Abstract
Purpose
Primary mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) and primary signet-ring cell cancer (SRCC) are two rare but highly malignant tumors in colorectal cancer. Therefore, we attempted to compare the tumors’ survival outcomes, identify risk factors, and ultimately evaluate the prognosis by developing a nomogram.
Methods
We identified 755 MANEC and 5836 SRCC patients of colorectal cancer. PSM was used to balance the influence of baseline clinical and pathological differences. Kaplan–Meier method was used to compare the prognosis of different pathological grades and AJCC stages. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify potential prognostic factors for the two groups. Finally, we developed a nomogram and evaluated the feasibility of the model.
Results
After PSM, the median OS and CSS of MANEC patients were significantly better than those of SRCC patients in stage III-IV (P < 0.001) but similar in stage I-II. The median OS and CSS of MANEC patients in each pathological grade were also greater than those of SRCC patients. Patients with MANEC and SRCC who underwent lymph node dissection in more than four areas had longer survival time. MANEC patients benefited from postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy; among SRCC patients, those who received preoperative and postoperative comprehensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy had benefits in OS and CSS.
Conclusion
Both MANEC and SRCC are often diagnosed in advanced stages, highlighting the importance of early screening. Despite the better prognosis of MANEC compared to SRCC, both types of patients require the formulation of personalized treatment strategies based on different risk factors combined with column charts.