摘要:Objective:The aim of the current study was to investigate the Numbers(N classification),the Ratio of Positive LymphNodes(rN classification),Log Odds(LODDS classification),which is the most suitable classification for gastriccancer when lymph nodes are retrieved no less than 15.Methods:From January 2001 to December 2007 Clinic-pathologic and prognostic data of 561 gastric cancer patients wereretrospectively studied .The log-rank statistics, Cox's proportional hazards model and ROC curves were used.Results:Univariate and three-step multivariate analyses identified that rN classification was a significant prognostic factorand rN classification was superior to both the N and LODDS classifications when lymph nodes are retrieved noless than 15. For patients in each rN classifications,prognosis was homologous between those in different N orLODDS classifications.rN classification has more potential in minimizing stage migration than N classification.Furthermore ROC curves show rN classification was better than the other two classificationsConclusions:For patients with gastric cancer when the numbers of lymph nodes are retrieved no less than l5 in operation, the rNclassification is more suitable than N and LODDS classifications for prognostic assessment.