Open access
Open access
Powered by Google Translator Translator

RCT: More Extensive Lymph Node Removal Does Not Improve Outcomes in Right-Sided Colon Cancer Surgery

7 Sep, 2024 | 09:56h | UTC

Study Design and Population: This multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial (RELARC) evaluated the efficacy of complete mesocolic excision (CME) versus D2 lymphadenectomy for right-sided colon cancer. Conducted across 17 hospitals in China, the study enrolled 1,072 patients with stage T2-T4aNanyM0 or TanyN+M0 disease. Participants were randomized (1:1) to undergo either CME or D2 dissection, and the primary outcome was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS), with 3-year overall survival (OS) as the main secondary outcome.

Main Findings: Among 995 analyzed patients, no significant differences were observed between CME and D2 groups in 3-year DFS (86.1% vs. 81.9%, HR 0.74, P = 0.06) or 3-year OS (94.7% vs. 92.6%, HR 0.70, P = 0.17). While CME trended toward better DFS, the results were not statistically significant.

Implications for Practice: Given the lack of significant survival benefit, the trial supports D2 dissection as the standard surgical approach for right-sided colon cancer. CME may be reserved for cases with evident mesocolic lymph node involvement.

Reference: Lu, J. et al. (2024). Extent of lymphadenectomy for surgical management of right-sided colon cancer: the randomized phase III RELARC trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology. http://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.24.00393

 


Stay Updated in Your Specialty

Telegram Channels
Free

WhatsApp alerts 10-day free trial

No spam, just news.