Outcomes

Adrenal Cancer Outcomes

In general, the five year survival rate for all patients diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma approaches 50%. When including those unable to undergo surgery, five year survival rates decrease to approximately 35%. Five year survival rates are different depending on the Stage of the tumor. Not all tumors in each Stage have the same outcome. Each patient’s tumor is different. At the University of Michigan, we treat the individual patient, personalizing their medical care, as we understand that all tumors act differently and we aim to optimize each patient’s outcome for their particular tumor. Adrenal cancer is categorized into four stages. The staging system is based on the size of the tumor, invasion of nearby structures, involvement of lymph nodes, and the presence or absence of distant metastatic disease. Survival according to Stage is most favorable for patients with Stage I disease and worst for those with Stage IV (distant metastases) disease. Available percentages for overall survival and for survival according to stage should be viewed with caution, as individual tumor characteristics, adequate surgery, and appropriate follow-up and adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy and radiation) all affect outcome. U-M endocrine oncology team members treat adrenal cancer patients with the best outcome in mind using state of the art treatments and technology. Our team actively pursues new therapies to provide patients with the best care possible and best chances for survival.

Continue learning about adrenal cancer and the U-M Adrenal Cancer Program