Adrenal surgery for oligometastatic tumors improves survival in selected cases.

INTRODUCTION: Oligometastatic cancer prognosis is distinct from polymetastatic cancer prognosis and surgery can improve survival. The objective of this study was to assess the role of adrenalectomy and to look for prognostic or predictive factors for the treatment of patients with oligometastatic solid tumors and adrenal metastasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with oligometastatic solid tumors undergoing adrenalectomy were selected. Clinical data were retrieved from electronic patients records. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and clinical outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS: Forty patients were analyzed. Median PFS was 7.4 months and PFS was longer for metachronous versus synchronous adrenal metastasis (10.8 versus 4.5 months; P=0.008). Median OS was 22.8 months and OS was better with laparoscopic adrenalectomy versus open adrenalectomy (24.4 versus 11.2 months; P=0.05).

DISCUSSION: Adrenalectomy part of the treatment plan of oligometastatic solid tumors but patients have to be selected. Surgery might be indicated for metachronous metastasis when laparoscopic adrenalectomy is possible.