The Role of Pulmonary Metastasectomy for Non-Primary Lung Cancer: Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses

Background and objectives: Due to heterogeneous characteristics of primary cancers, the efficacy of pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) in nonprimary lung cancers has not been investigated. This study aims to investigate the clinical outcomes of PM for non-primary lung cancer.

Methods: A systematic search for meta-analyses on PM for nonprimary lung cancers was conducted, encompassing publications up to January 3, 2024. This included seven primary cancers: renal cell, breast, adrenocortical, head and neck cancers, melanoma, germ cell tumors, and sarcoma. Overall survival and recurrence rates post-PM were assessed using random-effect models.

Results: This study included 16 systematic-review articles and 101 individual studies, involving 10 277 patients who underwent PM for nonprimary lung cancer. About half of the patients (47.1%) presented with multiple metastasis, and complete resection achieved in 87.2% [95% CI: 83.0-90.8]. The pooled 5-year overall survival rate post-PM was 41.2% [95%CI: 37.1%-45.4%]. Patients with germ cell tumors demonstrated higher survival rate (p < 0.05), while melanoma exhibited the worst outcome (p < 0.05). During follow-up, 57.6% [95% CI: 46.4-68.1] had recurrence; 48% of them had intrathoracic-only recurrence.

Conclusion: This study underscores the survival benefits associated with PM. Overall survival rates following PM did not differ based on primary cancer types. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing and incorporating PM into clinical practice when appropriate.