[Long-term results of surgical therapy of colon cancer. Results of the Colorectal Cancer Study Group].

In a prospective multicentre observation study with free choice of treatment 1157 patients with solitary colonic carcinoma were entered free of selection between August 1984 and November 1986. The 5-year-survival rate for all patients was observed 45.7 +/- 3.0%, relative (age-corrected) 60.2 +/- 4.0%. Multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression analysis identified R-classification, stage, institution and timing of surgery as independent prognostic factors regarding survival. In R0 resected patients occurrence of locoregional recurrence was the strongest prognostic factor. Study data could demonstrate a substantial variability in frequency of locoregional recurrence and survival among the participating institutions. The data support the importance of application of principles of radical surgery and gives evidence for the outstanding importance of surgery for the prognosis of colonic carcinoma.