Recurrence patterns of Chinese patients with gastric cancer after complete resection
e15667 Background: Recurrence after radical resection was the most important factor that influence the prognosis of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Focusing on the clinicopathologic features and recurrence patterns, this study aims to find the characteristics of recurrence pattern and the predictive factors of gastric cancer patients in China. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the gastric adenocarcinoma patients who accepted adjuvant treatment and follow up in our medical department after R0 resection. From June 1995 through June 2007, among 845 patients with R0 resection, 773 cases with detailed information of follow-up enrolled in this study. The location of first recurrence were reviewed. Recurrences location were categorized as locoregional, peritoneal, or distant. Locoregional recurrence was defined as dominant masses in the gastric bed, regional nodes or anastomotic recurrence. Peritoneal recurrence was documented by positive cytology in ascitic fluid, peritoneal nodules or ovaries with tumors involved. Distant metastases were defined as the specific organ or distant lymph nodes involved. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictive factors of recurrence patterns. Results: Till the last follow-up date in November 2008, 426 patients (55.1%) recurred, and 303(71.1%) recurred within 2 years after resection. The pattern of recurrence was locoregional in 240 patients (31%), distant in 261 patients (33.8%) and peritoneal in 88 patients (11.4%). On multivariate analysis, proximal location, the rate of positive lymph node > 0.33, number of lymph node dissetion<15 and operated in general hospital increase the risk of locoregional recurrence. Distant recurrence was significant associated with male gender, advanced T-stage, positive lymph nodes and number of lymph node dissection<15; female gender, poor differentiation and advanced T-stage were high risk factors of peritoneal recurrence. Conclusions: Different recurrence pattern has remarkable relationship with various clinicopathologic factors. It is noteworthy that both locoregional recurrence and distant recurrence are associated with the number of lymph node dissection, confirming the importantace of lymph node dissection. No significant financial relationships to disclose.