Robust vascular invasion concurrent with intense EGFR immunostaining can predict recurrence in patients with stage IB node-negative gastric cancer

Purpose The prognosis of most patients with stage IB node-negative gastric cancer is good without postoperative chemotherapy; however, about 10% suffer recurrence and inevitably die. We conducted this study to establish the optimal indications for postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in patients at risk of recurrence. Methods The subjects of this retrospective study were 124 patients with stage IB node-negative gastric cancer, who underwent gastrectomy at the Kitasato University East Hospital, between 2001 and 2010. We reviewed EGFR immunohistochemistry (IHC) as well as clinicopathological factors. Results Of the 124 patients, 47 (38%) showed intense EGFR IHC (2+ or 3+), with significantly less frequency than in stage II/III advanced gastric cancer ( p