In a nutshell
This study investigated the outcomes of surgery to lung metastasis (LM; cancer spreads to the lungs) in patients with colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that lung surgery increases the survival of these patients.
Some background
Colorectal cancer is one of the major diseases seen in the US. LM appear in 5-15% of patients and is associated with a very poor prognosis if left untreated. Prior studies have shown that lung surgery is associated with improved survival only in selected patients. However, it is still unclear what factors select these patients.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with survival outcomes after lung surgery in colorectal cancer patients. This study reviewed 21 other studies and information about 8361 colorectal cancer patients with LM, who underwent lung surgery. Five year survival rates ranged from 24 to 82%.
Lung surgery was associated with an improved survival rate if the patient did not have additional disease other than liver metastasis. Lung surgery improves the survival of patients with LM in just one side of the lung, a normal blood level of CEA and free of metastasis in the lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy after surgery is associated with additional survival benefits.
The bottom line
This study showed that only a subgroup of selected colorectal cancer patients with LM may benefit from lung surgery.
What’s next?
Ask your doctor if you could benefit from lung surgery.
Published By :
Critical reviews in oncology/hematology
Date :
Jul 01, 2018
