Clinicians’ Perspective On Oligometastatic Disease: A National Survey.

Abstract Background:A clear definition of oligometastatic disease (OMD) does not exist. The number of metastases is the most used parameter to select patients for ablative treatments. We conducted a nationwide survey to assess the clinically working physician’s perception and definition of the OMD concept.Material and methods: An 18-items questionnaire was prepared using an online survey tool and sent to 461 physicians working at nine different oncology centres. Both clinical- and medical oncologists were invited, specialists as well as trainees.Results: A total of 102 physicians from seven different centres completed the survey (response rate 22%). The majority (93%) of responders expected cure or long-term survival could be achieved with an ablative strategy for selected patients with OMD. Up to three metastases (43% of responders) in up to two organs (44% of responders) was the preferred threshold the responders were willing to treat when applying an ablative strategy for patients with OMD. Only 7% were willing to treat up to five metastases. There was no apparent disagreement between responders engaged/not engaged in RT planning. Among cancer types, patients with colorectal-, breast-, lung-, prostate-, and kidney cancer were considered most suitable for an ablative treatment strategy. Conclusions:Most responders expected that an ablative treatment strategy could be beneficial in selected patients with OMD. In general, there was agreement on the selection criteria for OMD regarding the number of metastases, number of organs, anatomical sites and cancer types.