Identifying Risk Factors for Metachronous Colorectal Cancer in Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome. The choice of extended or partial colectomy in patients with LS with primary CRC may influence the risk of metachronous CRC. This study aimed to identify factors associated with metachronous CRC risk and evaluate their potential implications for surgical decision-making.

We analyzed data from the German Consortium for Familial Intestinal Cancer of patients with LS who underwent either extended or partial colectomy for primary CRC. Cox regression models were used to assess the risk of metachronous CRC, adjusting for sex, age, tumor location, surveillance adherence, and gene.

Among 852 LS carriers, 21.1% developed metachronous CRC over a median follow-up of 7.9 years. Among high-risk patients with LS, partial colectomy was associated with a borderline nonsignificant increased risk of metachronous CRC of 3.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.93-15.34; P = .063) compared with extended colectomy. Male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 2.16; P < .001), older age at primary CRC diagnosis (HR, 1.03; P < .001), and left-sided tumor location (HR, 1.53; P = .037) were additional risk factors. Surveillance adherence was not significantly associated with metachronous CRC risk.

This study identifies important risk factors for metachronous CRC in patients with LS, which may support personalized counseling regarding surgical strategies. The findings highlight the complexity of surgical decision-making and the need for individualized approaches. Further studies are required to refine risk stratification and evaluate long-term outcomes to optimize patient care.