Stereotactic body radiation therapy versus metastasectomy for oligometastases

Over the past few decades, oncologists are increasingly recognizing the existence of an intermediate state between localized and metastatic cancer, known as the “oligometastatic” state (literally meaning the presence of a few metastases) (1). Radical treatment of these limited sites of metastases, initially in the form of surgical resection or “metastasectomy” has been performed for many years with encouraging outcomes in selected patient populations (2). Recent developments of more active systemic treatments and less invasive local treatment such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has allowed an increasing number of patients to undergo radical treatment of these oligometastases with the hope of improved oncologic outcomes or quality of life.