The management of oligometastatic disease in colorectal cancer: Present strategies and future perspectives

Oligometastatic disease has been described as an intermediate clinical state between localized cancer and sys-temically metastasized disease. Recent clinical studies have shown prolonged survival when aggressive locore-gional approaches are added to systemic therapies in patients with oligometastases. The aim of this review is to outline the newest options to treat oligometastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), also considering its molecular pat-terns. We present an overview of the available local treatment strategies, including surgical procedures, ste-reotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), thermal ablation, as well as trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT). Moreover, since imaging methods provide crucial information for the early diagnosis and management of oligometastatic CRC, we discuss the role of modern radiologic techniques in selecting patients that are amenable to potentially curative locoregional treatments.

Automated summary

Oligometastatic disease is a clinical state between localized cancer and widespread metastatic disease. Recent studies have demonstrated improved survival in patients with oligometastases when aggressive local treatments are combined with systemic therapies. This review outlines the latest treatment options for oligometastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), taking into account its molecular patterns. Various local treatment strategies, such as surgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), thermal ablation, trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), and selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) are discussed. The role of modern radiologic techniques in identifying patients suitable for potentially curative locoregional treatments is also highlighted.