Oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): adrenal metastases. Experience in a single institution

Though the actual incidence of an adrenal oligometastasis is between 1.5 and 3.5 %, secondary adrenal neoplasms occur in less than 10 % patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). According to 7° ed. TNM staging system, the presence of an adrenal metastasis (M1b disease) configures stage IV, which is usually associated with poor prognosis. We evaluated if metastasectomy in selected patients with oligometastatic disease improves overall survival. A 15-year retrospective study concerning patients with NSCLC was performed and an oligometastatic disease was found in 1.61 % of the patients. 18 adrenalectomies were performed. Clustering the population according to different therapeutic strategies, a benefit in terms of survival was found in patients who underwent adrenalectomy. A statistical relevance was found, indeed, between adrenalectomy (p < 0.01), metachronous disease (p < 0.01), the presence of a homolateral disease (p < 0.05) and overall survival. Adrenalectomy should be offered in selected patients with oligometastatic disease.