Palliative resection of the primary tumour improves survival in incurable metastatic colorectal cancer

Background Studies show conflicting results on whether primary tumour resection (PTR) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) prolongs survival. The aim of this study was to analyse prognostic factors and the effects of PTR on overall survival (OS) in mCRC patients. Methods In this population‐based cohort study, factors associated with PTR and OS were assessed in 188 mCRC patients with mCRC treated with palliative chemotherapy between 2008 and 2019. The Chi‐square test and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used to assess factors associated with PTR. The log‐rank test was used to compare Kaplan–Meier estimates for OS. Cox regression was used to identify factors predicting OS. Results Patients undergoing PTR had significantly better performance status, fewer metastatic sites, lower CEA levels, and more often had left‐sided CRC than patients not undergoing PTR. OS was longer in palliative mCRC patients undergoing PTR (P