Lymph node metastasis and p53 overexpression in combination for the prognosis for the colorectal cancer

Background. Lymph node metastasis has been recognized as the most reliable prognostic factor for colorectal cancer. Of late, the clinical significance of p53 as a prognostic factor has been reported. The purpose of the current study was to elucidate the significance of these two factors in combination as a prognostic indicator for colorectal cancer. Methods. One hundred forty-four patients with colorectal cancer were examined. The expression of p53 was determined by immunohistochemical staining. Patient data, lymph node metastasis, p53 expression, recurrence rate, 5-year survival, and disease-free survival were studied. Results. The recurrence rate for patients with p53− and n1 in combination was 21%, and that for patients with p53+ and n1 in combination was 63%, a significant difference. The 5-year survival rate for patients with p53− and n1 in combination was not significantly different from that for patients with p53+ and n1 in combination (78.7% vs. 57.5%); however, the 5-year disease-free survival rate for patients with p53− and n1 in combination was significantly better than that for patients with p53+ and n1 in combination (78.6% vs. 38.2%). Conclusion. The combination criterion of lymph node metastasis and p53 expression should be a useful prognosticator for colorectal cancer. Received: September 11, 1998 / Accepted: May 18, 1999