Distribution and Analysis of Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Colorectal Cancer Patients (DIAMOND)

Distribution and Analysis of Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Colorectal Cancer Patients (DIAMOND)

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the spatial distribution and significance of metastatic lymph nodes in colorectal cancer patients. The main question it aims to answer is:

• What is the spatial distribution pattern of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with colorectal cancer?
• Can the spatial distribution pattern of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with colorectal cancer guide clinical practice? Participants should undergo regular follow-up examinations for at least 5 years after the surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 80 years
• Pathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum
• Underwent radical resection for colorectal cancer with a D3 lymphadenectomy and lymph nodes were submitted for pathological examination according to standardized station-based and distance-based protocol
• No distant metastasis or distant metastasis within 6 months after surgery
• No history of other malignant tumors or severe systemic diseases
• No immune diseases or inflammatory bowel diseases
• Non-emergency surgery
• With complete clinicopathological and follow-up data

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pathologically confirmed benign tumors or non-adenocarcinoma malignancies
• Underwent local excision or palliative resection
• Regional lymph nodes were not dissected or submitted for pathological examination according to the unified station-based or distance-based protocol
• With distant metastasis or distant metastasis within 6 months after surgery
• Dual or multiple primary colorectal cancers or concurrent other malignant tumors
• Had a previous diagnosis of immune diseases or inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Underwent emergency surgery
• Had incomplete clinicopathological or follow-up data