The multidisciplinary management of oligometastases from colorectal cancer: a narrative review

In the United States of America, almost 150,000 people are estimated to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2020 and up to 35% of those are expected to present with oligometastatic disease. The term 'oligometastasis' was first used in 1995, however surgical literature describing liver resection for colorectal cancer dates back to the 1940s. Five-year survival rates of up to 42% with surgery alone for solitary lesions are reported. Modern trials have demonstrated median overall survival rates of over 80 months for patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with perioperative chemotherapy. Colorectal liver metastases have accordingly been described as 'proof of concept' for the oligometastatic theory.

Automated summary

In the United States, it is estimated that nearly 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2020, with up to 35% expected to present with oligometastatic disease; five-year survival rates of up to 42% can be achieved through surgery for solitary lesions.