Tumour inflammatory infiltrate predicts survival following curative resection for node-negative colorectal cancer

Roxburgh, C.S., Salmond, J.M., Horgan, P.G., Oien, K.A. and McMillan, D.C. (2009) Tumour inflammatory infiltrate predicts survival following curative resection for node-negative colorectal cancer. European Journal of Cancer, 45(12), pp. 2138-2145. (doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2009.04.011)

Abstract

<b>Background</b>: A pronounced tumour inflammatory infiltrate is known to confer a good outcome in colorectal cancer. Klintrup and colleagues reported a structured assessment of the inflammatory reaction at the invasive margin scoring low grade or high grade. The aim of the present study was to examine the prognostic value of tumour inflammatory infiltrate in node-negative colorectal cancer. <b>Methods</b>: Two hundred patients had undergone surgery for node-negative colorectal cancer between 1997 and 2004. Specimens were scored with Jass’ and Klintrup’s criteria for peritumoural infiltrate. Pathological data were taken from the reports at that time. <b>Results</b>: Low-grade inflammatory infiltrate assessed using Klintrup’s criteria was an independent prognostic factor in node-negative disease. In patients with a low-risk Petersen Index (n = 179), low-grade infiltrate carried a threefold increased risk of cancer death. Low-grade infiltrate was related to increasing T stage and an infiltrating margin. <b>Conclusion</b>: Assessment of inflammatory infiltrate using Klintrup’s criteria provides independent prognostic information on node-negative colorectal cancer. A high-grade local inflammatory response may represent effective host immune responses impeding tumour growth.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Colorectal cancer; survival; prognosis; inflammation; pathology
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Horgan, Professor Paul and Oien, Professor Karin and McMillan, Professor Donald and Roxburgh, Professor Campbell
• Authors: Roxburgh, C.S., Salmond, J.M., Horgan, P.G., Oien, K.A., and McMillan, D.C.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0254 Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology (including Cancer)
• 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 > Clinical Specialities
• Journal Name: European Journal of Cancer
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0959-8049
• ISSN (Online): 1879-0852
• Published Online: 04 May 2009
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2009 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in European Journal of Cancer 45(12):2138-2145
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.