Pulmonary metastases from adrenal cortical carcinoma: results of resection

Adrenal cortical carcinoma is uncommon. There is little controversy concerning treatment of the primary tumor. However, data concerning the treatment of pulmonary metastases are sparse. In order to assess the results of therapy, we reviewed our 14-year experience. Records of 24 patients admitted to our institution from 1973 to 1991 with the diagnosis of adrenal cortical carcinoma and pulmonary metastases were reviewed. Ten patients underwent pulmonary resection, 12 received chemotherapy, and 2 no therapy. In the pulmonary resection group, treatment consisted of wedge resection in 8 patients and lobectomy in 2. For the 10 patients undergoing resection of their pulmonary metastases, the 5-year survival was 71% (median not reached at 5 years). This was significantly longer than those not resected, with no one alive at 3 years (median survival 11 months). Our data suggest that those patients who are able to have their pulmonary metastases resected survive significantly longer than those who do not.