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Table 2 Definitions of isolated tumor cells (ITCs) and micrometastases (MMS)

From: The influence of micrometastases on prognosis and survival in stage I-II colon cancer patients: the Enroute Study

Definitions used in EnRoute Study

 

Isolated Tumor Cells (ITCs)

Micrometastases (MMs)

Size

< 0.2 mm

0.2 - 2 mm

Localization

No defining criterion

No defining criterion

Detection method

HES and/or IHC

HES and/or IHC

Formal designation (present vs absent)

pN0i+ vs pN0i-

pN0mi+ vs pN0mi-

Designation for study purposes if present

pN0micro+

pN0micro+

  1. HES hematoxylin and eosin stain; IHC immunohistochemistry.