The Efficacy and Safety of Metastasis-directed Therapy in Patients with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies

Despite the lack of level 1 evidence, metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) is used widely in the management of metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) patients. Data are continuously emerging from well-designed prospective studies. To summarise and report the evidence on oncological and safety outcomes of MDT in the management of mPCa patients. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for prospective studies assessing progression-free survival (PFS), local control (LC), androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-free survival (ADT-FS), overall survival (OS), and/or adverse events (AEs) in mPCa patients treated with MDT. A meta-analysis was performed for 1- and 2-yr PFS, LC, ADT-FS, OS, and rate of AEs. Meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were performed to account for heterogeneity and identify moderators. We identified 22 prospective studies ( n  = 1137), including two randomised controlled trials ( n  = 116). Two studies were excluded from the meta-analysis ( n  = 120). The estimated 2-yr PFS was 46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36–56%) or 42% (95% CI: 33–52%) after excluding studies using biochemical or ADT-related endpoints. The estimated 2-yr LC, ADT-FS, and OS were 97% (95% CI: 94–98%), 55% (95% CI: 44–65%), and 97% (95% CI: 95–98%), respectively. Rates of treatment-related grade 2 and ≥3 AEs were 2.4% (95% CI: 0.2–7%) and 0.3% (95% CI: 0–1%), respectively. MDT is a promising treatment strategy associated with favourable PFS, excellent LC, and a low toxicity profile that allows oligorecurrent hormone-sensitive patients to avoid or defer ADT-related toxicity. Integration of MDT with other therapies offers a promising research direction, in particular, in conjunction with systemic treatments and as a component of definitive care for oligometastatic PCa. However, in the absence of randomised trials, using MDT for treatment intensification remains an experimental approach, and the impact on OS is uncertain. Direct treatment of metastases is a promising option for selected prostate cancer patients. It can delay hormone therapy and is being investigated as a way of intensifying treatment at the expense of manageable toxicity.