Simultaneous detection of colorectal carcinoma liver and lung metastases does not warrant resection.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that metastasectomy is efficacious for selected patients with hepatic and pulmonary metastases from a colorectal primary. The aim of this study was to identify a subgroup of patients who best benefit from hepatic and pulmonary metastasectomy among those with colorectal carcinoma metastases.

STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed retrospectively a total of 136 patients who underwent resection of hepatic or pulmonary metastases of colorectal origin at Niigata University Medical Hospital between 1982 and 2000. The median follow-up period was 94 months. Eighty-four patients underwent hepatectomy alone, 25 underwent pulmonary resection alone, and 27 underwent both hepatic and pulmonary resection. The 27 patients undergoing hepatic and pulmonary resection were divided into two groups: 17 patients with sequentially detected hepatic and pulmonary metastases and 10 patients with simultaneously detected metastases. Survival time was determined from the date of initial metastasectomy. Differences in cumulative survival were evaluated using the log-rank test. Sixteen factors were assessed for their influence on the survival of the 27 patients undergoing resection of hepatic and pulmonary metastases; univariate and multivariate analyses were used in this evaluation.

RESULTS: Patient survival after hepatic and pulmonary resection was comparable with that after hepatectomy alone (p = 0.536) and that after pulmonary resection alone (p = 0.294). Among the 27 patients undergoing hepatic and pulmonary resection, the outcomes after resection were significantly better in patients with sequentially detected metastases (cumulative 5-year survival of 44%) than in those with simultaneously detected ones (cumulative 5-year survival of 0%) (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis sequential detection of hepatic and pulmonary metastases was the strongest independent favorable prognostic factor (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with sequentially detected hepatic and pulmonary metastases from a colorectal primary are good candidates for aggressive metastasectomy. Simultaneous detection of these metastases does not warrant resection.