Primary tumor resection with or without metastasectomy for left- and right-sided stage IV colorectal cancer: an instrumental variable analysis

Abstract

Highlights Increased use of primary tumor resection plus metastasectomy benefited patients with left-sided tumors but not those with right-sided tumors. Increased use of primary tumor resection alone did not improve survival in either left or right-sided tumor group. Overuse of palliative primary tumor resection should be avoided.

Keywords

• Colorectal cancer
• Primary tumor resection
• Metastasectomy
• Instrumental variable analysis
• SEER