.002). Among PNI (+) patients, DFS and OS were positively correlated with CEA levels (P=0.005 and P=0.004, respectively). Postoperative chemotherapy failed to improve DFS (P=0.480 and P=0.267, respectively) and OS (P=0.940 and P=0.077, respectively) regardless of whether the patients were PNI positive or not.

CONCLUSIONS

In stage II CRC patients, PNI was a poor independent predictor for DFS and OS. Among PNI (+) patients, CEA levels were positively correlated with DFS and OS. Traditional postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy does not improve outcomes of PNI (+) patients. Therefore, as to the active role of PNI and vacancy for treatment in allusion to PNI, follow-up of PNI (+) patients with elevated CEA level should be strengthened and further research on drug conducted on PNI deserve to be carried on.