What is oligometastases?

Oligometastases refers to the presence of metastatic disease that is limited in number and location. In appropriately selected patients, improved survival after aggressive minimally invasive local treatment, such as radiosurgery, high-dose radiotherapy, and surgery, may be achievable.

The Oligometastases Group at PMH

The Oligometastases Group at PMH is dedicated to refining the optimal radiotherapeutic technique, patient selection, and evaluation of long term outcomes for the treatment of patients with oligometastases.

The technical and toxicity consideration for the treatment of oligometastases is strongly dependent on the site of metastases. The clinical relevance of aggressive treatment of oligometastases hinges on the natural history of the primary site of origin. The biological potential for sterilizing the metastases is a complex interaction between radiosensitivity, tumor burden, dose limiting structures and biological dose. The Oligometastases Group brings together expertise across clinical sites to provide the best opinion for our patients. 

Role of Radiation Treatment for oligometastases

Sterilization of tumor and symptom control is the short term goal of therapy. For appropriately selected patients, the treatment may prolong overall disease free survival and overall survival. In some clinical areas (e.g. brain metastases), radio-surgery is accepted as part of standard practice. For other areas, treatment is offered in the context of clinical trials to define safety, and efficacy for different clinical circumstances.

Indications
How to make a referral
Oligometastases Group Team Members
Active protocols
Multidisciplinary Clinics

This page was last updated June 18th, 2010 at 9:45am.