LAUSR

Micro‐Abstract: In a study that aimed to develop a predictive nomogram for postoperative recurrence in stage I colorectal cancer (CRC), a predictive nomogram was developed with a total of 1538 stage I CRC patients and internally validated. This nomogram will assist physicians to more accurately identify high‐risk patients who need more active surveillance and will help ensure more efficient disease management. Background: Patients with stage I colorectal cancer (CRC) have excellent prognosis after curative surgery. However, approximately 5% to 10% of patients experience recurrence and have a poor prognosis. Because the incidence of stage I CRC is increasing with active screening programs worldwide, a more accurate and easy‐to‐use predictive tool for recurrence is becoming more important. This study aimed to develop a predictive nomogram for recurrence in stage I CRC. Patients and Methods: A total of 1538 patients who underwent curative surgery for stage I CRC were enrolled. Predictive factors for recurrence were determined by multivariate Cox regression model and were used to develop a predictive nomogram. This model was internally validated, and performance was evaluated through calibration plots. Results: The cumulative recurrence rate at 5 years after surgery for stage I CRC was 5.3%. In multivariate Cox analysis, independent predictors of recurrence were tumor location at rectum, pT2 stage, and presence of lymphovascular invasion. The 5‐year recurrence rate was significantly different depending on the number of risk factors (0.7% for 0, 5.8% for 1, and 9.7% for ≥ 2 risk factors). On this basis, a nomogram for recurrence‐free survival was developed and internally validated. The concordance index of the nomogram was 0.71, and the performance was acceptable. Conclusion: We developed and internally validated a nomogram that can predict postoperative recurrence in stage I CRC patients. This nomogram may be used to more accurately stratify the risk of recurrence and to perform personalized postoperative surveillance in stage I CRC patients.