Systematic review of isolated disseminated carcinomatosis of bone marrow from colorectal cancer

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis commonly occurs in the liver and lungs with bone metastasis rarely occurring in isolation. Disseminated carcinomatosis of bone marrow (DCBM) is extremely rare in CRC. We conducted a systematic review to provide more information on the diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis of the condition. Methods Studies were identified by performing searches on MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases according to the PRISMA statement standards. We included a single patient whom we treated for metastatic CRC presenting with DCBM in our study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 23.0. Results A search through 5502 unique studies yielded 14 studies that were eventually included. There was a total of 17 cases of DCBM in CRC with back pain and constitutional symptoms as the most common presenting complaints. DCBM in CRC was associated with markedly elevated CEA of 275.57 (95% CI 17.13–534.00). There was no predilection for site of primary tumour. Overall median survival was 120 days (95% CI 64.43–175.58). The median survival for patients who received chemotherapy was 240 days (95% CI 71.11–408.89), as compared to 9 days (95% CI 1.80–16.20) for patients who received best supportive treatment. Conclusion DCBM from CRC is extremely rare. Bone marrow examination remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Colonic stenting or surgical diversion may be more appropriate than primary resection in obstructed CRC in view of the poor prognosis. Systemic chemotherapy shows promise in increasing median survival. Disseminated carcinomatosis of bone marrow is a rare complication of colorectal cancer with a poor prognosis. Overall median survival was 120 days. However median survival improved to 240 days for patients who received palliative chemotherapy as compared to 9 days for patients who were placed on best supportive care.