Evaluation of the Effect of Tumor Localization, Stage, Sex and Age on the Survival of Colon Cancer Patients in the Republic of Mordovia

Introduction. Colon cancer is characterized by significant heterogeneity due to differences in the embryonic development of the primary intestinal tube, blood supply, lymphatic drainage, and the molecular biological profile of tumors. Right-sided colon cancer is associated with unfavorable prognostic factors for patient survival, while left-sided colon cancer has a more sluggish course. Understanding clinical and demographic factors is key to personalizing therapy. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of data from the regional cancer registry of the Republic of Mordovia to assess the impact of tumor location, stage, gender, and age on overall survival in patients with colon cancer.Materials and methods. A retrospective, non-randomized, single-center cohort study was conducted using the cancer registry of the Republican Oncology Dispensary of the Republic of Mordovia for the period from 2015 to 2019. Medical history data from 395 patients with colon cancer were analyzed, divided into two groups: those with right-sided (n = 158) and those with left-sided (n = 237) cancer. The primary endpoint of the study was 3- and 5-year overall survival. Statistical analysis was performed usingthe Pearson χ² test and significance criterion (p 0.05).Results. Overall 3- and 5-year survival rates for colon cancer, regardless of patient gender, age, location, and stage, were 67.2 and 58.9%, respectively, in the Republic of Mordovia. Left-sided tumors were associated with a more favorable prognosis. For stage II 5-year survival for left-sided colon cancer in the Republic of Mordovia was 83.4%, compared to 74.5% for right-sided colon cancer; for stage III, the rates were 62.8% and 52.1%, respectively. The greatest differences were observed in men with stage II disease: 5-year survival was 86.7% for left-sided cancer versus 72% for right-sided cancer. Women with stage III left-sided colon cancer demonstrate a better long-term prognosis (64%). An inverse relationship was found between the age of patients and life expectancy: patients who reached a 5-year follow-up period were younger (59.1 years for left-sided and 61.9 years for right-sided colon cancer, respectively).Discussion and conclusion. Left-sided colon cancer is a favorable prognostic factor, regardless of gender, age, or stage. Patients with right-sided colon cancer represent a high-risk group for progression and require a more differentiated approach using modern treatment regimens. The data obtained support the need to optimize the regional oncology program based on the side of the colon affected.