A competing risk analysis of colorectal cancer recurrence after curative surgery

BACKGROUND: This study examines the effect of prognostic patient and disease characteristics on colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence after curative resection. We used competing risk analysis with death as a competing risk. This method provides the clinician a perspective into a patient’s actual risk of experiencing a recurrence. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with CRC who underwent curative resection for CRC from 2003–2007 at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon was completed. The outcome of interest was the first CRC recurrence, either local or distant metastasis. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, adjuvant treatment and follow-up data, date of local recurrence or metastasis were recorded from the medical record. Univariate analysis was completed to look at the relationship between each of the prognostic indicators and recurrence. Multivariable modelling (subdistribution regression modelling) was done to identify the main risk factors in determining recurrence. RESULTS: Of 148 patients, 38 (25.7%) experienced a recurrence, 16 (10.8%) died without evidence of recurrence, and 94 (63.5%) experienced neither outcome. The median follow-up was 30.5 months (interquartile range 10.6–50). In univariable subdistribution regression, T-stage, N-stage, vascular invasion and positive margins were all predictive of cancer recurrence, with p ≤ 0.001, with subdistribution hazard ratios for T4 stage at 11.93, T3 stage at 2.46, N2 stage at 10.58, and presence of vascular invasion at 4.27. N-stage remained as the sole predictor in multivariable regression. Cumulative incidence function (CIF) of recurrence at 48 months after surgery was 15%, 27% and 90% for N1/2, N3 and N4 respectively. CONCLUSION: The highest CIF of recurrence was associated with T4 stage, N2 stage, and vascular invasion. Patient’s age, tumour location, type, or histological grade were not found to have a significant effect on the success of CRC surgery in precluding a recurrence.