Number of harvested lymph nodes is the main prognostic factor in Stage IIa colorectal cancer patients

Background Current international guidelines on colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment suggest performing adjuvant chemotherapy only in Stage II patients presenting with high-risk prognostic factors. Aim of the study was to a the impact of these parameters on the survival of Stage IIa CRC patients, focusing on the prognostic value of the number of harvested lymph nodes (NHLN). Patients and Methods Out of 651 CRC patients undergoing surgical resection, 204 T3-N0-M0 were selected and reviewed. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were adapted for the evaluation of the prognostic factors. Results The 5 years actuarial DFS, DSS, and OS rates of patients with a NHLN >12 were significantly better compared to those of patients with a NHLN <12 (respectively: 72.8% vs. 50.4% P?=?0.001; 82% vs. 56% P?=?0.001; 78.5% vs. 53.1% P?=?0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a NHLN >12 was the only independent parameter of statistical significance influencing DFS, DSS, and OS. Conclusions According to our findings, the NHLN is the main predictor of survival in Stage IIa CRC patients. This would appear to suggest the need of a better stratification of Stage IIa CRC patients, sub-dividing patients with more or less than 12 NHLN. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:469474. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.