Prognostic Factors for Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Sudsawat Laohavinij MD, PhD*, Jedzada Maneechavakajorn MD*, Parapat Techatanol MSc**
Affiliation : * Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Nursing Department, Detudom Royal Crown Prince Hospital, Ubonratchatanee, Thailand
Objective : To determine the prognostic value for survival of pretreatment characteristics and treatments in stage I-IV
colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.
Material and Method: The present retrospective cohort study was conducted by reviewing 287 files of stage I-IV CRC
patients. Fifteen clinical variables were investigated through analysis as prognostic factors for survival.
Results : The median survival time for CRC patients, colon and rectal cancer patients were 37.2, 43.2, and 29.5 months
respectively. The 5-year survival rates of CRC patients were 38.6%. 5-year stage-specific survivals for stage I, II, III and IV
CRC were 100%, 68%, 44%, and 2% respectively (p < 0.001). Sixty eight percent of CRC patients were in stages III and IV.
Multivariate analysis revealed age > 60 years old, WHO performance status 3, stage III and IV disease and poorly
differentiated histology as poor prognostic factors for survival, whereas treatment with complete surgical resection and
adjuvant chemotherapy was a good prognostic factor for survival in CRC.
Conclusion : As the majority of patients were in advanced stages with poor prognosis, early stage disease identification and
treatment with newer agents would likely improve survival of high-risk CRC patients.
Keywords : Colorectal cancer, Prognostic factor
