Abstract
Purpose
We evaluated the efficacy and prognostic predictability of the 7th UICC TNM classification compared to 6th UICC TNM classification in patients with gastric cancer.
Materials and Methods
Between June 1992 and December 2006, 1,633 patients with gastric cancer who had undergone gastric surgery and who had been analyzed by the 6th UICC method were analyzed using the new 7th UICC system.
Results
Significant differences in 5-year survival rates were observed for 7th UICC N0, N1, N2, N3a, and N3b compared to 6th UICC. There were no significant differences in 5-year survival rates between T2 and T3. Distinct survival differences were present between stage III (IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc) and stage IV in 7th UICC. Significant differences in 5-year survival rates were not expected for Ia versus Ib, Ib versus IIa, and IIb versus IIIa. The survival rates for the same stages were not homogeneously differentiated by 7th UICC except for stage IV.