Comparison between Peritumoral and Intratumoral Budding in Colorectal Cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Tumor budding (TB) is a prognostic indicator in colorectal cancer (CRC).
• TB is categorized as peritumoral budding (PTB) or intratumoral budding (ITB) based on location.
• The relationship and prognostic significance of combined PTB and ITB in CRC require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between PTB and ITB in colorectal cancers (CRCs).
• To assess the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of different combinations of PTB and ITB.
• To determine if stratifying patients based on combined or individual high/low PTB and ITB impacts prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) samples were analyzed for peritumoral budding (PTB) and intratumoral budding (ITB).
• Patients were grouped into high PTB/ITB, high PTB or ITB, and low PTB/ITB categories.
• Clinicopathological features and survival outcomes (overall and recurrence-free) were compared across the defined TB groups.

Main Results:

• Tumor budding (TB) correlated significantly with advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis.
• A significant positive correlation was observed between high peritumoral budding (PTB) and high intratumoral budding (ITB) (p = 0.010).
• Patients with both high PTB and high ITB exhibited worse survival outcomes compared to those with only one type of high budding or low budding in both locations.

Conclusions:

• The presence of tumor budding (TB), irrespective of its location (PTB or ITB), is associated with aggressive tumor behavior and poorer prognosis in colorectal cancer.
• Stratifying patients based on the combined presence of high PTB and ITB versus isolated high budding or low budding offers a refined prognostic assessment.
• Further research into the interplay of PTB and ITB may enhance risk stratification and treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients.