The efficacy of chemotherapy in the patients with stage II colon cancer associated with number of high-risk factors

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study assessed the effect of chemotherapy over stage II colon cancer in terms of presence of high-risk factors.METHODS: Data were retrospectively reviewed for 364 patients with stage II colon cancer who underwent curative surgery between January 2007 and December 2012. High-risk factors of stage II colon cancer were examined, and the overall survival (OS) rates were analyzed. Survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy was also analyzed.RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen cases had exclusively single high-risk factor and 194 cases were negative for high-risk factors. Postoperative chemotherapy was performed in 262 of 364 patients (72.0%). The 5-year OS was 79.4% and 86.6% for patients without adjuvant chemotherapy and those with chemotherapy, respectively. The 5-year OS was 88.2% and 83.3% for patients having exclusively single high-risk factor with adjuvant chemotherapy and those without chemotherapy, respectively.CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with stage II colon cancer having exclusively single high-risk factor could be omitted, weighing up the survival benefit and side effect of chemotherapy.