Adrenalectomy for isolated metastasis from operable non-small-cell lung cancer

A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was 'in [patients with isolated adrenal metastasis from operable/operated non-small cell lung cancer] is [adrenalectomy] superior [to chemo/radiotherapy alone for achieving long-term survival]?' Altogether >160 papers were found using the reported search, of which 3 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that the body of evidence is small, retrospective and not formally controlled. As such interpretation is limited by selection bias in assignment of patients. These limitations notwithstanding, surgical resection is associated with prolonged survival for patients with isolated adrenal metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patient selection is probably critical. Factors that are important are: otherwise early tumour, node (TN) status of the lung primary and R0 resection, long disease-free interval and confidence that there are no other sites of metastasis. Patients with ipsilateral adrenal metastasis may derive the greatest survival benefit from adrenalectomy, since spread to the ipsilateral gland may occur via direct lymphatic channels in the retroperitoneum. Involvement of the contralateral adrenal may signify haematogenous spread and therefore, a more aggressive process. Adrenalectomy must be accompanied by regional lymph node clearance to reduce the chance of further spread from the adrenal itself.