European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TUMOR GRADE AND LYMPHOVASCULAR INVASION IN COLORECTAL CANCER PATIENTS

Ruba Yaseen Shannaq MD*, Ali Hussein Talab Alkhazaleh MD, Abualkeshek Mohammad MD, Jafar Habis Alrfooh MD, Tasneem Ali Seif Al Deen Janeb MD, Doaa Akef Mahmod Abu Anzeh MD, Abdullah Akef Abu Anzeh MD

ABSTRACT

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor with high post-operative recurrence and metastasis rate. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is one of the most important predictors of CRC metastasis. Several factors have been linked to the development of LVI including matrix remodeling, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and tumor aggressiveness. Purpose: In this retrospective study, we aim to investigate the effect of CRC grade on the presence of LVI and surgical outcomes in a population of CRC Jordanian patients who underwent surgical resection. Methods: We will collect patients’ data retrospectively using hospital records from King Hussein Medical Center (KHMC), Amman, Jordan between the period 2016 to 2024. Demographic variables will include patients’ hospital ID, national number, age, and sex. Clinical data will include tumor site, mode of surgery (laparoscopic or open), tumor grade, presence of LVI, perineural invasion, lymph node ratio (LNR), and post-operative outcomes. Continuous data will be described using mean (standard deviation, (SD)) and analyzed using the student’s t-test for normally distributed variables, and as median (range) with the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed variables. Categorical variables will be presented as frequencies and percentages and analyzed with the Chi-square test. A logistic regression model will be developed to evaluate the association between Lymphovascular invasion and tumor grade adjusted for age and sex. All analyses will be performed using R statistical software.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Lymphovascular invasion, Tumor grade, Jordan, Metastasis.