Verifying the M1c category of CRC: analysis of the data from a Japanese multi-institutional database

Background/aims In the TNM classification 8th edition, colorectal cancer (CRC) with peritoneal metastasis, one of the most poor prognostic factors, is classified as M1c (stage IVC), regardless of the presence/absence of other distant metastasis. Several cases with peritoneal metastasis have been successfully managed by surgical treatment; therefore, there is need to give more consideration for uniform differentiation of peritoneal metastasis. This study was aimed at verifying the classification of M1c in CRC.