The optimal minimum lymph node count for carcinoembryonic antigen elevated colon cancer: a population-based study in the SEER set and External set

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to clarify the optimal minimum number of lymph node for CEA-elevated (≥ 5 ng/ml) colon cancer patients. METHODS: Thirteen thousand two hundred thirty-nine patients from the SEER database and 238 patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (External set) were identified. For cancer-specific survival (CSS), Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn and data were analyzed using log-rank test. Using X-tile software, the optimal cut-off lymph node count was calculated by the maximal Chi-square value method. Cox regression model was applied to perform survival analysis. RESULTS: In CEA-elevated colon cancer, 18 nodes were defined as the optimal minimum node. The number of lymph node examined (< 12, 12-17 and ≥ 18) was an independent prognosticator in both SEER set (HR(12-17 nodes) = 1.329, P < 0.001; HR(< 12 nodes) = 1.985, P < 0.001) and External set (HR(12-17 nodes) = 1.774, P < 0.032; HR(< 12 nodes) = 2.741, P < 0.006). Moreover, the revised 18-node standard could identify more positive lymph nodes compared with the 12-node standard in this population. CONCLUSIONS: With the purpose of favorable long-term survival and accurate nodal stage for CEA-elevated colon cancer patients, the 18-node standard could be regarded as an alternative to the 12-node standard advocated by the ASCO and NCCN guidelines. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-023-10524-y.