Cáncer gástrico sin compromiso ganglionar linfático (pN0): características demográfico-patológicas y factores pronósticos / Prognostic factors for gastric cancer without lymph node involvement

ABSTRACT

Background: The absence of lymph node involvement (N0) in gastric cancer is associated with a better survival. However some N0 gastric tumors still have a bad prognosis. Aim: To study demographic and morphological variables associated with prognosis in N0 gastric carcinoma. Material and Methods: Review of pathologica records of a regional general hospital, identifying patients with a N0 gastric cancer surgically excised between 1986 and 2003. Results: In the study period, 459 gastrectomies were performed for gastric cancer and in 32 percent, the tumor was devoid of lymph node involvement. These later patients were followed for a median of 64 months with a 71 percent fve years actuarial survival. Bivariate analysis identifed age, tumor size, gastric wallinfiltration, pathological type according to Lauren and Ming, lymphovascular involvement, number of lymph nodes excised and TNM stage as prognostic values Multivariate analysis disclosed the level of gastric wallinfiltration, the presence of a poorly differentiated tumor, lymphatic vascular involvement, number of excise lymph nodes and tumor size as independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: N0 gastric tumors are found in 32 percent of gastrectomies for gastric cancer and have a 71 percent fve years actuarial survival. Gastric wallinfiltration, pathological degree of differentiation tumor size and lymphovascular involvement are independent prognostic factors.