Lateral lymph node and its association with distant recurrence in rectal cancer: A clue of systemic disease

摘要

We analyzed oncologic outcomes according to pre-/post-LPLN enlargement. Rectal cancer patients who underwent resection post-PCRT during 2008-2012 were enrolled. Magnetic resonance imaging pre-/post-PCRT were re-evaluated. LNs with short axis (SA) >= 7 mm pre-PCRT and >= 4 mm post-PCRT were defined as enlarged nodes. Of 798 patients enrolled, recurrence occurred in 55 (6.9%) local, 17 (2.1%) lateral, and 179 (22.4%) distal regions. Patients with LPLN SA >= 7 mm pre-PCRT showed worse local recurrence-free survival (RFS), lateral RFS, and distant RFS (p = 7 mm, node shrinkage to SA = 7 mm, response to PCRT did not guarantee better outcomes.