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The following is a summary of “Survival outcomes and risk factors for liver and pancreatic metastases in renal cell carcinoma after curative nephrectomy,” published in the May 2025 issue of BMC Urology by Hasselgren et al. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to identify factors linked to liver and pancreatic metastases in individuals with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following curative nephrectomy.  

They included adults who underwent nephrectomy for non-metastatic (non-mRCC) between 2009 and 2021 with a nested case-control design. Those who developed liver or pancreatic metastases confirmed by secondary surgery comprised the case group. A control group was randomly selected from non-mRCC individuals without metastases. Clinical, radiological, and pathological data were reviewed to explore potential risk factors.  

The results showed that among 967 individuals who underwent nephrectomy, 754 (78%) had RCC, and 6% developed liver or pancreatic metastases. Advanced Tumor stage (T3) significantly predicted metastatic spread. A longer disease-free interval correlated with improved surgical candidacy and survival. The Median time to metastasis was 57 months in those who had surgery, vs 22 months in non-surgical cases. Clear cell RCC (ccRCC) was present in 92% of surgical candidates. Surgical resection was linked to better survival, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 92%, 83%, and 75%, respectively, compared to 77%, 65%, and 56% in non-surgical.  

Investigators concluded that T3 and local invasion were significant predictors of liver and pancreatic metastases in RCC, and delayed metastatic onset was associated with better surgical outcomes and eligibility therefore, highlighting the intersection of oncology and nephrology in understanding metastatic progression and guiding treatment decisions in RCC. 

Source: bmcurol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12894-025-01802-x