Lymph node metastasis worsens survival in colorectal cancer with liver metastasis

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) significantly impacts cancer-specific survival (CSS) in colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis (CRLM), as demonstrated in an analysis of 11,266 patients. Those with LNM exhibited poorer CSS compared to those without LNM, and this trend remained consistent across different cohorts. Incorporating N staging into the AJCC TNM system, particularly for M1a stage patients, may enhance prognostic evaluations, signaling vital adjustments to existing cancer staging frameworks.