Complete metastasectomy in renal cell carcinoma: a propensity-score matched by the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium prognostic model

The impact of metastasectomy on survival of patients with synchronous metastatic renal cell cancer in Finland: A nationwide study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Most of the studies on metastasectomy in renal cell cancer are based on metachronous, often oligometastatic disease. Prior data on the impact of metastasectomy in synchronous metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) is, however, very scarce. We aimed to investigate the role of complete and incomplete metastasectomy in a large, nationwide patient population.

METHODS

We analyzed nationwide data, including all synchronous mRCC cases in Finland diagnosed during a 6-year period identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry, and complemented with patient records from the treating hospitals. We only included the patients who underwent removal of the primary tumor by nephrectomy. We performed univariate and multivariable adjusted analysis to identify the effect of metastasectomy on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

RESULTS

We included 483 patients with synchronous mRCC. Overall, 57 patients underwent complete and 96 incomplete metastasectomy, while 330 patients had no metastasectomy. The median OS was 17.9 and CSS 17.2 months for all patients. The median OS and the median CSS were 59.3 and 60.8 months for the complete, 21.9 and 25.1 for the incomplete, and 14.5 and 14.8 months for the no metastasectomy groups (p < 0.001 for differences). In both applied multivariable statistical models, the OS and CSS benefit from complete metastasectomy remained significant (hazard ratios (HRs) varied between 0.42 and 0.54, p < 0.001) compared with the no metastasectomy group. However, there was no improvement in survival estimates in the incomplete metastasectomy group compared with the no metastasectomy group (HRs varied between 1.04 and 1.10, p > 0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Complete metastasectomy, when possible, can be considered as a treatment option for selected patients with synchronous mRCC who are fit for surgery. By contrast, we found no survival benefit from an incomplete metastasectomy suggesting that such procedures should not be performed for these patients.

Role of metastasectomy in the management of renal cell carcinoma

Treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has evolved with the development of a variety of systemic agents; however, these therapies alone rarely lead to a complete response. Complete consolidative surgery with surgical metastasectomy has been associated with improved survival outcomes in well-selected patients in previous reports. No randomized control trial exists to determine the effectiveness of metastasectomy. Therefore, reviewing observational studies is important to best determine which patients are most appropriate for metastasectomy for mRCC and if such treatment continues to be effective with the development of new systemic therapies such as immunotherapy. In this narrative review, we discuss the indications for metastasectomies, outcomes, factors associated with improved survival, and special considerations such as location of metastasis, number of metastases, synchronous metastases, and use of systemic therapy. Additionally, alternative treatment options and trials involving metastasectomy will be reviewed.

Metastasectomy in kidney cancer: current indications and treatment approaches

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although systemic agents for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have improved survival, remission and cure for mRCC remains rare with systemic therapy alone. However, there is a body of observational evidence supporting a survival benefit in mRCC among patients who undergo complete surgical consolidation including resection of the primary tumor and all metastatic deposits. In this review, we aim to synthesize recent evidence regarding metastasectomy (MTS), with or without concurrent systemic therapy, in mRCC.

RECENT FINDINGS

MTS is a critical component of mRCC patient care, alongside modern systemic therapy. Presently, there is a robust body of observational data supporting the association between surgical MTS and improved oncologic outcomes, especially when complete MTS is feasible.

SUMMARY

Among a retrospective, observational body of literature, MTS is associated with improved oncologic outcomes. However, it is impossible to discern to what degree these findings are biased by favorable tumor biology and patient selection, as opposed to being related to surgical MTS itself.

[Synchronous oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma-what is the role of surgery?]

BACKGROUND

Long-term remission can be achieved by surgery in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), without chronic toxicity due to systemic treatment. Data on metastasectomy are mostly based on observations of metachronous metastasis. However, it is unclear whether patients with synchronous oligometastasis may also benefit from surgery alone as an alternative to highly effective systemic treatment combined with resection of the primary tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors performed an unstructured literature search in PubMed including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results are discussed in regard of the current data and clinical practice.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Although there is no uniform definition for oligometastasis in mRCC, cytoreductive nephrectomy in selected patients seems to be mandatory before metastasectomy is performed in primary oligometastatic RCC. In particular, in those patients with oligometastasis of the lung, bone, central nervous system, liver, adrenal gland, and thyroid, metastasectomy appears to be an important therapeutic option. Ultimately, among the therapeutic options, surgery is also an important therapeutic approach in primary oligometastatic mRCC. A balanced consideration between surgery, other local therapies, and modern systemic treatment demands interdisciplinary decision-making that takes into account the patients' preference.

Metastatic Lesion of the Tibia from Renal Cell Carcinoma

Introduction

Renal cell carcinoma is responsible for 3% of all cancers, with the highest incidence occurring in Western countries. Additionally, in patients with osseous metastasis, only 3% occur within the tibia. Rarely, a patient presents with a primary complaint of lower limb pain in advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Case Presentation. The patient arrived at the emergency department with a primary complaint of left ankle pain. Ankle X-rays demonstrated a lytic lesion involving the medial malleolus with possible metastatic disease. CT scan confirmed a tumor within the right kidney. The patient was treated with a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with histopathologic confirmation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Biopsy was then performed of the tibial lesion, confirming metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The tibial lesion was treated with local radiotherapy, and because of the progression of the tibia lesion, a decision was made to amputate the leg. Additionally, the patient was enrolled to sunitinib treatment and was disease free at one year of follow-up. 13 months after diagnosis of cancer, she was suffering a major stroke of the brain that caused her to die.

Conclusion

The treatment of patients with osseous metastases of renal cell cancer depends on the number of metastases, location of metastases, and overall health of the patient. We performed an overview of available literature and provided a summary regarding the use of cytoreductive nephrectomy, local therapy, target therapy, and bone-targeting agents in the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer.