淋巴结转移阳性比率在预测T_3期胃癌患者预后中的价值

背景与目的:现有的TNM分期以转移淋巴结数作为淋巴结分期的标准,故对清扫的淋巴结数目有要求的同时,也可能因淋巴结清扫范围的不同而产生分期偏移.本研究将探讨淋巴结转移阳性比率在预测T3期胃癌患者预后中的应用价值.方法:回顾性分析273例接受胃癌D2根治手术且淋巴结清扫总数≥15枚的T3期胃癌患者的临床资料,分析淋巴结转移阳性比率及淋巴结转移阳性枚数与清扫的淋巴结总数间的相关性及淋巴结转移阳性比率在预测T3期胃癌患者预后中的价值.结果:当清扫的淋巴结≥15枚时,淋巴结转移阳性比率的高低与检出的淋巴结总数无相关性(r=0.069,P0.05),而淋巴结转移阳性枚数与检出的淋巴结总数具有相关性(r=0.237,P<0.05).单因素分析发现淋巴结转移阳性比率影响T3期胃癌患者预后(Log-rankχ2=92.414,P<0.01),多因素分析显示淋巴结转移阳性比率是影响T3期胃癌患者预后的独立因素之一.淋巴结转移阳性比率预测T3期胃癌患者预后的ROC曲线下面积与淋巴结转移阳性枚数预测结果的差异无显著性(P0.01).结论:淋巴结转移阳性比率是影响T3期胃癌患者预后的独立因素;在淋巴结清扫范围足够的情况下,淋巴结转移阳性比率预测T3期胃癌患者预后的准确性与淋巴结转移阳性枚数的预测能力相当,在预测T3N3期胃癌预后方面,淋巴结转移阳性比率较淋巴结转移阳性个数更为准确、客观.     

Ⅰ期非小细胞肺癌淋巴结微转移的研究

目的 检测Ⅰ期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)淋巴结微转移的情况,分析影响Ⅰ期NSCLC淋巴结微转移的主要因素,了解微转移的规律.方法 采用免疫组织化学SP法对91例Ⅰ期NSCLC清扫的肺门和隆突下淋巴结进行混合性细胞角蛋白(MCK)检测,检测其微转移的表达.另收集45例肺部良性病变手术切除的肺门淋巴结45枚和Ⅱ、Ⅲ期NSCLC常规病理检查阳性的肺门淋巴结45枚进行MCK(AE1/AE3)检测,分别作为阴性和阳性对照.结果 45例肺部良性病变的肺门淋巴结45枚MCK(AE1/AE3)表达均为阴性.Ⅱ、Ⅲ期NSCLC常规病理检查阳性的肺门淋巴结45枚MCK(AE1/AE3)表达均为阳性.91例Ⅰ期NSCLC取其肺门和隆突下淋巴结各91枚进行MCK(AE1/AE3)检测,45例阳性,总的微转移率为49%(45/91).其中,肺门淋巴结39枚阳性,隆突下淋巴结11枚阳性,二者均为阳性5例.Logistic单因素分析显示:肿瘤大小、分期和分化是影响淋巴结微转移的临床因素,其相对危险度OR值分别为8.444、6.946和14.566.多因素分析显示:肿瘤T分期和分化程度是影响淋巴结微转移的主要因素,其相对危险度OR值分别为14.509和7.028.结论 Ⅰ期NSCLC淋巴结中存在微转移;ⅠB期NSCLC微转移率明显高于ⅠA期;有必要对ⅠB期NSCLC进行术后化疗;肿瘤分期和分化程度是影响淋巴结微转移的主要因素;淋巴结微转移遵循肺门到纵隔的途径;腺癌存在跳跃式微转移现象.     

淋巴结转移数对食管癌预后和国际TNM分期的影响

目的：探讨淋巴结转移数对食管癌患者预后和国际食管癌TNM分期标准的影响。方法：以1146例10年以上的资料完整的食管鳞状细胞癌患者的临床病理和随访调查资料，通过Kaplan-Meier生存曲线法描述生存过程以转移淋巴结数1枚和≥2枚的不同，对受区域淋巴结转移影响的Ⅱ、Ⅲ期的食管癌以新的标准进行TNM分期：Ⅱa期（T2N0M0和T3N0M0）、Ⅱb期（T1N1M0）和T2N1（1）M0）、Ⅲa期（T2N1（2）M0和T3N1（1）M0和Ⅲb期（T3N1（2）M0和T4N_M0）.结果：①1146例食管鳞状细胞癌患者中发生淋巴结转移380例，转移率33．16％（380／1146）；共清除淋巴结4270枚．其中转移807枚，总转移度18．9％（807／4270）．②0、1和≥2枚转移淋巴结的5年生存率分别为59．79％．3338％和9．35％；三组间有显著差异（P〈0．001）。③1和≥2枚转移淋巴结的T2N1M0期的5年生存率分别为41．49％和24，12％：1和≥2枚转移淋巴结的T3N1M0期的5年生存率分别为31．16％和6．77％；组成间的生存率均有显著差异（P〈0．001）、并且T2N1M0期和T3N1M0期的生存率有交叉现象。④新分法Ⅱa期，Ⅱb期，Ⅲa期和Ⅲb期的5年生存率分别为57．06％，42．15％，28．57％和8．52％，各期之间的生存率差异均有显著性统计学意义（P〈0．001）结论：淋巴结转移数明显影响着食管癌的预后，以0、1和≥2枚转移淋巴结分三个级别较为适宜，能够准确地反映淋巴结转移数和预后的关系；基于淋巴结转移数的新法分期标准（0期、Ⅰ期、Ⅱa期、Ⅱb期、Ⅲa期、Ⅲb期和Ⅳ期）能更好地反映食管癌切除术后患者预后的变化；本研究结果为食管癌TNM分期标准提供了修订依据.     

ⅢA-N2期非小细胞肺癌外科治疗的预后分析

目的 探讨ⅢA-N2期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者经外科治疗的预后及其影响因素.方法 收集北京大学第一医院胸外科2003年1月至2007年4月期间行肺癌根治术、术后病理证实为ⅢA-N2期NSCLC的89例患者的临床资料,随访术后生存状况,计算术后3年和5年生存率.采用Cox模型对预后影响因素进行单因素和多因素分析.结果 89例ⅢA-N2期NSCLC患者,肺癌根治术后中位生存时间为39个月,3年和5年生存率分别为51.7％和31.5％.Cox模型单因素分析结果显示,年龄、T分期、淋巴血管侵犯(LVI)、N2阳性淋巴结数目和N2淋巴结转移站数是影响预后的危险因素.按年龄分层分析提示,上述预后危险因素的影响在年龄≥55岁者中尤为显著.Cox模型多因素分析显示,T分期(T3/T1)、LVI和N2淋巴结转移站数是ⅢA-N2期NSCLC患者术后生存的独立影响因素,T3期、LVI阳性和N2多站淋巴结转移的患者预后较差.结论 T3期、LVI、N2阳性淋巴结站数是影响ⅢA-N2期NSCLC患者根治术后生存的重要因素.     

手术治疗Ⅱ期非小细胞肺癌患者预后因素分析

目的:探讨手术治疗Ⅱ期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者的预后因素。方法:回顾性分析我院93例手术治疗的Ⅱ期NSCLC患者的临床资料,将可能对患者的术后5年生存率产生影响的预后因素进行统计学分析。结果:单因素生存分析结果显示,新TNM分期(P=0.049)、清除的淋巴结总数(P=0.047)、N1淋巴结数(P=0.038)、清除N2淋巴结数(P=0.040)、清除N1淋巴结组数(P=0.015)、清除N1淋巴结转移率(P=0.044)和第10组淋巴结转移与否(P=0.002)与患者的术后5年生存率相关;多因素生存分析结果显示,N1淋巴结转移率(P=0.032,RR=2.191,95%CI为1.072～4.480)、第10组淋巴结转移与否(P=0.016,RR=0.443,95%CI为0.228～0.860)是影响患者术后5年生存率的独立预后因素。N1淋巴结转移率>50%的患者,其死亡风险是N1淋巴结转移率≤50%的患者的2.19倍;第10组淋巴结转移患者的死亡风险是未转移患者的2.26倍。结论:对Ⅱ期NSCLC患者进行手术治疗时,清除的淋巴结总数>6个、N1淋巴结>5个及>3组及N2淋巴结>2个有可能提高患者的术后5年生存率。     

非小细胞肺癌淋巴结切除数量及转移状况对预后影响的研究

目的:分析非小细胞肺癌(non-small cell lung cancer,NSCLC)淋巴结(lymph node,LN)切除数量及不同LN转移状况对预后的影响。方法:对接受手术同时切除LN的1575例肺癌患者,分析LN切除数量以及LN转移范围、数量和转移率。结果:LN切除数量影响预后,N0期患者切除7~13个LN者5年生存率优于≤6和≥13个LN者,P值分别为0.001和0.021;N1、N2患者切除LN>12个者5年生存率优于≤6和≥13个LN者,P值分别为0.000和0.003;N0期患者5年生存率优于N1、N2患者,P=0.000;N1期和"跳跃式"N2期患者5年生存率优于"连续式"N2期患者,P值分别为0.003和0.002;单站LN转移者5年生存率明显优于多站LN转移者,P=0.000;转移LN数为1、2个者5年生存率明显优于>2个者,P=0.000;LN转移率分为<25%、25%~50%、50%~75%及≥75%,生存期依次降低。结论:LN切除数量影响NSCLC预后,一般术中应切除7~13个LN;LN转移范围、数量及转移率均影响NSCLC的术后生存期。     

N0～1乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结清扫预后分析

[目的]探讨N0～1乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结清扫范围、数目与预后的关系.[方法]回顾性分析102例N0～1乳腺癌手术病例,分析腋窝淋巴结清扫范围、数目、淋巴结转移数与5年生存率关系.[结果]不全腋清组与全腋清组5年生存率分别为68.57%、79.92%(X2=2.240,P=0.135),腋淋巴结清扫数＜10个组与腋淋巴结清扫数≥10个组5年生存率分别为72.79%、86.96%(X2=1.343,P=0.247);腋淋巴结转移≥4个与＜4个的5年生存率分别为48.57%、85.33%(X2=9.373,P=0.002);在腋淋巴结清扫数≥10个组中,腋淋巴结转移≥4个与＜4个的5年生存率分别为48.74%、83.33%(X2=6.398,P=0.011).[结论]本研究未能提示N0～1乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结清扫范围、数目影响预后,但腋淋巴结转移数目影响预后;腋淋巴结清扫数应≥10个,可准确判断预后.     

非小细胞肺癌淋巴结切除数量及转移状况对预后影响的研究

目的：分析非小细胞肺癌（non-small cell lung cancer，NSCLC）淋巴结（1ymph node，LN）切除数量及不同LN转移状况对预后的影响。方法：对接受手术同时切除LN的1575例肺癌患者，分析LN切除数量以及LN转移范围、数量和转移率。结果：LN切除数量影响预后，N0期患者切除7～13个LN者5年生存率优于≤6和≥13个LN者，P值分别为0．001和0．021；N1、N2患者切除LN〉12个者5年生存率优于≤6和≥13个LN者，P值分别为0．000和0．003；N0期患者5年生存率优于N1、N2患者，P=0．000；N，期和“跳跃式”N2期患者5年生存率优于“连续式”N2期患者，P值分别为0．003和0．002；单站LN转移者5年生存率明显优于多站LN转移者，P=0．000；转移LN数为1、2个者5年生存率明显优于〉2个者，P=0．000；LN转移率分为〈25％、25％～50％、50％～75％及≥75％，生存期依次降低。结论：LN切除数量影响NSCLC预后，一般术中应切除7～13个LN；LN转移范围、数量及转移率均影响NSCLC的术后生存期。     

ⅢA期非小细胞肺癌N2淋巴结跳跃转移的临床分析

背景与目的:在ⅢA期非小细胞肺癌(non-small cell lung cancer,NSCLC)中,N2淋巴结跳跃转移的特点还不十分清楚,N2跳跃转移者和非跳跃转移者的生存率是否存在差异仍有争议.本研究探讨N2跳跃转移的临床病理特征和分布规律,并分析跳跃转移与生存率的关系.方法:收集南通大学附属医院292例行肺肿瘤切除加系统性胸内淋巴结廓清术的ⅢA期NSCLC患者临床资料,分为跳跃转移组和非跳跃转移组,回顾性分析两组病例的临床病理特征、跳跃转移N2分布方式及其生存率情况,并进行统计学分析.结果:(1)在ⅢA期NSCLC中,N2跳跃转移的发生率为15.8%,与肿瘤大小有关(P<0.05).(2)跳跃转移时,肿瘤部位与阳性N2淋巴结组的关系:右上肺叶,85.7%N2位于3、4组;右中肺叶,75.0%N2位于第7组;右下肺叶,81.0%N2位于3、7组;左上肺叶,80.0%N2位于5、6组;左下肺叶,65.0%N2位于第7组.(3)跳跃转移组3年生存率为45.4%,非跳跃转移组为29.5%.生存分析显示,除N2淋巴结跳跃转移外,肿瘤的大小、病理类型、手术方式、辅助化、放疗都是影响ⅢA期NSCLC预后的独立危险因素.结论:在ⅢA期NSCLC中,不同肺叶肿瘤有相应的好发跳跃转移的N2淋巴结组:N2跳跃转移是NSCLC的独立预后因素.跳跃转移者具有更高的生存率.     

Ⅲ期N2非小细胞肺癌的外科治疗

目的：探讨Ⅲ期N2非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）患者外科治疗的疗效及影响预后的因素。方法：回顾性分析1982－1996年手术治疗的266例Ⅲ期N2 NSCLC患者的5年生存率,与同期手术的N0、N1患者做比较,用Cox模型分析病理分型、淋巴结转移数目、淋巴结转移区域、手术方式、T状态、手术性质等对N2的NSCLC患者预后的影响。结果：266例Ⅲ期N2的NSCLC患者的5年生存率为17．3％,明显低于同期N0、N1患者的5年生存率（51．4％和30．4％）,淋巴结转移数目、淋巴结转移区域、T状态、手术性质为影响预后的重要因素。结论：对单区域纵隔淋巴结转移且估计能完全切除的Ⅲ期N2（特别是T1）NSCLC应采取以手术为主的综合治疗。     

220例完全切除Ⅱ期非小细胞肺癌术后患者的生存分析

Background and Objective:Surgery is the main therapy for patients with stage-Ⅱ non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC),but patients still have an unsatisfactory prognosis even though complete resection is usually possible.Adjuvant chemotherapy provides low rates of clinical benefit as well.We retrospectively analyzed prognostic factors of patients with completely resected stage-Ⅱ NSCLC to find patients with unfavorable factors for proper management.Methods:Clinical data of 220 patients with complete resections of...     

胸段食管鳞癌根治术后淋巴结阳性患者不同治疗方式比较

目的 比较胸段食管鳞癌(TESCC)根治术后淋巴结阳性患者不同治疗方式的疗效,探讨其最佳治疗模式。方法 回顾性分析2007—2010年间 548例TESCC根治术后淋巴结阳性患者,分析其不同治疗方式的疗效情况,并应用倾向得分匹配(PSM)对不同治疗方式组患者进行1∶1配比,进一步分析并明确适合患者的最佳治疗模式。Kaplan-Meier法计算生存率,Logrank法单因素预后分析,Cox模型行多因素预后分析。结果 1、3、5年OS分别为79.9%、38.1%、28.5%,DFS分别为68.5%、39.8%、32.5%。经PSM配比后单纯手术、PORT、POCT和POCRT组患者均有可比性,1、3、5年OS和DFS差异均有统计学意义(P均=0.000)。N1、N2和N3期患者OS和DFS差异亦均有统计学意义(P均=0.000)。多因素分析显示治疗方式和N分期均为影响患者OS和DFS的影响因素(P=0.001、0.000和0.025、0.016)。结论 TESCC根治术后淋巴结阳性者预后较差且淋巴结转移数目越多则预后越差,行术后放化疗可能会提高患者生存。     

Effect of number of lymph nodes sampled on outcome in patients with stage I non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: We postulate that surgical sampling and pathologic evaluation of lymph nodes of surgical specimens from patients with stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can have an effect on the time to recurrence and survival of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed data on 442 patients with stage I NSCLC who were treated with surgical resection and some form of lymph node sampling. Associations between total lymph nodes sampled and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were investigated. The effect of total lymph node stations sampled and the surgical techniques (random lymph node sampling, systematic sampling [SS], or complete mediastinal lymph node dissection [MLND]) on DFS and OS was also studied. Complete MLND and SS were defined as dissection or sampling of levels 4, 7, and 10 for right-sided lesions and levels 5 or 6 and 7 for left-sided lesions. RESULTS: Patients were divided into quartiles on the basis of total number of lymph nodes sampled. Improved DFS and OS were associated with greater number of lymph nodes sampled. SS and MLND were associated with improved survival compared with random lymph node sampling. The total number of lymph nodes sampled maintained strong significance in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that examining a greater number of lymph nodes in patients with stage I NSCLC treated with resection increases the likelihood of proper staging and affects patient outcome. Such information is important not only for therapy and prognosis of individuals but also for identifying those who may benefit from adjuvant therapy.     

Ratio between positive lymph nodes and total dissected axillaries lymph nodes as an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival in patients with breast cancer

The number of positive axillary lymph nodes involved by tumor is one of the main prognostic factors for women with locoregional breast cancer (BC) for whom adjuvant chemotherapy is being considered. The prognostic importance of the ratio (P/D) between positive lymph nodes (P) and total dissected lymph nodes (D), previously demonstrated in the high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) setting has not yet been tested, however, in the conventional adjuvant chemotherapy setting. The data of 168 patients who were from 2 institutions and who were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for BC were retrospectively analyzed, and univariate and multivariate analysis were performed, including the other traditional prognostic factors and P/D ratio as possible predictors of disease free survival (DFS). Disease-free survival for quartile 4 of P/D ratio (ratio >0.30) was statistically different from that for the other quartiles (log-rank test p < 0.001). Mean DFS for this series was not reached as well as for quartiles 1, 2, and 3, while mean DFS for quartile 4 was 44.5 months. In univariate analysis, number of positive lymph nodes (r2 = 0.055; p = 0.023), P/D ratio (r2 = 0.213; p < 0.001), and stage (r2 = 0.105; p = 0.002) were predictive of relapse, while in multivariate analysis, only P/D ratio remained an independent predictor of relapse (r2 = 0.213; p < 0.001). It is concluded that P/D ratio could become a simple, inexpensive, and easily available prognostic factor for patients undergoing conventional chemotherapy for BC.     

Number of negative lymph nodes should be considered for incorporation into staging for breast cancer

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the number of involved lymph nodes (pN), number of removed lymph nodes (RLNs), lymph node ratio (LNR), number of negative lymph nodes (NLNs), and log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) in breast cancer patients. The records of 2,515 breast cancer patients who received a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The log-rank test was used to compare survival curves, and Cox regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors. The median follow-up time was 64.2 months, and the 8-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 74.6% and 82.3%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that pN stage, LNR, number of RLNs, and number of NLNs were significant prognostic factors for DFS and OS (all, P < 0.05). LODDS was a significant prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.021). Multivariate analysis indicated that pN stage and the number of NLNs were independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS. A higher number of NLNs was associated with higher DFS and OS, and a higher number of involved lymph nodes were associated with poorer DFS and OS. Patients with a NLNs count > 9 had better survival (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the NLNs count had a prognostic value in patients with different pT stages and different lymph node status (log-rank P < 0.05). For breast cancer, pN stage and NLNs count have a better prognostic value compared to the RLNs count, LNR, and LODDS. Number of negative lymph nodes should be considered for incorporation into staging for breast cancer.     

Determining of metastatic lymph node ratio in patients who underwent D2 dissection for gastric cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine outcome of the ratio of metastatic lymph nodes to the total number of dissected lymph nodes (MLR) in patients with gastric cancer. We retrospectively analyzed 111 patients who underwent D₂ lymph node dissection. The prognostic factors including UICC/AJCC TNM classification and MLR were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. The MLR was significantly higher in patients with a larger tumor, lymphatic vessel invasion, blood vessel invasion and perineural invasion, and advanced stage. Moreover, the MLR was significantly associated with the depth of invasion and the number of lymph node metastasis. The univariate analysis revealed for overall survival (OS) that stage of disease, lymphatic vessel invasion, blood vessel invasion, perineural invasion, lymph node metastasis (UICC/AJCC pN stage) and MLR were relevant prognostic indicators. Furthermore, both UICC/AJCC pN stage and MLR were detected as prognostic factor by multivariate analysis, as was perineural invasion. Our results indicated that MLR and UICC/AJCC pN staging system were important prognostic factors for OS of patients with D₂ lymph node dissection in gastric cancer in a multivariate analysis. MLR may be useful for evaluating the status of lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer.     

Post-therapy pathologic stage and survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation

BACKGROUND:

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation before surgery is an emerging treatment modality for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, analysis of prognostic factors is limited for patients with PDAC treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS:

The study population was comprised of 240 consecutive patients with PDAC who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation and PD and was compared with 60 patients who had no neoadjuvant therapy between 1999 and 2007. Clinicopathologic features were correlated with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS:

Among the 240 treated patients, the 1‐year and 3‐year DFS rates were 52% and 32%, with a median DFS of 15.1 months. The 1‐year and 3‐year OS rates were 95% and 47%, with a median OS of 33.5 months. By univariate analysis, DFS was associated with age, post‐therapy tumor stage (ypT), lymph node status (ypN), number of positive lymph nodes, and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, whereas OS was associated with intraoperative blood loss, margin status, ypT, ypN, number of positive lymph nodes, and AJCC stage. By multivariate analysis, DFS was independently associated with age, number of positive lymph nodes, and AJCC stage, and OS was independently associated with differentiation, margin status, number of positive lymph nodes, and AJCC stage. In addition, the treated patients had better OS and lower frequency of lymph node metastasis than those who had no neoadjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with PDAC who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation and subsequent PD, post‐therapy pathologic AJCC stage and number of positive lymph nodes are independent prognostic factors. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.     

The importance of extracapsular extension of axillary lymph node metastases in breast cancer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prognostic value of extracapsular extension (ECE) of axillary lymph node metastases in 221 patients with axillary lymph node-positive, T1-T2 breast cancer treated at Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical records of patients with axillary node-positive, pathological stage II-III breast cancer examined at Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, between 1991-1999 were reviewed. All patients underwent modified radical mastectomy (MRM) or wide excision with axillary node dissection. Axillary surgery consisted of level I-II dissection. The number of lymph nodes dissected from the axilla was equal to or more than 10 in 92% of the patients. All 221 patients had pathological T1-T2 tumors. The number of involved lymph nodes was four or more in 112 51% patients and less than four in the remaining 109 (49%). In 127 (57.5%) patients, extracapsular extension was detected in axillary lymph nodes. Tangential radiotherapy fields were used to treat the breast or chest wall. Lymphatic irradiation was performed in 215 (97%) patients with fields covering both the supraclavicular and axillary regions. Median radiotherapy dose for lymph nodes was 5000 cGy in 25 fractions. The following factors were evaluated: age, menopausal status, histological tumor type, pathological stage, number of involved axillary lymph nodes, and extracapsular extension. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions of categorical covariates between groups of patients with and without ECE. Survival analyses were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox regression model was used for the analysis of prognostic factors. RESULTS: The median follow-up for the survivors was 55 months (range, 19-23). The median age was 52 years (range, 28-75). In patients with extracapsular extension the percentages of pathological stage III (22% vs 4.3%, P < 0.0001 and involvement of four or more axillary nodes (25.5% vs 69.3%, p < 0.0000) were higher. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between the presence of ECE and disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.04) as well as distant metastases-free survival (DMFS) (P = 0.002), but there was no significant correlation between ECE and overall survival (OS). Only an elevated number of involved axillary lymph nodes significantly reduced the overall survival (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The rate of extracapsular extension was found to be directly proportional to the number of axillary lymph nodes involved and the stage of disease. Extracapsular extension had significant prognostic value in both univariate and multivariate analysis for DFS and DMFS but not OS. The reason for ECE not affecting OS might be related to the much more dominant prognostic effect of the involvement of four or more axillary nodes on OS. Studies with more patients are needed to demonstrate that ECE is a likely independent prognostic factor for OS.     

Lymph Node Ratio and pN Staging Show Different Superiority As Prognostic Predictors Depending on the Number of Lymph Nodes Dissected in Chinese Patients With Luminal A Breast Cancer

BackgroundThe lymph node ratio (LNR) classification has shown superiority to pN staging (the number of positive lymph nodes) in breast cancers, but it has not been examined according to whether sufficient lymph nodes have been dissected.MethodsAll Chinese patients with luminal A breast cancer with positive lymph nodes seen at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between 1995 and 2009 were enrolled. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were the endpoints, and the patients were further classified into 2 groups according to whether ≤ 10 or > 10 lymph nodes were dissected.ResultsFor the whole group, the OS curves of the pN stages overlapped, whereas they were separated in the LNR survival curves. LNR was an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS, whereas the pN stage was not. In the ≤ 10 lymph nodes dissected group, both OS and DFS curves were clearly separated in the pN staging but overlapped in the LNR classification. In the > 10 lymph nodes dissected group, LNR showed no overlap in the OS curves and was an independent prognostic factor of OS and DFS when compared with pN staging.ConclusionIn Chinese patients with luminal A breast cancer, LNR classification and the pN stage show different superiority as prognostic predictors according to whether > 10 or < 10 lymph nodes are dissected.     

Number of Mediastinal Lymph Nodes as a Prognostic Factor in PN2 Non Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Single Centre Experience and Review of the Literature

Currently the most important prognostic factor in lung cancer is the stage. In the current lung TNMclassification system, N category is defined exclusively by anatomic nodal location though, in other type of tumours,number of lymph nodes is confirmed to be a fundamental prognostic factor. Therefore we evaluated the numberof mediastinal lymph nodes as a prognostic factor in locally advanced NSCLC after multimodality treatment,observing a significant effect of the number of lymph nodes in terms of OS (p<0.01) and DFS (p<0.001): patientswith a low number of positive mediastinal nodes have a better prognosis.