Direct tumour-adipocyte contact / Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Area (TAC/SARIFA) predicts adverse outcome in colorectal cancer: a focused evidence synthesis and meta-analysis.
Nic G Reitsam, Bruno Märkl, Iris D Nagtegaal et al.
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In 30 seconds
This focused evidence synthesis and meta-analysis assessed whether direct tumour-adipocyte contact, termed TAC/SARIFA, is associated with survival in colorectal cancer. It included retrospective observational cohorts reporting multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios. Seven cohorts comprising 5,932 patients contributed cancer-specific survival data, and five cohorts comprising 4,545 patients contributed overall survival data. TAC/SARIFA positivity was associated with inferior cancer-specific survival (pooled HR 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-2.01) and overall survival (pooled HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.39-1.68), with no relevant heterogeneity detected.
Key findings
- TAC/SARIFA positivity was associated with inferior cancer-specific survival (pooled HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.55-2.01).
- TAC/SARIFA positivity was associated with inferior overall survival (pooled HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.39-1.68).
- Seven cohorts (5,932 patients) contributed cancer-specific survival data; five cohorts (4,545 patients) contributed overall survival data.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that a histological feature visible on H&E sections may provide prognostic information in colorectal cancer. Its association with both cancer-specific and overall survival supports further evaluation as a risk-stratification marker, while the observational evidence does not establish that TAC/SARIFA causes poorer outcomes or that using the marker improves patient care.
What to keep in mind
All included studies were retrospective observational cohorts; the authors state that prospective validation is warranted.