Clinical multivariate regression analysis of local recurrence following curative surgery for rectal cancer

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic factors related to local recurrence following curative surgery for rectal cancer and explore the ways to improve the efficacies.

Methods: A total of 257 post-operative cases of rectal cancers from January 1995 to December 2002 were recruited. And the relation of each clinicopathologic characteristic and local post-operative recurrence was retrospectively investigated. The clinicopathologic factors and follow-up data were analyzed by uni and multi-factorial regression model by logistic regression.

Results: The total local recurrence rate of rectal cancer after radical operation was 18.7%, 75.0% (36/48) within 2 years and 95.8% (45/48) within 3 years, the median time was 14.6 months (range: 2-63). Univariate analysis showed that age, Dukes' stage, lymph node metastasis and level of CEA were significantly associated with the local post-operative recurrence (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that age and lymph node metastasis were closely related with the local post-operative recurrence (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Lymph node metastasis and age are very important prognostic factors for the local post-operative recurrence. It is possible to improve the prognosis of rectum cancer by making an early diagnosis and offering a scientific standard therapy.