Signet Ring Cell Gastric Carcinoma: Clinical Epidemiology and Outcomes in a Predominantly Latino County Hospital Population.

backgroundGastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRC) is a rare but increasingly prevalent tumor histotype whose clinical features and natural history are poorly understood, particularly in the USA and minorities.

aimsTo examine the occurrence, clinico-demographic characteristics, oncologic features, treatment, and outcomes of GSRC in a predominantly minority county hospital setting and benchmark them against data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program.

methodsWe queried biopsy-proven GSRC cases at a Los Angeles County hospital, from 2004 to 2017. Clinical characteristics, treatment, and survival data were collected and compared to SEER data.

resultsWe identified 63 patients with GSRC. Compared to SEER, our cohort was significantly younger (52.6 vs. 63.5 years, p < 0.01), Hispanic/Latino predominant (81% vs. 20%, p < 0.01), had higher overall stage (86% vs. 69% with stage III/IV, p < 0.01), and more frequent node involvement (89% vs. 49%, p < 0.01). Lower tumor stage, Helicobacter pylori positivity, and surgical intervention were associated with significantly longer median survival (all p < 0.05), which was similar in our study compared to SEER (median 12.6 vs. 9.0 months, p = 0.26).

conclusionsPatients with GSRC within the Los Angeles County population have different clinical characteristics compared to what has been reported in SEER. Our cohort was younger, and despite having more advanced disease, did not have shorter survival. Further study is needed to better identify protective and risk factors in this population and improve understanding of the etiopathogenesis and natural history of this malignancy.