'Perspectives of pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons on Oligometastatic disease: curability, treatment approaches, and disease trajectory'.

BACKGROUND

Oligometastatic disease (OMD) is defined by a limited number of metastases, affecting treatment strategies and prognosis. This study evaluates the perspectives of pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons on the curability, treatment approaches, and disease trajectory of synchronous OMD, oligorecurrence, and oligoprogression.

METHODS

A survey was conducted among pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and trainees at Yedikule Chest Disease and Thoracic Surgery Research and Training Hospital. Participants provided views on OMD's curability, treatment preferences, and confidence in discussing prognosis using Likert scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative methods.

RESULTS

Of 160 contacted participants, 60 (37.5%) completed the survey. Most respondents (86.6%) regarded synchronous OMD as curable, with 65% for oligorecurrence and only 23.4% for oligoprogression. Confidence in understanding synchronous OMD's trajectory significantly differed, with attending physicians at 67.9% versus trainees at 43.8% ( < 0.05). Thoracic surgeons had higher confidence in oligorecurrence (88.3%) than pulmonologists (46%,  < 0.05). A preference for combined systemic and local therapies was noted: 73.3% for synchronous OMD, 75% for oligorecurrence, and 78.4% for oligoprogression.

CONCLUSION

The study reveals diverse perspectives on OMD, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary collaboration and ongoing education to improve understanding and management of the disease.