The Influence of Age on Survival and Recurrence after a Curative Surgical Resection for Colon Cancer Patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate whether age was a factor associated with oncological outcome for colon cancer patients who underwent a curative surgical resection. Methods: A retrospective study of 2,125 colon cancer patients who underwent surgery between January 1989 to December 2004 was conducted. Results: Of the 2,125 patients, 1,724 patients underwent a curative resection (R0). The patients with R0 were classified into three groups: group I (n=142) under 40 yr of age, group II (n=1,462) between 40 and 75 yr of age, and group III (n=120) over 75 yr of age. There were no significant differences in gender, tumor diameter, or postoperative complications among the groups. A history of hereditary colon cancer, advanced TNM stage (III, IV), and poorly- differentiated histology were more commonly found in group I. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered less frequently in group III. In the survival analysis, the cancer-specific survival (CSS) and the disease-free survival (DFS) rates were not different between groups I and II. The CSS and the DFS rates of group III were significantly unfavorable compared with those of groups I and II. On the multivariate analysis, old age (group III), TNM stage, and preoperative CEA level were independent risk factors for CSS and DFS. Conclusion: In colon cancer patients, tailored approaches according to age, such as early screening in young adults with family history and proper patients selection for adjuvant treatment in old patients, could be needed.