Managing Non-Hepatic Metastatic Sites: Lung and CNS

This chapter presents data pertaining specifically to pulmonary and CNS-related metastases from colorectal carcinoma. Most studies on these unusual sites of metastatic disease do not differentiate between rectal and colonic cancers. The data would suggest in small series that selected surgical resection in combination with adjuvant chemoradiation may lead to improved survival in these settings. There are prognostic factors which are associated with a better outcome based upon the locale of the tumor, the performance status, a longer disease-free interval and control of the primary without extrametastatic disease.