The oligometastatic state is generally considered to constitute an intermediate point along the spectrum of cancer dissemination at which the metastatic burden is limited and local ablative therapies can result in meaningful clinical benefit, and possibly even cure. In this Review, Katipally et al. reframe the oligometastatic phenotype as a dynamic state that expands beyond merely the number or size of metastases. They highlight important risk factors defining the metastatic spectrum that can inform both staging and therapy, and identify themes in the literature that might guide strategies to optimally combine metastasis-directed local therapies with modern systemic treatments.
- Rohan R. Katipally
- Sean P. Pitroda
- Ralph R. Weichselbaum
