Oligometastatic cancer is characterized by a limited number of metastatic deposits. Compared with lung cancer patients who have more widespread disease, oligometastatic lung cancer patients have more favorable survival outcomes. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that local ablative therapy (LAT) directed at the metastatic deposits in addition to standard-of-care systemic therapy may further improve survival outcomes in oligometastatic lung cancer patients. One LAT modality that has been utilized in oligometastatic lung cancer is radiation therapy. In particular, ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy, also known as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), has been shown to provide excellent local control with a favorable safety profile. Here, we reviewed the retrospective studies and prospective trials that have deployed radiation therapy as LAT in oligometastatic lung cancer, including randomized studies showing benefits for progression-free survival and overall survival with the addition of LAT. We also discuss the impact of targeted therapies and immunotherapy on radiation as LAT.
Keywords: local ablative therapy; non-small cell lung cancer; oligometastatic; radiotherapy; stereotactic body radiotherapy.