Impact of Tumor Location on Adjuvant XELOX Chemotherapy in Stage III Colon Cancer: A Retrospective Study

This study examined the outcomes of 402 patients diagnosed with stage III colon cancer who underwent primary tumor resection at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between November 2007 and June 2016. To be included in the study, patients had to meet the following criteria: (1) pathologically confirmed colon adenocarcinoma, (2) complete removal of the colon tumor, (3) adjuvant chemotherapy using the XELOX regimen (oxaliplatin combined with capecitabine), (4) comprehensive pathological data including LVI and PNI statuses, (5) no prior anticancer treatment, (6) American Society of Anesthesiologists class I-II, and (7) a minimum of 3 months of postoperative follow-up after the initial cycle of chemotherapy. The research team meticulously collected clinical information from the electronic medical record system, encompassing demographics, tumor attributes, treatment specifics, and follow-up data. The study defined right-sided colon cancer as tumors situated in the cecum, ascending colon, hepatic flexure, or transverse colon. Conversely, left-sided colon cancer was identified as tumors found in the splenic flexure, descending colon, or sigmoid colon. Adhering to the ethical principles outlined in the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki, the study obtained approval from the Institutional Research Ethics Committee of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (approval number: B2022-790-01). All patient data was handled with strict confidentiality.