Colorectal cancer and vascular invasion: what is the prognostic implication?

Aims: Vascular invasion influences staging of certain cancers. However, such impact of vascular invasion in staging of colorectal cancer is not well known. We aimed to assess the association between vascular invasion and Dukes' stage of colorectal cancer. Methods: All valid cases between August 2001 and July 2003 were studied. Vascular invasion was described as 'present' and 'absent'. Stages were described as 'early' (Dukes' A & B) and 'late' (Dukes' C and D). Results: A total of 43 cases were identified where relevant information were available. 'Absence' of vascular invasion was significantly higher in the 'early' stage (n=20; 90.9% of 22), compared to the 'late' stage (n=10; 47.6% of 21). On the contrary, 'presence' of vascular invasion was significantly higher in the 'late' stage (n=11; 52.4% of 21), compared to the 'early' stage (n=2; 9.1% of 22) [Pearson Chi-Square=9.5; p=0.002]. Vascular invasion ‘Early’ (Dukes' A & B) Stage of colorectal cancer (CRC) ‘Late’ (Dukes' C & D) ‘Absent’ 20 10 ‘Present’ 2 11 Total 22 21 Conclusions: Vascular invasion has a significant association with Dukes' stage of colorectal cancer. It is plausible that vascular invasion may potentially act as an independent prognostic marker of colorectal cancer.