Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced colon cancer on postoperative complications

Purpose Although not considered standard therapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is an encouraging alternative for selected patients with locally advanced colon cancer (LAC). The aim of this study was to compare 30-day postoperative outcomes between patients undergoing upfront surgery and those undergoing NAC for LAC. Methods Using the ACS-NSQIP data from 2016 to 2020, 11,498 patients with LAC were divided into those who underwent upfront colectomy (96.2%) and those who received NAC (3.8%). The primary outcome was a composite outcome encompassing 30-day major postoperative complications. Propensity score matched (PSM) analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Results After PSM analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in the development of a major complication. NAC was not significantly associated with the primary outcome. Risk factors for postoperative complications were T4 stage, older age, male sex, black race, smoking, dependent status, severe COPD, hypoalbuminemia, and preoperative transfusion. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery was protective. Conclusion NAC did not increase the odds of developing a major complication.