Elastica staining for venous invasion results in superior prediction of cancer specific survival in colorectal cancer

Roxburgh, C.S.D., McMillan, D.C. , Anderson, J.H., McKee, R.F., Horgan, P.G. and Foulis, A.K. (2010) Elastica staining for venous invasion results in superior prediction of cancer specific survival in colorectal cancer. Annals of Surgery, 252(6), pp. 989-997. (doi: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e3181f1c60d)

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Abstract

<p>Objective: To examine the prognostic implications of routine elastica staining for venous invasion on prediction of cancer-specific survival in colorectal cancer.</p> <p>Summary Background Data: Venous invasion is an important high risk feature in colorectal cancer, although prevalence in published studies ranges from 10% to 90%. To resolve the disparity, elastica stains have been used in our institution to provide a more objective judgment since 2002.</p> <p>Methods: The study included 419 patients undergoing curative elective colorectal cancer resection between 1997 and 2006. Patients were grouped prior to (1997–2001 [cohort 1]) and following the introduction of elastica staining (2003–2006 [cohort 2]).</p> <p>Findings: Clinicopathologic characteristics and 3-year survival rates were similar in both groups. Rate of detected venous invasion increased from 18% to 58% following introduction of elastica staining (P < 0.001). The 3-year cancer-specific survival rate associated with the absence of venous invasion was 84% in cohort 1, compared with 96% in cohort 2 (P < 0.01). Elastica staining improved the prognostic value of venous invasion, showing the area under the receiver operator curve rising from 0.59 (P = 0.040; 1997–2001) to 0.68 (P < 0.001; 2003–2006), using cancer mortality as an end point. A direct comparison between H&E alone and elastica Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) was made in 53 patients. The area under the receiver operator curve increased from 0.58, P = 0.293 (H&E alone) to 0.74, P = 0.003 for venous invasion detected using the elastica method.</p> <p>Conclusions: Increased detection of venous invasion with elastica staining, compared with H&E staining, provides superior prediction of cancer survival in colorectal cancer. This relationship was seen in the comparison of 2 consecutive cohorts and in a direct comparison in a single cohort. Based on these results, elastica staining should be incorporated into the routine pathologic assessment of venous invasion in colorectal cancer.</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 Anderson, Mr John
Authors: Roxburgh, C.S.D., McMillan, D.C., Anderson, J.H., McKee, R.F., Horgan, P.G., and Foulis, A.K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
Journal Name:Annals of Surgery
Publisher:Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
ISSN:0003-4932
ISSN (Online):1528-1140

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