Prognostic factors in gastric cancer with serosal invasion--importance of the extent of cancer infiltration in the subserosal layer

The extent of cancer infiltration in the subserosal layer has been examined in 214 stomachs resected for cancer with a serosal invasion. The extent was 4 cm or less in 109 patients (Group A) and 5 cm or more in 105 patients (Group B). The resection was estimated as being non-curative in 26% of Group A and in 52% of Group B (p less than 0.001). Peritoneal dissemination was the outstanding non-curative factor in the latter. The five-year survival rate was 39% in Group A and 14% in Group B (p less than 0.001). The survival rate after the curative resection was 49% and 26%, respectively (p less than 0.01). In Group B, peritoneal dissemination was the main mode of recurrence after the curative resection.