Complete obstruction, a real risk factor: A comprehensive study on obstruction in stage IIA colon cancer with propensity score matching analysis

Micro Abstract : This study evaluates the prognostic significance of obstructions in stage IIA colon cancer, distinguishing between partial and complete obstructions. It employs a retrospective review of 1914 patients with propensity score matching to analyze oncologic outcomes. Findings reveal complete obstruction as a significant risk factor for poorer outcomes, emphasizing the necessity for further research to refine treatment strategies, particularly regarding the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy across obstruction types. Background : This study examined the prognostic impact of obstructions in stage IIA colon cancer. The analysis specifically differentiated partial and complete obstructions, analyzing their distinct influences of both on oncologic outcomes. Methods : A retrospective review was conducted of stage IIA colon cancer cases with the presence of an obstruction. Patients were stratified by whether it was partial or complete based on the severity of obstruction. Propensity score matching was employed to control for confounders. Results : Among 1914 consecutive patients diagnosed with stage IIA colon cancer, 758 patients (597 patients with partial obstruction, 161patients with complete obstruction) exhibited obstruction, while 1156 patients had no obstruction. The median follow-up period was 126 months. Complete obstruction was associated with poorer DFS (HR = 1.785, p < 0.001) and OS (HR = 1.853, P = 0.001). This trend persisted after propensity score matching, patients with complete obstruction showing a worsened DFS (HR = 1.666, P = 0.028) and OS (HR = 1.732, P = 0.041). Adjuvant chemotherapy showed improved outcomes overall, but its efficacy varied across obstruction types. Conclusion : Differentiating between complete and partial obstructions in stage IIA colon cancer is an important clinical distinction, as our findings suggest that complete obstruction is a significant risk factor for poorer oncologic outcomes. While adjuvant chemotherapy generally improves prognosis in stage IIA colon cancer, the correlation of obstruction type with its efficacy remains uncertain, necessitating further research to refine treatment strategies.