oligometastatic disease
Limited metastatic disease potentially amenable to local therapy with curative intent.
Full Definition
Oligometastatic disease represents an intermediate state between localized and widely metastatic cancer, characterized by a limited number of metastatic sites (typically ≤5) that may be amenable to aggressive local therapy. This concept has revolutionized treatment paradigms, as patients with oligometastatic disease may achieve long-term survival or even cure through surgical resection, stereotactic radiation, or ablative techniques directed at all sites of disease. The oligometastatic hypothesis suggests that some cancers progress through a predictable sequence of limited metastatic spread before developing widespread dissemination.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the number and location of metastatic sites when possible.
In Context
- "The patient's oligometastatic disease to two hepatic lesions made her a candidate for surgical resection." — Multidisciplinary team meeting
- "Aggressive treatment of oligometastatic disease has shown survival benefits in selected patients." — Clinical research protocol