Long-Term Outcome After Resection of Hepatic and Pulmonary Metastases in Multivisceral Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) with hepatic (CRLM) and pulmonary metastases (CRLU) presents a significant clinical challenge, leading to poor prognosis. Surgical resection of these metastases remains controversial because of limited evidence supporting its long-term benefits. To evaluate the impact of surgical resection of both hepatic and pulmonary metastases on long-term survival in patients with multivisceral metastatic colorectal cancer, this retrospective cohort study included 192 patients with UICC stage IV CRC treated at a high-volume academic center. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent surgical resection of both hepatic and pulmonary metastases (n = 100) and those who received non-surgical treatment (n = 92). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for baseline differences. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Results: Unadjusted analysis showed a significant OS benefit in the surgical group (median OS: 6.97 years) compared with the conservative group (median OS: 2.17 years). After propensity score matching, this survival advantage persisted (median OS: 5.58 years vs. 2.35 years; HR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.18–0.47, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Surgical resection of hepatic and pulmonary metastases in multivisceral metastatic CRC significantly improves long-term survival, supporting an aggressive surgical approach in selected patients.