OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical features and prognosis of multiple primary colorectal carcinoma (MPCC).

METHODSAmong the 1462 patients with colorectal cancer admitted in our department from January 2000 to December 2007, 39 patients with MPCC were identified based on the Warran and Gates MPC diagnosis criteria. The age of onset, 5-year survival rate, lesion location and therapies were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSThe incidence of MPCC was 2.67% (39/1462). Eighteen of the patients had synchronous carcinomas and 21 were diagnosed to have metachronous carcinomas. Most of the tumors were located in the left colon and rectum. The average age of onset was (61.02∓13.94) in these patients who had an overall 5-year survival rate of 61.76%. The patients with metachronous carcinomas had a better prognosis than those with synchronous carcinomas. The 5-year survival rate of 3 early-stage cases (TNM stage I) was 100% after radical surgery. Thirty advanced cases underwent radical surgery combined with adjuvant chemotherapy, and their 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 93.33%, 83.33%, and 73.33%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year survival rates of 3 advanced cases undergoing palliative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were 66.67% and 0, respectively. The 1- and 3-year survival rates of another 3 advanced cases with palliative chemotherapy were 66.67% and 0, respectively.

CONCLUSIONEarly diagnosis and effective treatment can help prolong the survival of MPC patients. Surgical intervention and chemotherapy can improve the survival and prognosis of patients with advanced MPCC.