ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the fourth cancer in incidence worldwide, with a high disease-related death rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of clinical and pathological factors for the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed data from 304 consecutive patients. Clinical and pathological factors and the surgical resection status were analysed by univariate analyses, followed by investigation of important factors using a proportional hazard regression analysis with backward elimination in order to identify important independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that age, pT, pN, M, UICC stage, grading, and resection status were significantly associated with survival. Multivariate analysis identified age, pT, pN, M, and resection status as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Besides age and pathological parameters, radical R0 resection plays an essential role in the management of gastric cancer and should be aimed at, even if extended resection may be necessary.