Lymph Node Ratio in Stage IV Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Kristoffer Derwinger, Bengt Gustavsson
Primary Institution: Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, Gothenburg, Sweden
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate lymph node status and ratio as prognostic markers in stage IV colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
The lymph node ratio is a significant marker for survival prognosis in stage IV colorectal cancer, with high and low risk groups identified showing a survival difference of up to one year.
Supporting Evidence
- The median survival for patients eligible for chemotherapy ranged from 791 days in LNR-group 1 to 433 days in group 3.
- Patients ineligible for chemotherapy had a median survival of 209 days in group 1 and 91 days in group 3.
- The lymph node ratio was significant for survival prognosis, with a higher ratio corresponding to a worse prognosis.
Takeaway
Doctors can use the lymph node ratio to help predict how long patients with stage IV colorectal cancer might live, which can help in planning their treatment.
Methodology
The study was retrospective, assessing patients operated for stage IV colorectal cancer from 1999 to 2003, calculating the lymph node ratio and analyzing survival based on chemotherapy eligibility.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and has a relatively small sample size.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 70 years with equal gender distribution.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0049
Statistical Significance
p<0.0049
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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