Data Last Updated: June 9, 2025

NAACCR Item #3890: Microsatellite Instability (MSI)

Item # Length Source of Standard Section Name Year Implemented Version Implemented XML NAACCR ID Parent XML Element
3890 1 NAACCR Stage/Prognostic Factors 2018 18 microsatelliteInstability Tumor
Required Status:

NPCR Collect: Required, site specific; when available
CoC Collect: Required, site specific
SEER Collect: Required, site specific
CCCR Collect: Required, site specific; when available

Description
Microsatellite Instability (MSI) is a form of genetic instability manifested by changes in the length of repeated single- to six-nucleotide sequences (known as DNA microsatellite sequences). High MSI, found in about 15% of colorectal carcinomas, is an adverse prognostic factor for colorectal carcinomas and predicts poor response to 5-FU chemotherapy (although the addition of oxaliplatin in FOLFOX regimens negates the adverse effects [page 266 AJCC manual]). High MSI is a hallmark of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma, also known as Lynch syndrome.
Rationale
Microsatellite Instability (MSI) is a Registry Data Collection Variable in AJCC. It was previously collected as Colon and Rectum, CS SSF# 7.
Allowable Values
0-2, 8, 9
Codes
Code Description
0 Microsatellite instability (MSI) stable; microsatellite stable (MSS); negative, NOS AND/OR Mismatch repair (MMR) intact, no loss of nuclear expression of MMR proteins MMR proficient (pMMR or MMR-P)
1 MSI unstable low (MSI-L)
2 MSI unstable high (MSI-H) AND/OR MMR deficient (dMMR or MMR-D), loss of nuclear expression of one or more MMR proteins
8 Not applicable: Information not collected for this case (If this information is required by your standard setter, use of code 8 may result in an edit error.)
9 Not documented in medical record MSI-indeterminate MSI-equivocal Microsatellite instability not assessed or unknown if assessed
Code Notes
Each Site-Specific Data Item (SSDI) applies only to selected primary sites, histologies, and years of diagnosis. Depending on applicability and standard-setter requirements, SSDIs may be left blank.