Retrospective study about the impact of the negative lymph node count on the survival rate of stage III colon cancer

Abstract

In conclusion, our study suggests that NLN cannot function as independent indicator of survival of patients with stage III colon cancer. Regardless patient characteristics (gender, age or sideness of disease).

Although the role of NLN in the prognosis of colon cancer has been gradually acknowledged by clinicians and pathologists, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between increased NLN and long-term survival have not been amply elucidated. It is likely that factors associated with lymph node harvest are crucial for the survival advantage.

The classification of NLN still lacks a uniform and reliable standard, with different studies using different stratification and statistical methods.

The relationship may be immune-related and the specific mechanisms remains uncertain, Future research with prospective studies incorporating large number of patients, longer follow up period, inclusion of genetic and molecular characteristics of disease may help accurate determination of the prognostic value of NLN.