Prognostic value of tumour necrosis and host inflammatory responses in colorectal cancer

Richards, C.H., Roxburgh, C.S.D. , Anderson, J.H., McKee, R.F., Foulis, A.K., Horgan, P.G. and McMillan, D.C. (2012) Prognostic value of tumour necrosis and host inflammatory responses in colorectal cancer. British Journal of Surgery, 99(2), pp. 287-294. (doi: 10.1002/bjs.7755)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bjs.7755

Abstract

<p><b>Background:</b> Tumour necrosis is a marker of poor prognosis in some tumours but the mechanism is unclear. This study examined the prognostic value of tumour necrosis and host inflammatory responses in colorectal cancer.</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing potentially curative resection of colorectal cancer at a single surgical institution over a 10-year period. Patients who underwent preoperative radiotherapy were excluded. The systemic and local inflammatory responses were assessed using the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score and Klintrup–Makinen criteria respectively. Original tumour sections were retrieved and necrosis graded as absent, focal, moderate or extensive. Associations between necrosis and clinicopathological variables were examined, and multivariable survival analyses carried out.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> A total of 343 patients were included between 1997 and 2007. Tumour necrosis was graded as absent in 32 (9·3 per cent), focal in 166 (48·4 per cent), moderate in 101 (29·4 per cent) and extensive in 44 (12·8 per cent). There were significant associations between tumour necrosis and anaemia (P = 0·022), white cell count (P = 0·006), systemic inflammatory response (P < 0·001), local inflammatory cell infiltrate (P = 0·004), tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage (P = 0·015) and Petersen Index (P = 0·003). On univariable survival analysis, tumour necrosis was associated with cancer-specific survival (P < 0·001). On multivariable survival analysis, age (hazard ratio (HR) 1·29, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·00 to 1·66), systemic inflammatory response (HR 1·74, 1·27 to 2·39), low-grade local inflammatory cell infiltrate (HR 2·65, 1·52 to 4·63), TNM stage (HR 1·55, 1·02 to 2·35) and high-risk Petersen Index (HR 3·50, 2·21 to 5·55) were associated with reduced cancer-specific survival.</p> <p><b>Conclusion:</b> The impact of tumour necrosis on colorectal cancer survival may be due to close associations with the host systemic and local inflammatory responses.</p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Horgan, Professor Paul and McKee, Dr Ruth and McMillan, Professor Donald and Foulis, Dr Alan and Roxburgh, Professor Campbell and Richards, Mr Colin and Gibb, Mrs Jennifer
Authors: Richards, C.H., Roxburgh, C.S.D., Anderson, J.H., McKee, R.F., Foulis, A.K., Horgan, P.G., and McMillan, D.C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
Journal Name:British Journal of Surgery
ISSN:00071323
Published Online:16 November 2011

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