Free Peritoneal Tumour Cells as a Prognostic Factor in Gastric Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Nekarda H, Geß C, Stark M, Mueller J D, Fink U, Schenck U, Siewert J R
Primary Institution: Technical University of Munich
Hypothesis
The presence of free peritoneal tumour cells (FPTC) is a significant prognostic factor in patients with gastric carcinoma.
Conclusion
The presence of FPTC is associated with significantly shorter survival times and higher recurrence rates in gastric carcinoma patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Twenty-three patients (20%) had FPTC, which was significantly correlated with various cancer staging factors.
- The median survival time for FPTC positive patients was significantly shorter at 11 months compared to over 72 months for negative patients.
- 5-year survival rates were 8% for FPTC positive patients versus 60% for negative patients.
- 91% of FPTC-positive patients experienced recurrent disease compared to 38% of FPTC-negative patients.
- FPTC had a positive predictive value of 91% and a specificity of 97% for tumor recurrence.
Takeaway
If doctors find certain cancer cells in the belly fluid of stomach cancer patients, it means the patient might not live as long and is more likely to have the cancer come back.
Methodology
The study used immunocytochemistry on cytospins from intraoperative peritoneal lavage specimens to detect FPTC in patients with gastric carcinoma.
Participant Demographics
Patients with completely resected gastric carcinoma.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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