Prognostic significance of pathological sub-classification of pT3 rectal cancer

Purpose Patients with pT3 rectal cancer represent a heterogeneous prognostic group. A more accurate histological sub-classification of pT status has been suggested as an improvement of the TNM staging system. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic implication of a histopathologic sub-classification of pT3 rectal cancer. Methods In this retrospective single-center study, pT3 rectal cancer patients who underwent surgery from January 2000 to December 2018 were evaluated. The maximum depth of tumor invasion beyond the muscularis propria was recorded. A ROC curve identified the best prognostic cutoff value to classify patients in two prognostic groups. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and univariate and multivariate analyses with the Cox regression model were used to find independent factors influencing survival. Results Overall, 203 patients were included. Four millimeters was identified as the best cutoff value: 82 patients showed a depth of invasion