Tumor-stroma ratio as prognostic factor for survival in rectal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

AIM:

To evaluate the prognostic value of the tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) in rectal cancer.

METHODS:

TSR was determined on hematoxylin and eosin stained histological sections of 154 patients treated for rectal adenocarcinoma without prior neoadjuvant treatment in the period 1996-2006 by two observers to assess reproducibility. Patients were categorized into three categories: TSR-high [carcinoma percentage (CP) ≥ 70%], TSR-intermediate (CP 40%, 50% and 60%) and TSR-low (CP ≤ 30%). The relation between categorized TSR and survival was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS:

Thirty-six (23.4%) patients were scored as TSR-low, 70 (45.4%) as TSR-intermediate and 48 (31.2%) as TSR-high. TSR had a good interobserver agreement (κ = 0.724, concordance 82.5%). Overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were significantly better for patients with a high TSR (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). A similar association existed for disease specific survival (P = 0.06). In multivariate analysis, patients without lymph node metastasis and an intermediate TSR had a higher risk of dying from rectal cancer (HR = 5.27, 95%CI: 1.54-18.10), compared to lymph node metastasis negative patients with a high TSR. This group also had a worse DFS (HR = 6.41, 95%CI: 1.84-22.28). An identical association was seen for OS. These relations were not seen in lymph node metastasis positive patients.

CONCLUSION:

The TSR has potential as a prognostic factor for survival in surgically treated rectal cancer patients, especially in lymph node negative cases.

• Authors: René Scheer, Alexi Baidoshvili, Shorena Zoidze, Marloes A G Elferink, Annefleur E M Berkel, Joost M Klaase, Paul J van Diest
• Journal: World journal of gastrointestinal oncology (World J Gastrointest Oncol) Vol. 9 Issue 12 Pg. 466-474 (Dec 15 2017) ISSN: 1948-5204 [Print] China
• PMID: 29290917 (Publication Type: Journal Article)