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German Research Foundation funds study led by the Medical Center - University of Freiburg / Study investigates whether colorectal cancer patients benefit if lung metastases are surgically removed prior to drug therapy

Around 65,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum every year. Around one in two develop malignant tumor metastases over the course of time. The surgical removal of individual metastases is established at some clinics in Germany. However, there are other institutions where the operation is not always performed, especially if there are multiple metastases. There are numerous indications that the surgical procedure has a positive effect on the course of treatment for patients, but this has not yet been clearly proven. A nationwide study led by the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg is now investigating the benefits of such an operation if it is performed before drug therapy. A total of around 280 patients with corresponding lung metastases are to be treated at the 15 participating clinics either by means of surgery and subsequent drug therapy or with medication alone. The study is being funded with one million euros from the German Research Foundation.

"The results of this study will be of outstanding importance worldwide, as successful recruitment will clearly demonstrate whether and to what extent patients benefit from additional surgical therapy," says Prof. Dr. Bernward Passlick, Medical Director of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.

The goal: a high-quality standard for all

Tumors of the colon or rectum, so-called colorectal carcinomas, often form metastases in the lungs. Although there are good arguments for and against surgery for such colorectal lung metastases, a scientifically proven comparison has so far been lacking. Some argue that the spread of the tumor affects the entire body and should therefore be treated evenly. Others see the removal of metastases as an opportunity to prevent new metastases. It therefore often depends on the treating institution and discipline as to which treatment path is taken. "With our study, we want to help ensure that all facilities treat patients to the same high standard," says Passlick.

More than ten years ago, the Lung Cancer Center at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg was one of the first facilities to receive a positive assessment from the German Cancer Society. An interdisciplinary treatment recommendation for more than 350 newly diagnosed patients at the Lung Cancer Center of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg is agreed upon every year in a tumor board that meets twice a week.

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Bernward Passlick
Medical Director
Department of Thoracic Surgery
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Phone: 0761 270-24550
bernward.passlick@uniklinik-freiburg.de