Clinicopathological features and prognosis of colorectal cancer patients with chronic schistosomiasis

Abstract Background: Schistosomiasis, as the second largest parasitic disease in the world, has infected more than 200 million people. Previous studies have found a correlation between schistosomiasis and the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. However, there is still a lack of large-scale studies reporting whether schistosomiasis affects the prognosis of colorectal cancer and the treatment standards for schistosomiasis-associated colorectal cancer. This study aims to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of colorectal cancer patients with chronic schistosomiasis (CRCS + ). Methods: We collected data from 94 CRCS + patients diagnosed at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019. Using propensity score matching, we selected 94 colorectal cancer patients without chronic schistosomiasis (CRCS − ) and retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathological data of both groups. Results: Compared to CRCS − patients, CRCS + patients exhibited distinct clinicopathological features such as regional clustering, advanced age, severe liver function impairment, and a lower positive rate of fecal monoclonal blood tests. Calcification was a characteristic feature of CRCS + patients. Overall survival was worse for colorectal cancer patients with chronic schistosomiasis. Conclusions: Schistosomiasis may be considered an independent risk factor for colorectal cancer.