Quantifying Tumor Budding: Implications for Prognosis in Gastric Adenocarcinoma

The mechanism of tumor budding (TB) in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and its relationship with biological indicators and prognostic significance, remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using whole-slide imaging to evaluate TB in 75 cases of GAC. Our findings revealed the risk factors associated with TB in GAC and their impact on patient prognosis. The results indicate that the majority of cases exhibited a TB grade exceeding 10 (n=41), followed by 6-10 (n=15). Histologic grade (R=0.26, P =0.06), pT stage (R=0.56, P =0.00), neural invasion (R=0.29, P =0.01), marginal zone growth pattern (R=0.25, P =0.02), and basal zone growth pattern (R=0.38, P =0.001) are associated with TB in GAC. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the infiltrative growth pattern in both the marginal zone (odds ratio=5.90, 95% CI: 1.04-33.44, P =0.05) and basal zone (odds ratio=12.80, 95% CI: 2.03-80.68, P =0.01) were identified as risk factors for TB in GAC. Univariate analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between TB and TB grade with overall survival and progression-free survival in GAC patients. Furthermore, the multivariate COX analysis revealed that TB and TB grade, along with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, lymph node metastasis, and pT stage, independently influenced the prognosis of GAC patients. In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation of TB could serve as a significant histologic marker for risk stratification in GAC.