High-risk pT1 colorectal patients may avoid unnecessary surgeries safely

In a study of 276 pT1 colorectal cancer patients, key predictors of residual disease emerged. Positive resection margins and unfavorable histology strongly correlated with intramural residual tumor and lymph node metastasis. Despite high-risk features, patients managed through surveillance exhibited similar recurrence rates as those undergoing additional surgery, revealing that selective patient monitoring could significantly reduce surgical interventions. Notably, no CRC-specific deaths occurred in the surveillance cohort, suggesting a potential for safer management strategies in high-risk cases.