Synchronous colorectal carcinoma: predisposing factors and characteristics

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The relationship between certain diseases and synchronous colorectal carcinoma (sCRC) remains largely unknown.
• Understanding the risk factors and clinical presentation of sCRC is crucial for improving colorectal cancer (CRC) patient management.
• The comparative prognosis of sCRC versus solitary CRC requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify independent risk factors associated with the development of synchronous colorectal carcinoma (sCRC).
• To compare the clinical presentation of sCRC with that of solitary colorectal cancer (CRC).
• To evaluate the impact of sCRC on patient survival compared to solitary CRC.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 17,093 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients diagnosed between 1995 and 2016 was analyzed.
• Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to assess sCRC risk factors.
• Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the effect of sCRC on patient survival.

Main Results:

• Synchronous colorectal carcinoma (sCRC) was present in 5.6% of the studied CRC patients.
• Independent risk factors for sCRC included advanced age, male sex, hereditary cancer, hypertension, and liver cirrhosis.
• Patients with sCRC more frequently exhibited abnormal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia, and had a significantly worse prognosis across TNM Stages I-III.

Conclusions:

• This study identified novel risk factors for sCRC beyond hypertension and liver cirrhosis.
• The prognosis for patients with sCRC is significantly poorer than for those with solitary CRC, even in early TNM stages.
• Anemia, elevated CEA, and hypoalbuminemia are more prevalent in patients diagnosed with sCRC.