Some prognostic factors in colorectal cancer with special reference to chemotherapy

Accumulated data from 118 patients treated with chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancers were analyzed with respect to prognostic factors. Fifty per cent of the patients had measurable disease. Patients with greater than or equal to 50% regression of tumor had significantly longer survival than those not responding. A normal bone marrow function at start of treatment was the only factor of significance for tumor regression. When survival was considered the following single factors were significant: performance status, enzyme imbalances, bone marrow function. By Cox multivariate analysis the following order of significance for risk factors was found: performance status, enzyme imbalances, renal function, bone marrow function. Emphasis is put on the clinical importance of performance status. The necessity of prognostic stratification of patients who enter chemotherapy studies is stressed.