Oncologic Outcome after Pulmonary Metastasectomy as Part of Multidisciplinary Treatment in a Tertiary Oncological Center

(1) Background: Pulmonary metastases are encountered in approximately one-third of patients with malignancies, especially from colorectal, lung, breast, and renal cancers, and sarcomas. Pulmonary metastasectomy is the ablative approach of choice, when possible, as part of the multidisciplinary effort to integrate and personalize the oncological treatment. (2) Methods: The study includes 58 consecutive cases of pulmonary metastasectomies, retrospectively analyzed, performed in 12 consecutive months, in which the pathology reports confirmed lung metastases. (3) Results: Most frequent pathological types of metastases were: 14 of colorectal cancer, 10 breast, 8 lung, and 8 sarcomas. At the time of primary cancer diagnosis, 14 patients (24.14%) were in the metastatic stage. The surgical approach was minimally invasive through uniportal VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery) in 3/4 of cases (43 patients, 74%). Almost 20% of resections were typical (lobectomy, segmentectomy). Lymphadenectomy was associated in almost 1/2 of patients and lymph node metastases were found in 11.11% of cases. The mortality rate (intraoperative and 90 days postoperative) is zero. The OS after pulmonary metastasectomy is 87% at 18 months, and the estimated OS for cancer is 90% at 5 years. The worst outcome presents the patients with sarcomas and the best outcome-colorectal and lung cancer. The patients with 1 or 2 resected metastases presented 96% survival at 24 months. (4) Conclusions: After pulmonary metastasectomy, survival is favored by the small number of metastases resected (1 or 2), and by the dimension of metastases under 20.5 mm. The non-anatomic (wedge) type of lung resection may present a lower risk of death compared to lobectomy. No statistical significance on survival has the presence of lymphadenectomy, the laterality right/left lung, the upper/lower lobes. In the future, longer follow-up and prospective randomized trials are needed for drawing definitive conclusions.

Chemosensitivity of Lung Metastatic High-Grade Synovial Sarcoma

Background: Synovial sarcoma is a relatively chemosensitive type of soft tissue sarcoma and it often metastasizes to the lung. We investigated the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with high-grade synovial sarcoma at their first lung metastasectomy (LMTS). Methods: Forty-six HGSS patients had their first LMTS at our institute (Rizzoli Orthopedic Hospital, Bologna, Italy) between 2000 and 2020. We divided them into two groups: (1) those undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 24) and (2) those not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 22). The primary outcome was a median survival at 32.5 (IQR 18.0-82.7) median follow-up. The disease-free interval was calculated at time zero (DFI₀, interval between the diagnosis of the primary tumor and the first CT-diagnosed lung metastasis) and at any further lung relapse (DFI_1-3). T₀ was defined as the time at first LMTS and T₁-T₃ referred to the time of further metastasectomy. Results: Freedom from SS-specific mortality at 60 months was significantly higher in patients without chemotherapy (50.0% (33.0-76.0%) vs. 20.8% (9.55%-45.4%), p = 0.01). Chemotherapy was associated with a higher risk of SS-specific mortality at multivariable Cox regression (HR 2.8, p = 0.02). Furthermore, DFI₀ ≤ 6 months, female sex, age > 40 years, and primary tumor > 10 cm increased the risk of death by about four, six, >three, and >five times, respectively. Conclusions. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not show any advantage in terms of freedom from SS-specific mortality in HGSS patients. Further larger studies are necessary to confirm our findings.

The Pulmonary Metastasectomy in Colorectal Cancer cohort study: Analysis of case selection, risk factors and survival in a prospective observational study of 512 patients

AIM

We wanted to examine survival in patients with resected colorectal cancer (CRC) whose lung metastases are or are not resected.

METHODS

Teams participating in the study of Pulmonary Metastasectomy in Colorectal Cancer (PulMiCC) identified potential candidates for lung metastasectomy and invited their consent to join Stage 1. Baseline data related to CRC and fitness for surgery were collected. Eligible patients were invited to consent for randomization in the PulMiCC randomized controlled trial (Stage 2). Sites were provided with case report forms for non-randomized patients to record adverse events and death at any time. They were all reviewed at 1 year. Baseline and survival data were analysed for the full cohort.

RESULTS

Twenty-five clinical sites recruited 512 patients from October 2010 to January 2017. Data collection closed in October 2020. Before analysis, 28 patients with non-CRC lung lesions were excluded and three had withdrawn consent leaving 481. The date of death was known for 292 patients, 136 were alive in 2020 and 53 at earlier time points. Baseline factors and 5-year survival were analysed in three strata: 128 non-randomized patients did not have metastasectomy; 263 had elective metastasectomy; 90 were from the randomized trial. The proportions of solitary metastases for electively operated and non-operated patients were 69% and 35%. Their respective 5-year survivals were 47% and 22%.

CONCLUSION

Survival without metastasectomy was greater than widely presumed. Difference in survival appeared to be largely related to selection. No inference can be drawn about the effect of metastasectomy on survival in this observational study.

Pulmonary metastasectomy in colorectal cancer: health utility scores by EQ-5D-3L in a randomized controlled trial show no benefit from lung metastasectomy

AIM

The aim was to assess the health utility of lung metastasectomy in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire.

METHODS

Multidisciplinary CRC teams at 14 sites recruited patients to a two-arm randomized controlled trial-Pulmonary Metastasectomy in Colorectal Cancer (PulMiCC). Remote randomization was used, stratified by site and with minimization for seven known confounders. Participants completed the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire together with other patient reported outcome measures at randomization and then again at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. These were returned by post to the coordinating centre.

RESULTS

Between December 2010 and December 2016, 93 participants were randomized, 91 of whom returned questionnaires. Survival and patient reported quality of life have been published previously, revealing no significant differences between the trial arms. Described here are patient reported data from the five dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L and the visual analogue scale (VAS) health state. No significant difference was seen at any time point. The estimated difference between control and metastasectomy patients was -0.23 (95% CI -0.113, 0.066) for the composite 0 to 1 index scale based on the descriptive system and 0.123 (95% CI -7.24, 7.49) for the 0 to 100 VAS scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Following lung metastasectomy for CRC, no benefit was demonstrated for health utility, which alongside a lack of a survival or quality of life benefit calls into question the widespread use of the procedure.

Pulmonary Metastasectomy in Colorectal Cancer: updated analysis of 93 randomized patients - control survival is much better than previously assumed

AIM

Lung metastases from colorectal cancer are resected in selected patients in the belief that this confers a significant survival advantage. It is generally assumed that the 5-year survival of these patients would be near zero without metastasectomy. We tested the clinical effectiveness of this practice in Pulmonary Metastasectomy in Colorectal Cancer (PulMiCC), a randomized, controlled noninferiority trial.

METHOD

Multidisciplinary teams in 14 hospitals recruited patients with resectable lung metastases into a two-arm trial. Randomization was remote and stratified according to site, with minimization for age, sex, primary cancer stage, interval since primary resection, prior liver involvement, number of metastases and carcinoembryonic antigen level. The trial management group was blind to patient allocation until after intention-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2016, 93 participants were randomized. These patients were 35-86 years of age and had between one and six lung metastases at a median of 2.7 years after colorectal cancer resection; 29% had prior liver metastasectomy. The patient groups were well matched and the characteristics of these groups were similar to those of observational studies. The median survival after metastasectomy was 3.5 (95% CI: 3.1-6.6) years compared with 3.8 (95% CI: 3.1-4.6) years for controls. The estimated unadjusted hazard ratio for death within 5 years, comparing the metastasectomy group with the control group, was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.56-1.56). Use of chemotherapy or local ablation was infrequent and similar in each group.

CONCLUSION

Patients in the control group (who did not undergo lung metastasectomy) have better survival than is assumed. Survival in the metastasectomy group is comparable with the many single-arm follow-up studies. The groups were well matched with features similar to those reported in case series.

The Radial Stapler Facilitates Lung-Conserving Wedge Resections

OBJECTIVE

To test whether use of the radial stapler facilitates lung-conserving wedge resections compared to the linear stapler.

METHODS

A video-assisted thoracoscopic simulation lab was established to compare wedge resections performed only with linear staplers to wedge resections performed with the option of a radial stapler. Preserved sheep lungs were used. The target was a 0.5 cm mark on an ovoid surface of the lung equidistant from all edges. Seven fully trained cardiothoracic surgeons participated. They were instructed to obtain at least a 1 cm margin in all directions from the mark. The surgeons were allowed to work from only 2 preassigned ports. Each resected specimen was weighed. The resection margin was the shortest distance measured from the edge of the mark to the staple line. The mass-to-margin ratio was defined as the mass of the specimen divided by the length of the margin. The results were analyzed using a t-test for 2 independent means.

RESULTS

The 17 radial resections demonstrated a significantly better mass-to-margin ratio (3.31 [SD = 1.19]) compared to the 11 linear resections (4.75 [SD = 1.32], t[26] = 3, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

In a thoracoscopic simulation, the option of a radial stapler allowed for a better mass-to-margin resection of a small target from a broad surface of the lung than a linear stapler-only option.

Clinical and Radiologic Features Together Better Predict Lung Nodule Malignancy in Patients with Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

We test the hypothesis that a model including clinical and computed tomography (CT) features may allow discrimination between benign and malignant lung nodules in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma (STS). Seventy-one patients with STS undergoing their first lung metastasectomy were examined. The performance of multiple logistic regression models including CT features alone, clinical features alone, and combined features, was tested to evaluate the best model in discriminating malignant from benign nodules. The likelihood of malignancy increased by more than 11, 2, 6 and 7 fold, respectively, when histological synovial sarcoma sub-type was associated with the following CT nodule features: size ≥ 5.6 mm, well defined margins, increased size from baseline CT, and new onset at preoperative CT. Likewise, in the case of grade III primary tumor, the odds ratio (OR) increased by more than 17 times when the diameter of pulmonary nodules (PNs) was >5.6 mm, more than 13 times with well-defined margins, more than 7 times with PNs increased from baseline CT, and more than 20 times when there were new-onset nodules. Finally, when CT nodule was ≥5.6 in size, it had well-defined margins, it increased in size from baseline CT, and when new onset nodules at preoperative CT were concomitant to residual primary tumor R2, the risk of malignancy increased by more than 10, 6, 25 and 28 times, respectively. The combination of clinical and CT features has the highest predictive value for detecting the malignancy of pulmonary nodules in patients with soft tissue sarcoma, allowing early detection of nodule malignancy and treatment options.

The Past, Present and Future of Pulmonary Metastasectomy: A Review Article

Pulmonary metastases are a sign of advanced malignancy and an omen of poor prognosis. Once primary tumors metastasize, they become notoriously difficult to treat and interdisciplinary management often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Over the last 25 years, the emerging body of evidence has recognized the curative potential of pulmonary metastasectomy. Surgical resection of pulmonary metastases is now commonly considered for patients with controlled primary disease, absence of widely disseminated extrapulmonary disease, completely resectable lung metastases, sufficient cardiopulmonary reserve, and lack of a better alternative systemic therapy. Since the development of these selection criteria, other prognostic factors have been proposed to better predict survival and optimize the selection of surgical candidates. Disease-free interval (DFI), completeness of resection, surgical approach, number and laterality of lung metastases, and lymph node metastases all play a dynamic role in determining patient outcomes. There is a definite need to continue reviewing these prognosticators to identify patients who will benefit most from pulmonary metastasectomy and those who should avoid unnecessary loss of lung parenchyma. This literature review aims to explore and synthesize the last 25 years of evidence on the long-term survival, prognostic factors, and patient selection process for pulmonary metastasectomy.

Bilateral lung metastasectomy in carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater

The efficacy of lung metastasectomy is well established in several cancers, including colorectal cancer. However, little is known about the result of lung metastasectomy in carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Only two case reports have reported the efficacy of metastasectomy in ampullary cancer patients with pulmonary metastasis. We report the result of bilateral lung metastasectomy in a patient with ampullary cancer. A 63‐year‐old woman underwent pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. About three years after the surgery, two non‐calcified lung nodules in the right lower and left upper lobes had developed. Wedge resections of both lung nodules were performed and the pathological examination showed that the lung nodules were pulmonary metastases from the ampullary cancer. Ten years after the lung surgery, the patient is well and there is no evidence of recurrence. Surgical resection could be considered in patients with pulmonary metastasis from ampulla of Vater cancer, even when the metastases are bilateral.

Exploratory Analysis on Overall Survival after Either Surgery or Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Lung Oligometastases from Colorectal Cancer

AIMS

Lung metastasectomy and, more recently, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), are frequently proposed to stage IV oligometastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. In the absence of a randomised comparison between the two treatments, we aimed to retrospectively explore the effect on overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) in a comparative cohort study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included patients who consecutively underwent surgery (n = 142) or SBRT (n = 28) as first local therapy at the time of lung progression, between 2005 and 2012. Both overall survival and PFS functions according to treatment were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the Log-rank test. The effect of treatment on overall survival and PFS was estimated by Cox models using different adjustment methods.

RESULTS

Patients receiving SBRT were older and were treated more recently, whereas the two cohorts were similar for most baseline prognostic factors. Overall survival at 1 and 2 years was 0.89 and 0.77 for SBRT and 0.96 and 0.82 for surgery (P = 0.134), respectively. Multivariable analyses did not highlight a clear treatment effect on overall survival (adjusted hazard ratioSBRT versus surgery = 1.71; 95% confidence interval 0.82-3.54; P = 0.149) and even smaller differences using the inverse probability treatment weighting method (hazard ratioSBRT versus surgery = 1.28, 95% confidence interval 0.58-2.82; P = 0.547). The results of PFS were unreliable because different follow-up protocols were applied in the two cohorts.

CONCLUSION

With limitations consisting in the retrospective observational design and different sample sizes, the results of this explorative analysis indicate that overall survival probability after SBRT is similar to surgery for the first 2 years from treatment. This finding supports the need for high-quality trials comparing different treatment modalities for lung oligometastases from CRC.