Adrenalectomy for solid tumor metastases: results of a multicenter European study

Case report: 65-year-old man with metachronous left sided adrenal metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Due to therapeutic advances and improvements in follow-up care, the diagnosis and treatment of extrahepatic metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] have gained clinical significance. However, adrenal gland metastases of HCC remain a rare clinical encounter. Several systemic and local treatment options are discussed in current literature. Adrenalectomy in cases of isolated adrenal metastases with well-controlled intrahepatic lesions has been shown to benefit patients in case series.

PRESENTATION OF THE CASE

This 65-year-old patient presented with suspected metachronous left sided adrenal metastasis seven years after bisegmentectomy for HCC and after undergoing trans-arterial chemoembolization [TACE] for multifocal intrahepatic recurrences while being listed for liver transplantation "beyond Milan criteria". Adrenalectomy was suggested for histopathological confirmation of the suspected metastasis and re-consideration for liver transplant. The resection was performed laparoscopically and metastasis of HCC was confirmed in histopathological analysis. Postoperatively, the patient recovered quickly. However, the patient decided against re-listing for liver transplantation.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Current literature suggests, that minimally-invasive adrenalectomy should be considered in patients with no more than two extrahepatic lesions, a Child-Pugh-Score of less than A5, low alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] levels <100 ng/ml and size <3 cm. The oncological goal should be to achieve a tumor free extrahepatic situation with a potential oncological benefit.

CONCLUSION

Our patient presented as an ideal candidate for resection of the adrenal gland metastasis and could have been re-assessed postoperatively for liver transplantation. Still, more research is needed to improve patient-selection for metastasectomy in HCC.

Comparative outcomes and prognostic indicators in adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis

PURPOSE

The indications for adrenalectomy and feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis are controversial. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes between open adrenalectomy (OA) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) and to evaluate the prognostic factors for oncological outcomes of adrenal metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 141 consecutive patients who underwent adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis at Seoul National University Hospital from April 2005 to February 2021. Surgical and oncological outcomes were compared between OA and LA.

RESULTS

OA was performed in 95 (67.4%) patients, and 46 (32.6%) patients underwent LA. Among the patients who underwent adrenalectomy without adjacent organ resection for adrenal tumors less than 8 cm, LA was associated with a shorter operation time (100.1 ± 48.8 vs. 158.6 ± 81.2, P = 0.001), less blood loss (94.8 ± 93.8 vs. 566.8 ± 1156.0, P = 0.034), and a shorter hospital stay (3.7 ± 1.3 vs. 6.9 ± 5.8, P = 0.003). For locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), on multivariate analysis, a positive pathological margin (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.777, P = 0.002), disease activity at the primary site (HR: 6.497, P = 0.005), other metastases (HR: 4.154, P = 0.015), and a relatively larger tumor size (HR: 1.198, P = 0.018) were significantly associated with poor LRRFS. Multivariate analysis indicated that metachronous metastasis (HR: 0.51, P = 0.032) was associated with a longer overall survival (OS), whereas a positive pathological margin (HR: 2.40, P = 0.017), metastases to other organs (HR: 2.08, P = 0.025), and a relatively larger tumor size (HR: 1.11, P = 0.046) were associated with a shorter OS.

CONCLUSIONS

LA is a feasible treatment option for adrenal metastasis in selected patients. The pathological margin, metastases to other organs, and tumor size should be considered in adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis.

Surgery for adrenal metastasis: Surgical outcomes and prognostic factors for long-term survival

PURPOSE

To analyze surgical outcomes and predictive factors for long-term overall and disease-specific survival in patients undergoing surgical resection of adrenal metastasis.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study included patients who underwent adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis in two Spanish hospitals between 2005 and 2021. Clinical variables associated with surgical complications and survival during follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were included. Adrenalectomy was performed laparoscopically in 27 patients and by an open approach in 6. The most common primary tumor site was the lung (n=15), followed by the kidney (n=7). Most patients had metachronous lesions (n=28). Six patients (18.2%) had intra- and/or postoperative complications; synchronous metastasis was a risk factor (odds ratio 12.5 [1.45-107.6]) for their development. Progression-free survival and disease-specific survival were 7.5months (range 1-64) and 22.5months (6-120), respectively. Survival rates at 1, 2, 3 and 5years were 94%, 65%, 48% and 29%, respectively. Survival was significantly lower in patients with lung cancer than with other cancers (hazard ratio 4.23 [1.42-12.59]).

CONCLUSIONS

Adrenalectomy for solitary adrenal metastases was associated with intra- or postoperative complications in 18% of cases. Synchronous metastasis was a risk factor for complications.

Percutaneous Image Guided Cryoablation of Adrenal Metastases From Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Single Institution Review

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety, technical success, disease progression, and survival associated with percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of renal cell carcinoma metastasis (mRCC) in the adrenal gland.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-institution review of adult patients undergoing percutaneous cryoablation for adrenal mRCC between the years of 2007-2021. Technical parameters, technical success, safety, and survival were analyzed according to standard criteria.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (39 male; mean age 66 ± 8.8 years) with 57 tumors ablated over 51 sessions with a median hospital length of stay of 1 day (range 0-3 days). Forty-four (96%) had primary of clear cell histology. Aim of ablation was curative intent in 39 of 57 tumors (72%) with local tumor control in the remainder. There were 2 (4%) technical failures and technique efficacy was achieved in 52 out of the remaining 55 (95%). There were no Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events' immediate complications and 4 of 51 (8%) delayed complications. Twenty-five of 57 (44%) had disease progression anywhere, away from ablation site. One-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence free survival rates were 100%, 89%, and 89% and overall survival was 98%, 85%, and 71%. Fifty-one of 57 (89%) underwent preprocedural alpha blockade with hypertensive crisis in 27 of 56 (54%) available records, of which there were no adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous cryoablation of mRCC to the adrenal glands is safe with robust local control, leading to advocacy for its ongoing use in this patient population. Multi-disciplinary management is recommended for successful treatment.

Adrenal Metastasectomy in the Era of Immuno- and Targeted Therapy

Adrenal metastasectomy has an increasing role in multimodality oncologic care for diverse primary cancer types. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, evaluation, and contemporary best practices in the management of adrenal metastases from various primaries. Initial evaluation of suspected adrenal metastases should include diagnostic imaging to assess the extent of tumor involvement and determine surgical resectability, as well as biochemical evaluation for hormone secretion. Biopsy has a minimal role and should only be performed in tumors that are established to be non-hormone secreting and when the biopsy results would change clinical management. Adrenal metastasectomy is associated with survival benefit in selected patients. We suggest that adrenal metastasectomy has the greatest benefit in four clinical scenarios: (1) disease limited to the adrenal gland in which adrenalectomy renders the patient disease-free; (2) isolated progression in the adrenal gland in the setting of otherwise controlled metastatic extra-adrenal disease; (3) need for palliation of symptoms related to adrenal metastases; or (4) in the context of tissue-based clinical trials. Both minimally invasive and open adrenalectomy techniques are safe and appear to have equivalent oncologic outcomes. Minimally invasive approaches are favored when technically feasible while maintaining oncologic principles. A multidisciplinary evaluation including clinicians with expertise in the primary cancer type is essential to the successful management of adrenal metastases.

Stereotactic Magnetic Resonance-Guided Adaptive and Non-Adaptive Radiotherapy on Combination MR-Linear Accelerators: Current Practice and Future Directions

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective radiation therapy technique that has allowed for shorter treatment courses, as compared to conventionally dosed radiation therapy. As its name implies, SBRT relies on daily image guidance to ensure that each fraction targets a tumor, instead of healthy tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers improved soft-tissue visualization, allowing for better tumor and normal tissue delineation. MR-guided RT (MRgRT) has traditionally been defined by the use of offline MRI to aid in defining the RT volumes during the initial planning stages in order to ensure accurate tumor targeting while sparing critical normal tissues. However, the ViewRay MRIdian and Elekta Unity have improved upon and revolutionized the MRgRT by creating a combined MRI and linear accelerator (MRL), allowing MRgRT to incorporate online MRI in RT. MRL-based MR-guided SBRT (MRgSBRT) represents a novel solution to deliver higher doses to larger volumes of gross disease, regardless of the proximity of at-risk organs due to the (1) superior soft-tissue visualization for patient positioning, (2) real-time continuous intrafraction assessment of internal structures, and (3) daily online adaptive replanning. Stereotactic MR-guided adaptive radiation therapy (SMART) has enabled the safe delivery of ablative doses to tumors adjacent to radiosensitive tissues throughout the body. Although it is still a relatively new RT technique, SMART has demonstrated significant opportunities to improve disease control and reduce toxicity. In this review, we included the current clinical applications and the active prospective trials related to SMART. We highlighted the most impactful clinical studies at various tumor sites. In addition, we explored how MRL-based multiparametric MRI could potentially synergize with SMART to significantly change the current treatment paradigm and to improve personalized cancer care.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal metastases of solid tumors

INTRODUCTION

In patients with history of cancer adrenal metastases can be found in up to 70% of adrenal tumors detected during follow-up. Currently, laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is considered the gold standard approach for benign adrenal tumors but is still controversial in malignant disease. Depending on the patient's oncological status, adrenalectomy might be a possible treatment option. Our objective was to analyze the results of LA for adrenal metastasis from solid tumors in two referral centers.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 17 patients with non-primary adrenal malignancy treated with LA between 2007 and 2019 was performed. Demographic and primary tumor data, type of metastasis, morbidity, disease recurrence and evolution were evaluated. Patients were compared according to type of metastases: synchronous (< 6 months) vs metachronous (≥ 6 months).

RESULTS

17 patients were included. Median metastatic adrenal tumor size was 4 cm (IQR, 3-5.4). We had one conversion to open surgery. Recurrence was found in 6 patients with one recurring in the adrenal bed. The median OS was 24 (IQR, 10.5-60.5) months and 5-year OS was 61.4% (95%CI: 36.7%-81.4%). Patients with metachronous metastases had better overall survival vs. patients with synchronous metastases (87% vs. 14%, p = 0.0037).

CONCLUSION

LA for adrenal metastases is a procedure associated with low morbidity and acceptable oncologic outcomes. Based on our results, seems reasonable to offer this procedure to carefully selected patients, mainly those with metachronous presentation. Indication of LA must be done on a case by case evaluation in the context of a multidisciplinary tumor board.

Pathological and clinical outcomes of adrenalectomy: A multi-center experience in Saudi Arabia

Objective

To determine the nature of adrenal pathology in patients undergoing adrenalectomy in Saudi Arabia over the last decade and compare it with the literature. We compared perioperative outcomes between minimally invasive adrenalectomy (MIA) and open adrenalectomy (OA).

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent adrenalectomy at five tertiary care centers in Saudi Arabia from 2010 to 2020. We collected patients' baseline and perioperative characteristics and detailed hormonal evaluation of adrenal masses.

Results

Among 160 patients (mean age 44 ± 14.5 years; mean BMI 29.17 ± 5.96 kg/m²), 84 (51.5 %) were men and 51.5 % had left-sided adrenal masses. The mean tumor size was 6.1 ± 4.2 (1.0-19.5) cm, including 60 (37.5 %) incidentalomas and 65 (40.6 %) functioning masses. Histopathology revealed 74 (46.2 %) adenomas and 24 (15 %) cancers or metastases from other primary organs; 20 %, 8.8 %, and 2.5 % of patients had pheochromocytoma, myelolipoma, and 2.5 % ganglioneuroblastoma, respectively. MIA and OA were performed in 135 (84.4 %) and 21 (15.6 %) patients, respectively. Adrenalectomy was increasingly performed over three equal periods in the last decade (17.5 % vs 34.4 % vs 48.1 %), with increasing numbers of MIAs to replace OAs. OA patients had larger tumors and needed blood transfusion more frequently (47.6 % vs 10.8 %, p< 0.001). MIA was significantly associated with shorter operative time, shorter length of stay, and less blood loss. Postoperative complications occurred in 10 (6.2 %) patients and were significantly higher for OA (24 % vs 3.0 %, p< 0.001).

Conclusions

The majority of adrenal masses are benign. Herein, the observed functional and perioperative outcomes were comparable to those of available meta-analyses.

Two nomograms based on radiomics models using triphasic CT for differentiation of adrenal lipid-poor benign lesions and metastases in a cancer population: an exploratory study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effectiveness of CT-based radiomics nomograms in differentiating adrenal lipid-poor benign lesions and metastases in a cancer population.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 178 patients with cancer history from three medical centres categorised as those with adrenal lipid-poor benign lesions or metastases. Patients were divided into training, validation, and external testing cohorts. Radiomics features were extracted from triphasic CT images (unenhanced, arterial, and venous) to establish three single-phase models and one triphasic radiomics model using logistic regression. Unenhanced and triphasic nomograms were established by incorporating significant clinico-radiological factors and radscores. The models were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve, Delong's test, calibration curve, and decision curve.

RESULTS

Lesion side, diameter, and enhancement ratio resulted as independent factors and were selected into nomograms. The areas under the curves (AUCs) of unenhanced and triphasic radiomics models in validation (0.878, 0.914, p = 0.381) and external testing cohorts (0.900, 0.893, p = 0.882) were similar and higher than arterial and venous models (validation: 0.842, 0.765; testing: 0.814, 0.806). Unenhanced and triphasic nomograms yielded similar AUCs in validation (0.903, 0.906, p = 0.955) and testing cohorts (0.928, 0.946, p = 0.528). The calibration curves showed good agreement and decision curves indicated satisfactory clinical benefits.

CONCLUSION

Unenhanced and triphasic CT-based radiomics nomograms resulted as a useful tool to differentiate adrenal lipid-poor benign lesions from metastases in a cancer population. They exhibited similar predictive efficacies, indicating that enhanced examinations could be avoided in special populations.

KEY POINTS

• All four radiomics models and two nomograms using triphasic CT images exhibited favourable performances in three cohorts to characterise the cancer population's adrenal benign lesions and metastases. • Unenhanced and triphasic radiomics models had similar predictive performances, outperforming arterial and venous models. • Unenhanced and triphasic nomograms also exhibited similar efficacies and good clinical benefits, indicating that contrast-enhanced examinations could be avoided when identifying adrenal benign lesions and metastases.

Metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of right adrenal gland successfully treated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy after multimodal therapy

Introduction

We report a case of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in a salvage setting after multiple chemotherapies for neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Case presentation

A 49‐year‐old man was diagnosed with unknown primary carcinoma with single brain metastasis, and right supraclavicular and mediastinal lymph node metastases. After stereotactic radiotherapy of the brain metastasis and systemic chemotherapy, lymphadanectomy was performed. The pathologic diagnosis was neuroendocrine carcinoma. At 11 months after surgery, computed tomography revealed right adrenal metastasis. Local radiotherapy initially resulted in complete remission. However, adrenal recurrence was noted 10 months later. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed with curative intent. The patient is currently alive without recurrence at 20 months after the operation.

Conclusion

Adrenalectomy can become a treatment option if other metastases are well‐controlled with systemic therapy. Surgical elimination of oligometastases can offer long‐term disease control in selected patients as part of a multimodal approach.

Adrenalectomy for Secondary Malignancy: Patients, Outcomes, and Indications

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to examine a multi-institutional experience with adrenal metastases to describe survival outcomes and identify subpopulations who benefit from adrenal metastasectomy.

BACKGROUND

Adrenalectomy for metastatic disease is well-described, although indications and outcomes are incompletely defined.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients undergoing adrenalectomy for secondary malignancy (2002-2015) at 6 institutions. The primary outcomes were disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Analysis methods included Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards.

RESULTS

Of 269 patients, mean age was 60.1 years; 50% were male. The most common primary malignancies were lung (n = 125, 47%), renal cell (n = 38, 14%), melanoma (n = 33, 12%), sarcoma (n = 18, 7%), and colorectal (n = 12, 5%). The median time to detection of adrenal metastasis after initial diagnosis of the primary tumor was 17 months (interquartile range: 6-41). Post-adrenalectomy, the median DFS was 18 months (1-year DFS: 54%, 5-year DFS: 31%). On multivariable analysis, lung primary was associated with longer DFS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.49, P = 0.008). Extra-adrenal oligometastatic disease at initial presentation (HR: 1.84, P = 0.016), larger tumor size (HR: 1.07, P = 0.013), chemotherapy as treatment of the primary tumor (HR: 2.07 P = 0.027) and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR: 1.95, P = 0.009) were associated with shorter DFS. Median OS was 53 months (1-year OS: 83%, 5-year OS: 43%). On multivariable analysis, extra-adrenal oligometastatic disease at adrenalectomy (HR: 1.74, P = 0.031), and incomplete resection of adrenal metastasis (R1 margins; HR: 1.62, P = 0.034; R2 margins; HR: 5.45, P = 0.002) were associated with shorter OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Durable survival is observed in patients undergoing adrenal metastasectomy and should be considered for subjects with isolated adrenal metastases.

Palliative Radiotherapy Provided Good Pain Relief for Painful Adrenal Metastasis

Adrenal metastases often occur in patients with metastasized lung cancer, but symptoms rarely develop. A 45-year-old man presented with right abdominal pain requiring strong opioids due to large right adrenal metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma. The tumor was 7.3 × 5.6 × 8.4 cm in size. He was treated with palliative radiotherapy (RT) up to 39 Gy in 13 fractions for this lesion without severe adverse effects. After RT, he had good pain relief, and opioids were no longer needed. Palliative RT for a large adrenal tumor can provide a good analgesic effect without relevant toxicity.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for patients with oligometastatic/oligoprogressive adrenal metastases: Outcomes and toxicities profile in a monoinstitutional study

AIMS

To evaluate survival outcomes and toxicology profiles in oligometastatic/oligoprogressive patients treated with SBRT for adrenal metastases.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 25 metastatic adrenal lesions in 24 oligometastatic/oligoprogressive patients undergoing ablative Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) between February 2010 and November 2019 in our department. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were local overall response rate (ORR), acute and late toxicities.

RESULTS

The most common primary tumor was non-small cell lung cancer (54%). Twenty-one patients received chemo or immuno-therapy. The median planning target volume (PTV) was 41.7 cm³. Median SBRT dose was 36 Gy. Median dose per fraction was 15 Gy. Median survival was 35-months with OS outcomes ranging from 6-months (100%), 1-year (87.5%) and 2-years (66.7%). ORR based on RECIST criteria was 66.5%. 12 patients experienced acute toxicities, mostly grade 1-2 (8 patients, 32%).

CONCLUSIONS

SBRT for oligometastatic/oligoprogressive patients with adrenal metastases showed acceptable survival outcomes and a safe toxicity profile.

Phase II trial of stereotactic body radiation therapy on adrenal gland metastases: evaluation of efficacy and impact on hormonal production

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess prospectively the efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for adrenal gland metastasis, with a focus on the assessment of the irradiated subjects' endocrinological function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 36 patients were enrolled from 2017 to 2020 in this prospective phase II trial. Patients were treated with Linac-based SBRT, with a dose of 45 Gy in 3 consecutive fractions. Primary end-point was local control (LC) of the treated lesions and secondary end-points included evaluation of acute and late toxicity, progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and the impact on the hormonal production of adrenal glands.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 9.5 months, LC rates at 1 and 2 years were 94.7% and 88.4%, respectively. Rates of PFS at 1 and 2 years were 50.5% and 29.8%, with a median PFS of 14.7 months. Rates of OS at 1 and 2 years were 62.9% and 44.1%. At univariate analysis, oligorecurrence was associated with better OS compared to oligoprogressive or synchronous metastatic disease. No grade 3 or greater toxicities were registered and only a minority of patients (22.2%) reported mild treatment-related side effects. Hormonal and electrolytes production was assessed before and after treatment, showing only a slight and transient variation within the reference ranges.

CONCLUSION

SBRT on adrenal metastases has been confirmed to be a feasible and effective treatment. With an excellent disease control and the preservation of the endocrine function, SBRT with ablative dose can be considered a viable alternative to more invasive approaches.

[EUROCRINE®: adrenal surgery 2015-2019- surprising initial results]

Hintergrund

Seit 2015 erfolgt in Europa mithilfe des EUROCRINE®-Registers eine systematische Dokumentation endokrin-chirurgischer Operationen. Ziel dieser ersten Auswertung war eine Darstellung der Versorgungsrealität für Nebenniereneingriffe in einem homogenen Versorgungsumfeld, entsprechend des deutschsprachigen Raums – bzw. des Präsenzgebiets der Chirurgischen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Endokrinologie (CAEK) der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie (DGAV) – einschließlich einer Analyse der Adhärenz zu geltenden Therapieempfehlungen.

Methodik

Es erfolgte eine deskriptive Analyse der präoperativen Diagnostik, der angewandten Operationstechniken sowie der zugrunde liegenden histologischen Entitäten der zwischen den Jahren 2015 und 2019 über EUROCRINE® in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz dokumentierten Nebennierenoperationen.

Ergebnisse

In den insgesamt 21 teilnehmenden Kliniken des deutschsprachigen EUROCRINE®-Gebiets wurden 658 Operationen an Nebennieren durchgeführt. In 90 % erfolgten unilaterale, in 3 % bilaterale Adrenalektomien und in 7 % andere Resektionsverfahren. Die in 41 % der Operationen dokumentierte histologische Hauptdiagnose war das adrenokortikale Adenom. In 15 % lagen maligne Befunde zugrunde (einschließlich 6 % Nebennierenrindenkarzinome (ACC) und 8 % Nebennierenmetastasen). 23 % der Operationen erfolgten bei Phäochromozytomen. Diese wurden zu 82 % minimal-invasiv operiert, Nebennierenrindenkarzinome lediglich zu 28 % und Nebennierenmetastasen zu 66 %.

Schlussfolgerung

Überraschenderweise wurden nach Nebennierenadenomen und Phäochromozytomen an dritthäufigster Stelle Nebennierenmetastasen unterschiedlicher Primärtumoren reseziert. 28 % der ACC waren für minimal-invasive Techniken vorgesehen, wobei 20 % dieser Fälle eine Konversion zur offenen Operation erforderten. Die aktuelle Analyse deckte Diskrepanzen zwischen Versorgungsrealität und Leitlinienempfehlungen auf, aus denen sich zahlreiche Fragestellungen ergeben, welche nun in ein überarbeitetes EUROCRINE®-Modul zur Dokumentation von Nebennierenoperationen einfließen werden.

Survival After Adrenalectomy for Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A 25-year Institutional Experience

Background

Extrahepatic manifestation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rare and primarily affects lung, lymph nodes and bone. Metastases to the adrenal glands are relatively infrequent. This 25-year institutional experience aimed for an analysis of factors influencing survival in patients undergoing surgery for HCC adrenal metastasis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the institutional database of the Clinic for General-, Visceral- and Transplantation Surgery of the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany, was performed. Patients who underwent surgery for HCC adrenal metastases from January 1995 to June 2020 were included. Pre-, peri- and postoperative factors with potential influence on survival were assessed.

Results

In 16 patients (14 males, two females), one bilateral and 15 unilateral adrenalectomies were performed (13 metachronous, three synchronous). Thirteen operations were carried out via laparotomy, and three adrenalectomies were minimally invasive (two laparoscopic, one retroperitoneoscopic). Median overall survival (after HCC diagnosis) was 35 months, range: 5–198. Median post-resection survival (after adrenalectomy) was 15 months, range: 0–75. Overall survival was longer in patients with the primary HCC treatment being liver transplantation (median 66 months) or liver resection (median 51 months), compared to only palliative intended treatment of the primary with chemotherapy (median 35 months) or local ablation (median 23 months).

Conclusions

Surgery is a feasible treatment option for patients with adrenal metastases originating from HCC. In patients who underwent adrenalectomy for HCC adrenal metastasis, overall survival was superior, if primary HCC treatment was potentially curative (liver transplantation or resection).

Treatment outcomes of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation versus adrenalectomy for adrenal metastases: a retrospective comparative study

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of adrenal metastasis (AM), and to compare with adrenalectomy (Adx).

METHODS

From June 2008 to August 2018, a total of 60 patients with AM treated at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed, of whom 29 treated by RFA (RFA group) and 31 by Adx (Adx group). The technical success, local tumor progression (LTP) and overall survival (OS) after the treatment were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

In RFA group, the first technical success was 72.4% and the second technical success was 86.2%. In Adx group, all the AMs were successfully resected. After 24.5 ± 19.1 months follow-up period, a total of 8 patients (6 in RFA group and 2 in Adx group) were detected LTP. The 1-, 2- and 3- LTP rates after treatment were 17.1%, 30.9% and 44.7% in RFA group, and 6.5%, 6.5% and 6.5% in Adx group, respectively (P = 0.028). However, for AM ≤ 5 cm, the LTP between the two groups were comparable (P = 0.068). The 1-, 2- and 3- OS rates after treatment for AM were 85.0%, 42.4% and 27.8% in RFA group, and 93.0%, 66.1% and 52.3% in Adx group, respectively (P = 0.057). RFA offered shorter treatment time (23.6 ± 16.9 vs. 155.6 ± 58.8 min, P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (7.8 ± 3.9 vs. 15.0 ± 4.9 days, P < 0.001), and lower hospital cost ($3405.7 ± 1067.8 vs. $5248.0 ± 2261.3, P = 0.003) than Adx.

CONCLUSION

In comparison with Adx, percutaneous US-guided RFA, as an alternative treatment, is feasible and effective in controlling AM, especially in AM ≤ 5 cm in diameter.

May an adrenal incidentaloma change its nature?

BACKGROUND

Up to 70% of adrenal masses detected in patients affected by extra-adrenal malignancy are metastatic lesions. Therefore, detection of an adrenal mass in patients with active or previous malignancy requires a careful differential diagnostic workup. ¹⁸F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT) is increasingly being used to determine the malignant potential of adrenal lesions.

CLINICAL CASE

We report the case of a 64-year-old man who had a single adrenal metastasis due to non-small-cell lung carcinoma developing on a pre-existing benign adrenal lesion. This metastasis occurred in a phase of perceived oncological remission and was detected thanks to ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT showing a focal adrenal uptake. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), performed as part of oncological follow-up, and MRI with chemical shift sequences did not lead to the correct diagnosis. The patient underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy and the pathological evaluation confirmed a lung carcinoma metastasis.

CONCLUSION

The present case highlights the peculiarity of the follow-up of adrenal masses in cancer patients and the primary role of ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT in the management of such patients.

Thermal ablation versus hepatic resection for the treatment of liver metastases from gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a retrospective study

Objective: The study aimed to compare effectiveness and safety of thermal ablation and hepatic resection in patients with liver metastases of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).Method: A total of 55 patients (27 in the ablation group and 28 in the surgery group) with liver metastases were included. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed with Kaplan-Meier's survival estimate curves. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out to identify potential prognostic factors.Results: The median OS was 102.0 months in the ablation group and 117.0 months in the surgery group (p = .875). The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 100%, 88.9% and 74.1% in the ablation group and 92.8%, 82.1% and 78.6% in the surgery group, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year PFS rates were 48.1%, 25.9% and 18.5% in the ablation group and 67.8%, 64.3% and 64.3% in the surgery group, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment (progressive disease, PD) (HR, 13.985; 95% CI, 1.791-109.187; p = .012) was the only significant independent prognostic factor for OS. Tumor number (HR, 1.318; 95% CI, 1.021-1.702; p = .034) was identified as an independent predictor for PFS in multivariate analysis. There were fewer postoperative complications (18.5% vs. 78.6%, p = .001) and shorter lengths of hospital stay (8.0 vs. 16.5 days, p = .001) in the ablation group.Conclusion: Compared with resection, thermal ablation offered comparable OS for liver metastases of GISTs. Furthermore, thermal ablation had the advantages of fewer complications and shorter lengths of hospital stay.

Prognostic factors after adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis

PURPOSE

Very few studies have sought prognostic factors after adrenalectomy for metastasis. The aim of this study was to assess prognostic factors for oncological outcomes after adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis.

METHODS

All adrenalectomies for metastases performed in seven centers between 2006 and 2016 were included in a retrospective study. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors for CSS and RFS were sought by Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

106 patients were included. The primary tumors were mostly renal (47.7%) and pulmonary (32.3%). RFS and CSS estimated rates at 5 years were 20.7% and 63.7%, respectively. In univariate analysis, tumor size (HR 3.83; p = 0.04) and the metastasis timing (synchronous vs. metachronous; HR 0.47; p = 0.02) were associated with RFS. In multivariate analysis, tumor size (HR 8.28; p = 0.01) and metastasis timing (HR 18.60; p = 0.002) were significant factors for RFS. In univariate analysis, the renal origin of the primary tumor (HR 0.1; p < 0.001) and the disease-free interval (DFI; HR 0.12; p = 0.02) were associated with better CSS, positive surgical margins with poorer CSS (HR 3.4; p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, the renal origin of the primary tumor vs. pulmonary (HR 0.13; p = 0.03) and vs. other origins (HR 0.10; p = 00.4) and the DFI (HR 0.01; p = 0.009) were prognostic factors for CSS.

CONCLUSION

In this study, tumor size and synchronous occurrence of the adrenal metastasis were associated with poorer RFS. Renal origin of the primary tumor and longer DFI were associated with better CSS. These prognostic factors might help for treatment decision in the management of adrenal metastasis.

Adrenal metastases - long-term results of surgical treatment, single-centre experience

Introduction

The adrenal gland is a frequent site of metastases in different types of cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the results of metastatic adrenalectomy in a single institution and to identify factors for survival.

Material and methods

A retrospective, single-centre analysis of outcomes of 39 patients (22 male, 17 female) with adrenal metastases who underwent surgery within 14 years (2004–2017) was performed. The median age at the time of adrenal surgery was 64.8 years (range 49–79 years).

Results

In our study group non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was the most frequent primary tumour type (15 pts), followed by renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (14 pts) and colon cancer (6 pts). Most of the metastases – 36 (92%) – were metachronous (> 6 months). All synchronous metastases were NSCLC. The mean time from primary cancer to adrenalectomy was 42.3 months (range 1–176) and was statistically longer for RCC. In 3 patients (8%) metastases were bilateral and both adrenal glands were removed. In all patients, surgery was limited to the adrenal gland, and no major complications of surgery were observed. The median overall survival after metastasectomy was 18 months (3–81) and was statistically longer for colon cancer – 29.5 months (p = 0.012). In patients who died, tumours were significantly bigger than in survivors, 76.5 mm vs. 52.5 mm (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

Surgery for adrenal metastasis is safe and indications for this procedure should be individualized. In selected patients, surgical removal of adrenal metastasis was associated with longer survival.

Laparoscopy versus open adrenalectomy in patients with solid tumor metastases: results of a multicenter European study

Background

The outcome of adrenalectomy carried out by laparoscopy or open surgery for solid tumor metastases was assessed.

Methods

A total of 317 patients with histologically confirmed adrenal metastatic disease collected from 30 centres in Europe underwent adrenalectomy by laparoscopy (n=146) or open laparotomy (n=171). Differences between laparoscopic and open adrenalectomy were assessed by a single Cox analysis for both procedures.

Results

The median overall survival was 24.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): 21.4-26.6] months for open adrenalectomy and 45.0 (95% CI: 22.6-67.4) for laparoscopic adrenalectomy (P=0.008). Survival rates were 68%, 49%, 35% and 29% at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years for open surgery vs. 88%, 62%, 52% and 46% for laparoscopy, respectively. In the subgroup of R0 resections, the difference in survival in favor of laparoscopy (median 46 vs. 27 months) was marginally significant (P=0.073). Renal cancer [hazard ratio (HR) 0.42; 95% CI: 0.23-0.76, P=0.005], surgery of the primary tumor (HR 0.33; 95% CI: 0.19-0.54), and use of chemotherapy (HR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43-0.88) were associated with a better survival, whereas type of resection (R1/R2 vs. R0) was associated with a worse prognosis (HR 2.29; 95% CI: 1.52-3.44, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy patients showed a longer survival than open adrenalectomy individuals, as minimally invasive approach was attempted more common in less advanced disease which led to higher number of R0 resections.

Laparoscopy versus open adrenalectomy in patients with solid tumor metastases: results of a multicenter European study

BACKGROUND

The outcome of adrenalectomy carried out by laparoscopy or open surgery for solid tumor metastases was assessed.

METHODS

A total of 317 patients with histologically confirmed adrenal metastatic disease collected from 30 centres in Europe underwent adrenalectomy by laparoscopy (n=146) or open laparotomy (n=171). Differences between laparoscopic and open adrenalectomy were assessed by a single Cox analysis for both procedures.

RESULTS

The median overall survival was 24.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): 21.4-26.6] months for open adrenalectomy and 45.0 (95% CI: 22.6-67.4) for laparoscopic adrenalectomy (P=0.008). Survival rates were 68%, 49%, 35% and 29% at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years for open surgery vs. 88%, 62%, 52% and 46% for laparoscopy, respectively. In the subgroup of R0 resections, the difference in survival in favor of laparoscopy (median 46 vs. 27 months) was marginally significant (P=0.073). Renal cancer [hazard ratio (HR) 0.42; 95% CI: 0.23-0.76, P=0.005], surgery of the primary tumor (HR 0.33; 95% CI: 0.19-0.54), and use of chemotherapy (HR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43-0.88) were associated with a better survival, whereas type of resection (R1/R2 vs. R0) was associated with a worse prognosis (HR 2.29; 95% CI: 1.52-3.44, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy patients showed a longer survival than open adrenalectomy individuals, as minimally invasive approach was attempted more common in less advanced disease which led to higher number of R0 resections.

Feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for metastatic adrenal tumors in selected patients: a retrospective multicenter study of Japanese populations

BACKGROUND

Because of the small numbers of cases in single centers, the indications for and survival benefits of adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis remain unclear. We evaluated the outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for patients with adrenal metastasis.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 67 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for metastatic disease from 2003 to 2017 at 11 hospitals. Associations of clinical, surgical, and pathologic features with overall survival (OS) and positive surgical margins were evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and univariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Lung cancer (30%) and renal cell carcinoma (30%) were the most common primary tumor types. Intraoperative complications were observed in seven patients (10%) and postoperative complications in seven (10%). The surgical margin was positive in 10 patients (15%). The median OS was 3.8 years. Univariate analysis showed that the tumor size, episodes of extra-adrenal metastasis before adrenalectomy, extra-adrenal metastasis at the time of adrenalectomy, and positive surgical margins were significantly associated with shorter OS (p = 0.022, p = 0.005, p < 0.001, and p = 0.022, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that extra-adrenal metastasis at the time of adrenalectomy and positive surgical margins remained statistically significant (p = 0.022 and p = 0.049, respectively). In the univariate analysis, the tumor size was significantly associated with positive surgical margins (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis can be safely performed in selected patients, and patients with isolated adrenal metastasis and negative surgical margins seem to have more favorable outcomes.

Does therapy of the primary tumor matter in oligometastatic prostate cancer? A prospective 10-year follow-up study

Objective: The effect of curative treatment for oligometastatic prostate cancer patients is unsolved, both with regard to morbidity and mortality. With this study, we provide some of the first long-term follow-up data on progression and mortality in oligometastatic prostate cancer patients after curative treatment of their primary tumor.

Methods: A cohort of 210 patients with diagnosed prostate cancer was established between 2008 and 2010. All patients were scheduled for intended curative treatment, and all underwent blinded ¹⁸F-choline positron-emission tomography/computed tomography at inclusion prior to curative treatment. Upon unblinding, 12 patients (6%) were recategorized as being oligometastatic. They had a mean age of 64 years, median prostate-specific antigen of 18 ng/mL, and median Gleason score of 7. Six patients were staged as T3, one T2, and five T1. The patients had a median of one bone metastasis (range 1–2). All underwent intended curative radiotherapy or prostatectomy. Mean follow-up was 10.1 (8.9–11.0) years.

Results: During follow-up of the 12 patients, three (25%) had biochemical recurrence, two developed castration-resistant disease, and one died due to prostate cancer.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that intended curative treatment of the primary tumor in oligometastatic prostate cancer may have a role in highly selected patients.

Long-term survival after adrenal metastasectomy from colorectal cancer: a report of two cases

Background

Solitary adrenal metastasis from colorectal cancer is rare. Adrenal metastasis is usually detected with synchronous multiple metastases in other organs and is, therefore, considered to be unsuitable for surgical resection. The long-term outcomes of patients with solitary adrenal metastasectomy from colorectal cancer have been reported; however, the survival advantage has not been established. We herein report two cases of curative adrenal resection in patients with solitary adrenal metastasis from colorectal cancer who achieved long-term survival of > 9 years without recurrence after surgical resection.

Case presentation

The first case involved a 71-year-old man who underwent abdominoperineal rectal resection for rectal cancer. Preoperative CT revealed a mass in the right adrenal, which was growing after surgery. After chemotherapy the adrenal mass decreased in size, and adrenalectomy was performed at 8 months after the first surgery. A pathological examination confirmed metastasis from rectal cancer. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and is currently alive without recurrence at 9 years after the adrenalectomy. The second case involved a 53-year-old man who underwent sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer. Four years later, lobectomy was performed for isolated lung metastasis. Twenty months later, PET-CT revealed solitary metastasis in the left adrenal gland and adrenalectomy was performed. A histopathological examination revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma of sigmoid cancer. Postoperative chemotherapy was administered after adrenalectomy and the patient is currently alive and apparently disease-free at more than 9 years after undergoing adrenal metastasectomy.

Conclusion

Curative resection for solitary adrenal metastasis from colorectal cancer may be beneficial for survival.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Primary and Metastatic Adrenal Malignancy

Since the first description of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for pheochromocytoma and Cushing syndrome in 1992, the utilization of and indications for a minimally invasive approach to the adrenal gland have vastly expanded. Although minimally invasive adrenalectomy has been established as the preferred approach for patients with benign tumors of the adrenal gland, minimally invasive adrenalectomy for cancer remains controversial. In this article, the authors review the indications for minimally invasive adrenalectomy for adrenal nodules suspicious for, or established to represent, a primary malignancy or a site of metastatic cancer.

Computed tomography-guided cryoablation for adrenal metastases: local control and survival

To evaluate the feasibility, local control, and survival after computed tomography (CT)-guided cryoablation for adrenal metastases.This study included 31 consecutive patients with adrenal metastases who were treated by CT-guided cryoablation in our center from July 2011 to October 2017. The technical success rate, local progression rate, local progression-free survival (LPFS), systemic progression-free survival (SPFS), and overall survival were assessed. The predictors of survival were determined using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.The primary and secondary technical success rates were 90.3% and 100%, respectively. None of the patients experienced a hypertensive crisis. The local progression rate during follow-up was 19.4%. Systemic progression was found in 9 patients. The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year LPFS rates were 80.6%, 37.8%, and 18.4%, respectively. The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year SPFS rates were 77.4%, 31.9%, and 14.6%, respectively. The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 83.9%, 45.0%, and 30.0%, respectively. The existence of an extra-adrenal tumor was a significant independent predictor of worse overall survival (P = .012). The mean overall survival durations were significantly different between patients with and without an extra-adrenal tumor (16.6 ± 2.4 vs 50.9 ± 4.5 months, P <.001).Our findings support that CT-guided cryoablation is a safe and effective method for controlling adrenal metastases and imply that this approach may improve the survival of patients with adrenal metastases.

The outcomes of adrenalectomy for solitary adrenal metastasis: A 17-year single-center experience

AIM

We aimed to analyze surgical outcomes of open or laparoscopic adrenalectomy for solitary adrenal metastasis and assess the factors influencing survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our institutional clinicopathological database for cases of adrenalectomy for solitary adrenal metastasis from solid tumors between 2000 and 2017.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients underwent open adrenalectomy (n = 11) or laparoscopic adrenalectomy (n = 14). The most common primary site was the lung (n = 7), followed by the kidney (n = 5), liver (n = 3), ovary (n = 2), soft tissue (n = 2), and six other sites. The majority of the patients (n = 19) had metachronous metastasis. The median tumor size was 3.1 cm (1-9 cm). With the median follow-up of 32 months (2-144 months), the median progression-free and overall survivals were 14 and 63 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that synchronous metastasis (hazard ratio [HR] = 7.5) and tumor size ≥ 4 cm (HR = 17.7) were significant prognostic factors for shorter overall survival. There was no significant difference for survival between the laparoscopic and open groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Adrenalectomy for solitary adrenal metastasis can be applied for selected patients with various types of malignancy. However, synchronous metastasis and tumor size ≥ 4 cm were prognostic factors for shorter overall survival.

Role of Daily Plan Adaptation in MR-Guided Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy for Adrenal Metastases

PURPOSE

To study interfractional organ changes during magnetic resonance (MR)-guided stereotactic ablative radiation therapy for adrenal metastases and to evaluate the dosimetric advantages of online plan adaptation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Seventeen patients underwent a total of 84 fractions of video-assisted, respiration-gated, MR-guided adaptive radiation therapy to deliver either 50 Gy (5 fractions), 60 Gy (8 fractions), or 24 Gy (3 fractions). An MR scan was repeated before each fraction, followed by rigid coregistration to the gross tumor volume (GTV) on the pretreatment MR scan. Contour deformation, planning target volume (PTV) (GTV + 3 mm) expansion, and online plan reoptimization were then performed. Reoptimized plans were compared with baseline treatment plans recalculated on the anatomy-of-the-day ("predicted plans"). Interfractional changes in organs at risk (OARs) were quantified according to OAR volume changes within a 3 cm distance from the PTV surface, center of mass displacements, and the Dice similarity coefficient. Plan quality evaluation was based on target coverage (GTV and PTV) and high dose sparing of all OARs (V_36Gy, V_33Gy, and V_25Gy).

RESULTS

Substantial center of mass displacements were observed for stomach, bowel, and duodenum, 17, 27 and 36 mm, respectively. Maximum volume changes for the stomach, bowel, and duodenum within 3 cm of PTV were 23.8, 20.5, and 20.9 cm³, respectively. Dice similarity coefficient values for OARs ranged from 0.0 to 0.9 for all fractions. Baseline plans recalculated on anatomy-of-the-day revealed underdosage of target volumes and variable OAR sparing, leading to a failure to meet institutional constraints in a third of fractions. Online reoptimization improved target coverage in 63% of fractions and reduced the number of fractions not meeting the V_95% objective for GTV and PTV. Reoptimized plans exhibited significantly better sparing of OARs.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant interfractional changes in OAR positions were observed despite breath-hold stereotactic ablative radiation therapy delivery under MR-guidance. Online reoptimization of treatment plans led to significant improvements in target coverage and OAR sparing.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for adrenal gland metastases: Outcomes and toxicity

Purpose

This study aimed to report on our institutional experience in the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for the treatment of adrenal gland metastases. Specifically, we examined the outcomes and toxicity from this treatment modality on adjacent organs at risk.

Methods and Materials

Data were retrieved from patients with adrenal metastases who were treated with SBRT between 2008 and 2017. Patients with primary adrenal malignancies were excluded. Toxicities were graded in accordance with the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03. Time-to-event rates were calculated from the date of SBRT delivery.

Results

In total, 35 patients with adrenal metastases were identified. Four patients were treated for bilateral disease. The median dose was 40 Gy (range, 20-54 Gy) in 5 fractions (range, 1-6 fractions). The median follow-up time was 37 months (range, 14-451 months) from disease diagnosis and 7 months (range, 1-54 months) from the SBRT start date. With death treated as a competing risk event, the cumulative incidence of local failure was 7.6% at 1 year after SBRT and 19.2% at 3 years. The median overall survival (OS) time was 19 months (95% confidence interval, 8-54 months) and tumor size correlated with survival (P = .0006). Patients with metastases <2.9 cm had a median OS of 54 months compared with 11 months for those with adrenal metastases ≥2.9 cm (P = .01). Incidence of grade 2 toxicity was 17% with no case of grade ≥3 toxicity. SBRT did not impact renal function with a mean estimated decline in glomerular filtration rate of only 2.6 ± 8 mL/min/1.73 m² compared with baseline. Combined kidneys V5 and combined renal cortex V17.5 did not correlate with a change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = .7 and P = .9, respectively).

Conclusions

SBRT offers excellent local control for the treatment of adrenal gland metastases with very low toxicity rates and no significant short-term impact on renal function.

Recent advances in the management of lung cancer

Historically, the prognosis for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer has been bleak. However, the past 10 years have seen important advances in treatment and diagnosis which have translated into the first improvements seen in lung cancer survival. This review highlights the major advances in treatments with curative intent, systemic targeted therapies, palliative care and early diagnosis in lung cancer. We discuss the pivotal research that underpins these new technologies/strategies and their current position in clinical practice.

Factors related to improved clinical outcomes associated with adrenalectomy for metachronous adrenal metastases from solid primary carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Surgery for metachronous adrenal metastases from solid primary carcinoma has increased with the development of technical skills. Here we analyzed the postoperative clinical outcomes of patients who underwent adrenalectomy for metachronous adrenal metastases from solid primary carcinomas.

METHODS

Patients who underwent adrenalectomy for metachronous adrenal metastases after initial treatment of primary carcinoma at Asan Medical Center from 2000 to 2010 were included. Clinicopathological parameters were analyzed to evaluate prognostic outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients with 19 hepatocellular carcinomas and 11 lung carcinomas were included. The mean age was 54.3 years. The mean time until adrenalectomy was 23 months. The size of the metastatic adrenal tumor and the disease status of the primary carcinoma at the time of adrenalectomy were associated with second recurrence after adrenalectomy (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in disease-specific recurrence-free survival between patients who underwent open adrenalectomy and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (P = 0.646).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment should be recommended for metachronous adrenal metastases in patients with no evidence of primary carcinoma and/or in those having metastatic adrenal tumors ≤4.4 cm. This approach may increase the recurrence-free interval related to second recurrence. Further, laparoscopic adrenalectomy appears sufficient for the treatment of such patients.

The role of laparoscopic resection of metastases to adrenal glands

BACKGROUND

The potential role of the laparoscopic approach for metastases to the adrenal gland is debated. We review here a series of patients consecutively submitted to laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for suspected adrenal metastasis (AM).

METHODS

Retrospective study (consecutive series) of LA for AM. We measured parameters associated to primary tumor and metastasis. Statistical analysis: stepwise regression model.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven LA were performed on 36 patients. The mean age was 62.1 yrs. The side was right in 13 cases. Primary tumor was in the lung (n=22), breast (n=4), colon-rectum (n=4), kidney (n=3), thyroid, melanoma and ovary (n=1 each). Thirty-three out of 37 were confirmed to be AM (mean diameter 50 mm). Twenty-five were single metastasis. One LA was converted due to cava vein infiltration. Mean operative time was 142 min', median p.o. hospital stay was 3 days. After a mean follow-up of 33 months, 9 patients (25%) were alive free of disease, 6 (17%) were alive with disease. Mean post-adrenalectomy DFI was 19 months (range, 0-97 months), and it was the most predictive variable for survival (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The dimensions and absence of invasion on imaging, the evolutive status of the disease and the performance status of the patient are key factors for LA, which is associated with adequate oncologic results, a quicker postoperative recovery, and potential survival benefits.

Short-Term Outcomes and Safety of Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation of Solitary Adrenal Metastasis from Lung Cancer: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study

Objective

To retrospectively evaluate the short-term outcomes and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of solitary adrenal metastasis from lung cancer.

Materials and Methods

From May 2010 to April 2014, 31 patients with unilateral adrenal metastasis from lung cancer who were treated with CT-guided percutaneous MWA were enrolled. This study was conducted with approval from local Institutional Review Board. Clinical outcomes and complications of MWA were assessed.

Results

Their tumors ranged from 1.5 to 5.4 cm in diameter. After a median follow-up period of 11.1 months, primary efficacy rate was 90.3% (28/31). Local tumor progression was detected in 7 (22.6%) of 31 cases. Their median overall survival time was 12 months. The 1-year overall survival rate was 44.3%. Median local tumor progression-free survival time was 9 months. Local tumor progression-free survival rate was 77.4%. Of 36 MWA sessions, two (5.6%) had major complications (hypertensive crisis).

Conclusion

CT-guided percutaneous MWA may be fairly safe and effective for treating solitary adrenal metastasis from lung cancer.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for solitary adrenal metastasis from lung cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Several studies have been reported on the problem of determining when laparoscopic adrenalectomy is indicated for solitary adrenal metastasis of malignant tumors. Our efforts at answering this question constitute the basis of this report.

METHODS

From June 2010 to June 2011, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in 10 lung cancer patients with solitary adrenal metastases (5 adenocarcinomas, 1 squamous cell carcinoma, 1 large cell carcinoma, 1 small cell carcinoma, and 2 pleomorphic carcinomas). The surgical results of all 10 patients were examined.

RESULTS

Adrenal swelling was detected by computed tomography in all patients except 1 case of pleomorphic carcinoma. The findings of positron emission tomography-computed tomography were positive in 8 patients, including the 2 cases with pleomorphic carcinomas. Laparoscopic surgery was successfully performed in 9 cases. In the eighth patient (a case of pleomorphic carcinoma with adrenal swelling), laparoscopic adrenalectomy was attempted but conversion to open surgery was required because of clear evidence of pancreatic invasion.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in this study, along with other published reports, support 4 criteria as operative indications for laparoscopic adrenalectomy in solitary adrenal metastasis from the lung: (1) the primary lung cancer is resected or can be cured by radical chemotherapy, (2) metastasis is limited to the adrenal gland only, (3) adrenal metastasis does not invade the surrounding organs, and (4) the size of the adrenal tumor does not exceed 10 cm. In cases of pleomorphic carcinoma, laparoscopic adrenalectomy should be performed when positron emission tomography-computed tomography results are positive.

Robotic adrenalectomy for sigmoid colon cancer oligometastasis

Solitary adrenal metastasis from colorectal cancer is rare with reported incidence from 3.1% to 14.4% in the literature. Conventionally, adrenal metastasis is considered as indicative of widespread systemic disease and hence treated with palliative intent. Surgical resection remains controversial although a median survival of 32 months was found in the largest reported case series. It has been postulated that surgical resection should be offered when the adrenal metastasis develops more than 6 months after the treatment of the primary tumor. For the metastatic lesions and potentially malignant lesions, role of minimally invasive surgery is still considered controversial. We are presenting a case of metachronous, solitary adrenal metastasis from sigmoid colon carcinoma treated surgically with curative intent.

Management of suspected adrenal metastases at 2 academic medical centers

BACKGROUND

The optimal management of suspected adrenal metastases remains controversial.

METHODS

This is a retrospective bi-institutional review of 37 patients who underwent adrenalectomy for suspected adrenal metastasis between 2001 and 2014.

RESULTS

Three (8%) patients had benign adenomas on final pathology. At a median follow-up of 21 months, 7 (32%) patients were alive with no evidence of disease and 7 (32%) were alive with recurrent disease. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 8 months; decreased RFS was associated with positive margins and size ≥6 cm. Overall survival (OS) was 29 months; decreased OS was associated with capsular disruption. There were no differences in RFS or OS by surgical approach.

CONCLUSIONS

The favorable OS supports adrenalectomy in select patients with suspected adrenal metastases. Minimally invasive adrenalectomy is safe and effective, but the surgical approach should be based on the ability to achieve a margin-negative resection with avoidance of capsular disruption.

Patient selection for laparoscopic excision of adrenal metastases: A multicenter cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The use of laparoscopy for the excision of adrenal metastasis remains controversial. We aimed to report oncological and perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic excision of adrenal metastases and to seek for predictive factors of unfavorable oncological outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted and all consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) in the setting of metastatic cancer in two academic urology departments from November 2006 through January 2014 were included. Primary tumors were categorized as pulmonary, renal or "other primary" tumors to allow statistical comparison. Unfavorable surgical outcomes were defined as the occurrence of either postoperative complications and/or positive surgical margins.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients who underwent a total of 45 LA were included for analysis. There were 8 complications (17.8%). Positive surgical margins were found in 12 specimens (26.7%). After a median follow-up of 37 months, estimated overall survival rates were 89.5% and 51.5% at 1 year and 5 years, respectively. In multivariable analysis the only predictor of unfavorable surgical outcomes was a tumor size >5 cm (OR = 20.5; p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis the pulmonary (OR = 0.3; p = 0.008) or "other" (OR = 0.1; p = 0.0006) origin of the primary tumor was the only prognostic factor of shorter cancer specific survival.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic resection of adrenal metastasis can be safely performed in most patients but is associated with an increased risk of positive surgical margins and postoperative complications in larger tumors (>5 cm). Adrenalectomy provides better oncological outcomes in metastases from renal cell carcinoma compared to other primary tumors.

Minimally Invasive Adrenalectomy

Minimally invasive adrenalectomy has become the gold standard for removal of benign adrenal tumors. The imaging characteristics, biochemical evaluation, and patient selection for laparoscopic transabdominal and posterior retroperitoneoscopic approaches are discussed with details of surgical technique for both procedures.

The Role of Adrenalectomy in Renal Cancer

CONTEXT

Since the 1960s, routine ipsilateral adrenalectomy (IA) has been considered an integral step in the removal of renal tumors as a part of a radical nephrectomy. However, recent data from the past decade have narrowed the indications for adrenalectomy and called into question the need for adrenalectomy at all in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify the role of adrenalectomy in the treatment of RCC. Specifically, we wanted to answer the following questions: What is the incidence of ipsilateral adrenal involvement by cancer? How reliable is preoperative imaging? What is the rate of ipsilateral and contralateral metachronous recurrence? And finally, what are the potential noncancer sequelae from unnecessary removal of the adrenal gland?

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic literature search of Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Ovid Medline was performed to identify studies evaluating the role of adrenalectomy during RCC surgery. Only articles published in English from the years 2000-2015 were included. Case reports, articles about primary adrenal tumors, letters to the editor, and surgical technique papers were excluded.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We found little evidence to suggest that routine IA is associated with a higher risk of short-term surgical or medical complications. We did not find evidence that IA is associated with improved cancer control. Tomographic preoperative imaging of the adrenal gland demonstrating no cancer involvement is rarely wrong (<1% of the time), and the few adrenal lesions missed on imaging can often be identified intraoperatively. Some evidence indicates that IA may be associated with worse long-term survival. Adrenalectomy rates have been decreasing in recent years, reflecting a changing practice pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

IA at the time of kidney surgery for a renal mass should be performed only if radiographic or intraoperative evidence indicates adrenal gland involvement.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We sought to define the role of adrenalectomy in patients with kidney cancer. Although there are not high-quality studies to answer this question definitively, we conclude that the adrenal gland should be spared unless there is clinical evidence of adrenal involvement.

Adrenalectomy for metastasis: long-term results and predictors of survival

The purpose of this study was to analyze our experience with surgically treated isolated adrenal metastases in order to find those factors which can significantly affect survival. This method includes a retrospective single-center chart review. We evaluated how overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) were influenced by demographic, tumor, and procedure-related variables. Thirty-seven adrenalectomies were performed in 34 patients. Procedures included 25 laparoscopic and 12 open adrenalectomies. Median follow-up was 49 months. Median overall survival was 63 months. Patients submitted to laparoscopic approach had a median survival of 57 months while it was 65 months for those who underwent open procedure (p = 0.67). DFS was 30 months, and these were 35 and 25 months after laparoscopic approach and open approach, respectively (p = 0.59). The concurrent resection of the adrenal metastasis with the primary tumor was the only factor influencing DFS (HR 6.8 95 % CI 1.2-37.3, p = 0.02). Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (n = 15) had a median survival of 63 months and DFS of 35 months. Our experience confirms that adrenalectomy, regardless of the surgical approach, can offer durable disease-free and overall survival outcomes for surgical candidates with isolated adrenal metastases.