Effect of metastasectomy on the outcome of patients with ovarian metastasis of colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Patients with ovarian metastasis of colorectal cancer (CROM) usually have poor prognosis. Metastasectomy is controversial in patients with CROM. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of ovarian metastasectomy and other factors in CROM patients.

Methods: We searched literature up to November 1, 2021 in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Retrospective studies were assessed if survival outcome of CROM patients was reported. Results were pooled in a random-effects model and reported as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Sensitivity was analyzed.

Results: Among 2497 studies screened, 15 studies with 997 patients, published between 2000 and 2021, were included. Longer overall survival (OS) was correlated with ovarian metastasectomy (pooled HR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.34-0.58, P < 0.05) and R0 resection (pooled HR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.16-0.41, P < 0.05). Longer disease-specific survival (DSS) was associated with systematic chemotherapy (pooled HR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.15-0.45, P < 0.0001). Shorter OS was associated with extraovarian metastases (pooled HR = 3.00, 95% CI 1.68-5.36, P < 0.05) and bilateral OM (pooled HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.09-2.51, P < 0.05). No significant difference in OS was observed among patients with systematic chemotherapy (pooled HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.35-1.31, P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Metastasectomy achieving R0 resection can significantly prolong OS and DSS of CROM patients as a reasonable treatment modality. Primary tumor resection and systematic chemotherapy can improve patients' outcomes.

Registration Number: CRD42022299185 (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).