Table 1. Clinical-pathological characteristics according to prognostic group.
| Characteristic | CTC + mM negative N = 38 | CTC negative mM Positive N = 17 | CTC positive N = 21 | p value two tail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age (years) Median; (IQR) |
66 (16) | 68 (15) | 68 (19) | 0.62a |
| Male sex N (%) |
17 (44) | 8 (47) | 14 (67) | 0.25b |
| Tumour differentiation Well Moderate Poor Lymphatic invasion Vascular invasion Peri-neural invasion |
22 12 4 8 8 2 |
7 8 2 4 7 18 |
4 8 9 13 18 3 |
0.01b 0.004b <0.001b 0.44b |
| CEA % increased n (%) median (IQR) ng/ml |
16 (42) 2.96 (IQR 2.05–5.30) |
7 (41) 3.05 (IQR 2.22–8.03) |
16 (71) 7.83 (IQR 2.49–17.08) |
0.03b Gp A versus GpC 0.002a |
IQR = inter quartile range; CTC = circulating tumour cell; mM = micro-metastasis.
a
Krusal–Wallis Test.
b
Chi squared.
Of the CTC group, only 1/21 (5%) patient was negative for micro-metastasis.