Evaluating prognostic value and stage migration effects using a positive lymph node ratio in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction

Abstract

Abstract Background Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is increasing worldwide. Lymph node metastasis is an important clinical issue in AEG patients. This study investigated the usefulness of a positive lymph node ratio (PLNR) to stratify prognosis and evaluate stage migration. Methods We retrospectively analysed 117 consecutive AEG patients (Siewert type I or II) who received a lymphadenectomy between 2000 and 2016. Results A PLNR cut-off value of 0.1 most effectively stratified patient prognosis into two groups (P < 0.001). Also, prognosis could be clearly stratified into four groups: PLNR = 0, 0 < PLNR < 0.1, 0.1 ≤ PLNR < 0.2, and 0.2 ≤ PLNR (P < 0.001, 5-year survival rates (88.6%, 61.1%, 34.3%, 10.7%)). A PLNR ≥ 0.1 significantly correlated with tumour diameter ≥ 4 cm (P < 0.001), tumour depth (P < 0.001), greater pathological N-status (P < 0.001), greater pathological Stage (P < 0.001), and oesophageal invasion length ≥ 2 cm (P = 0.002). A PLNR ≥ 0.1 was a poor independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 6.47, P < 0.001). The PLNR could stratify prognosis if at least 11 lymph nodes were retrieved. A 0.2 PLNR cut-off value discriminated a stage migration effect in pN3 and pStage IV (P = 0.041, P = 0.015) patients; PLNR ≥ 0.2 might potentially diagnose a worse prognosis and need meticulous follow-up post-surgery. Conclusion Using PLNR, we can evaluate the prognosis and detect higher malignant cases who need meticulous treatments and follow-up in the same pStage.