Outcomes of Metastasectomy in Patients with Solitary Bone Metastases: Experience from a Cancer Center in Bogotá, Colombia.

Abstract

Introduction: Solitary bone metastases represent a major clinical challenge. Surgical metastasectomy remains a valid option in selected patients. This study evaluated the oncologic and functional outcomes following metastasectomy in a cancer referral center in Bogotá, Colombia.

Methods: A retrospective observational study including patients with solitary bone metastases who underwent metastasectomy between January 2004 and March 2024. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected. Postoperative functionality was assessed using the MSTS score. Local recurrence, disease progression, and survival were analyzed with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used when appropriate.

Results: Thirty patients (73.3% female) were included, with a mean age of 60.4 ± 10.9 years. The most common primary tumors were renal (26.7%) and breast (16.7%). The predominant surgical technique was endoprosthetic reconstruction (50%). Postoperative complications occurred in 40% (12/30), mainly infections (41%). Among 13 patients with recorded functionality, the moderate MSTS category was most common (53.8%), with no significant associations found with the evaluated clinical or surgical variables (all p > 0.05). During follow-up, 19 patients (63%) developed metastatic progression, 2 (6.7%) developed local recurrence, and 11 (36.6%) remained progression-free. The overall survival rate at 12 months was 65%, with a median follow-up of 12 months (IQR: 12-36).

Conclusion: Metastasectomy in patients with solitary bone metastases appears to be a feasible and safe approach, associated with favorable functional outcomes and low rates of local recurrence in this cohort. Its role should be considered within a multidisciplinary context in carefully selected patients.