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Peritoneal involvement in stage II colon cancer.
A M Lennon1, H E Mulcahy, J M P Hyland
1Center for Colorectal Disease, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|January 11, 2003
Summary
Detecting free-floating tumor cells in the peritoneum of stage II colon cancer patients indicates a poor prognosis. This finding significantly impacts survival rates, similar to stage III disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Stage II colon cancer prognosis can be variable.
- Identifying prognostic indicators is crucial for treatment stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic significance of free tumor cells in the peritoneal space for stage II colon cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Histologic review of peritoneal slides from 118 stage II colon cancer patients.
- Follow-up for a median of 6 years.
- Statistical analysis including multivariate analysis.
Main Results:
- Peritoneal free tumor cells detected in 13.6% of patients.
- Association of free tumor cells with lymphovascular and neural invasion.
- Significantly lower 5-year survival (39%) for patients with free tumor cells versus those without (86%).
- Free tumor cells and lymphovascular invasion independently predicted outcome.
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal free tumor cells are a powerful negative prognostic factor in stage II colon cancer.
- Patients with free tumor cells exhibit survival rates comparable to stage III colon cancer.
- This finding warrants consideration in staging and treatment decisions.