Adrenalectomy for solid tumor metastases: results of a multicenter European study

Abstract

Background: We assessed the results of adrenalectomy for solid tumor metastases in 317 patients recruited from 30 European centers.

Methods: Patients with histologically proven adrenal metastatic disease and undergoing complete removal(s) of the affected gland(s) were eligible.

Results: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was the most frequent tumor type followed by colorectal and renal cell carcinoma. Adrenal metastases were synchronous (≤6 months) in 73 (23%) patients and isolated in 213 (67%). The median disease-free interval was 18.5 months. Laparoscopic resection was used in 46% of patients. Surgery was limited to the adrenal gland in 73% of patients and R0 resection was achieved in 86% of cases. The median overall survival was 29 months (95% confidence interval, 24.69-33.30). The survival rates at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 80%, 61%, 42%, and 35%, respectively. Patients with renal cancer showed a median survival of 84 months, patients with NSCLC 26 months, and patients with colorectal cancer 29 months (P = .017). Differences in survival between metachronous and synchronous lesions were also significant (30 vs. 23 months; P = .038).

Conclusion: Surgical removal of adrenal metastasis is associated with long-term survival in selected patients.