Improving resectability of hepatic colorectal metastases: expert consensus statement

Simultaneous colorectal and hepatic procedures for colorectal cancer result in increased morbidity but equivalent mortality compared with colorectal or hepatic procedures alone: outcomes from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous colorectal and hepatic surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing as surgery becomes safer and less invasive. There is controversy regarding the morbidity associated with simultaneous, compared with separate or staged, resections.

METHODS

Data for 2005-2008 from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) were used to compare morbidity after 19,925 colorectal procedures for CRC (CR group), 2295 hepatic resections for metastatic CRC (HEP group), and 314 simultaneous colorectal and hepatic resections (SIM group).

RESULTS

An increasing number of simultaneous resections were performed per year. Fewer major colorectal and liver resections were performed in the SIM than in the CR and HEP groups. Patients in the SIM group had a longer operative time and postoperative length of stay compared with those in either the CR or HEP groups. Simultaneous procedures resulted in higher rates of postoperative morbidity and major morbidity than CR procedures, but not HEP procedures. This difference was driven by higher rates of wound and organ space infections, and a greater incidence of septic shock. Mortality rates did not differ among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitals in the NSQIP are performing more simultaneous colonic and hepatic resections for CRC. These procedures are associated with increases in operative time, length of stay and rate of perioperative complications. Simultaneous procedures do not, however, increase perioperative mortality.

Laparoscopic hepatic resection for metastatic liver tumor of colorectal cancer: comparative analysis of short- and long-term results

BACKGROUND

With the progress of surgical techniques and devices, laparoscopic hepatectomy (Lap-Hx) became a realizable option for patients with liver tumors. However, the feasibility of Lap-Hx for metastatic liver tumor of colorectal cancer also should be guaranteed oncologically. This study evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of Lap-Hx compared with open hepatectomy (Open-Hx) for patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) by matched-pair analysis.

METHODS

This study enrolled 21 patients who underwent Lap-Hx and compared them with 21 matched patients who underwent Open-Hx. The following parameters were matched between the two cohorts: tumor size, tumor location, and operative procedures. Both short- and long-term outcomes of Lap-Hx were compared with those of Open-Hx.

RESULTS

No difference was observed between the two groups in terms of age, gender, tumor size, or operative procedures. With regard to short-term outcomes, the operative time for Lap-Hx (377 ± 29 min) was similar to that for Open-Hx (369 ± 31 min), whereas the blood loss for the patients who underwent a Lap-Hx (198 ± 39 ml) was significantly less than for those who underwent an Open-Hx (326 ± 50 ml). The incidence of postoperative complications among the patients who underwent Lap-Hx tended to be lower than for the patients who underwent Open-Hx, and intraabdominal abscess was observed only in the Open-Hx group. The hospital stay for Lap-Hx (average, 18.3 days) tended to be shorter than for Open-Hx (27 days). With respect to long-term outcomes, the two groups did not differ significantly in terms of 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Lap-Hx is a safe and feasible option for selected patients with CLM. The short- and long-term outcomes of Lap-Hx also are considered to be acceptable.

Preoperative hepatobiliary imaging: what does the radiologist need to know?

Accurate preoperative reporting is essential in guiding the surgeon in deciding when and how to operate safely and effectively. Critically, this relies on an understanding of the operative issues faced by the surgeon, which is not always appreciated by the radiologist. This paper therefore aims to address this, first focusing on relevant anatomical variants, and then issues specific to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, hepatic transplantation, and finally hepatic resection (including cholangiocarcinoma resection). Throughout the paper, there is an emphasis on associated surgical techniques to add context to the discussion.

Right and extended-right hepatectomies for unilobar colorectal metastases: impact of portal vein embolization on long-term outcome and liver recurrence

BACKGROUND

Portal vein embolization (PVE) is an effective procedure to increase the future remnant liver (FRL) before major hepatectomy. A controversial issue is that PVE may stimulate tumor growth and can be associated with poor prognosis after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PVE on long-term survival following major hepatectomy for CRLM.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2010, 100 right and extended-right hepatectomies for unilobar, right-sided CRLM were performed. Of the group, 20 patients underwent preoperative PVE (group A). The control patients (group B; 20 patients) were selected by matching with the group A patients.

RESULTS

It was found that 25 patients (25/40; 62.5%) had developed tumor recurrence. The rate of global recurrence was not significantly different in groups A and B (65% vs 60%, respectively; P = .744). The specific overall intrahepatic recurrence rate was 42.5% (17 of 40 patients) and was not significantly different in groups A and B (45% vs 40%, respectively; P = .749). The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were similar in groups A and B (42.9% and 33.6% vs 42.1% and 27.7%, respectively). The 5-year specific liver-disease-free survival was 45.3% in group A and 53.5% in group B (P = .572). On multivariate analysis of all 100 hepatectomies, R1 resection (P = .013) was found to be the only independent predictor of liver-disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that PVE did not affect overall survival and specific liver-disease-free survival in patients undergoing right or right-extended hepatectomy for unilobar, right-sided CRLM.

What is the optimal neo-adjuvant treatment for liver metastasis?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the Western population and has a 5-year overall survival of 5-10% when metastatic. Approximately 30% of the patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have limited disease apparently isolated to the liver and, if this can be resected, the 5-year overall survival is improved to 30-60%. Therefore, it is important to identify patients who have both resectable disease and those with initially unresectable tumors who can potentially be downsized with chemotherapy to allow resection. First-line doublet chemotherapy regimens lead to response rates of 50-60%, triplet chemotherapy regimens may result in a response rate of up to 70%, and biological agents may add to responses or induce morphologic changes that facilitate disease resection. Surgical advances in recent years have also increased resectability rates and have challenged prior rules of resectability. Local therapies including ablation and radiation, often performed in conjunction with resection, may further aid in control of disease. The aim of this article is to focus on the role of neoadjuvant therapy in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases.

Designing liver resections and pushing the envelope with resections for hepatic colorectal metastases

Current concepts in the management of hepatic metastases have changed dramatically over the past two decades. Multidisciplinary therapies including chemotherapy, surgery, and regional therapy have alone and in combination significantly improved the survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Conditions that were previously considered hopeless and treated merely for palliation can now be approached with curative intent. In this paper, we review the surgical treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) and describe a paradigm-shift in the management of complex heretofore-considered unresectable CRLM. Utilizing advanced multidisciplinary treatment strategies has improved the prognosis of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer to the point where we may question whether CRLM are now a chronic disease.

Liver resection for colorectal cancer metastases

QUESTIONS

Should surgery be considered for colorectal cancer (crc) patients who have liver metastases plus (a) pulmonary metastases, (b) portal nodal disease, or (c) other extrahepatic metastases (ehms)?What is the role of chemotherapy in the surgical management of crc with liver metastases in (a) patients with resectable disease in the liver, or (b) patients with initially unresectable disease in the liver that is downsized with chemotherapy ("conversion")?What is the role of liver resection when one or more crc liver metastases have radiographic complete response (rcr) after chemotherapy?

PERSPECTIVES

Advances in chemotherapy have improved survival in crc patients with liver metastases. The 5-year survival with chemotherapy alone is typically less than 1%, although two recent studies with folfox or folfoxiri (or both) reported rates of 5%-10%. However, liver resection is the treatment that is most effective in achieving long-term survival and offering the possibility of a cure in stage iv crc patients with liver metastases. This guideline deals with the role of chemotherapy with surgery, and the role of surgery when there are liver metastases plus ehms. Because only a proportion of patients with crc metastatic disease are considered for liver resection, and because management of this patient population is complex, multidisciplinary management is required.

METHODOLOGY

Recommendations in the present guideline were formulated based on a prepublication version of a recent systematic review on this topic. The draft methodology experts, and external review by clinical practitioners. Feedback was incorporated into the final version of the guideline.

PRACTICE GUIDELINE

These recommendations apply to patients with liver metastases from crc who have had or will have a complete (R0) resection of the primary cancer and who are being considered for resection of the liver, or liver plus specific and limited ehms, with curative intent. 1(a). Patients with liver and lung metastases should be seen in consultation with a thoracic surgeon. Combined or staged metastasectomy is recommended when, taking into account anatomic and physiologic considerations, the assessment is that all pulmonary metastases can also be completely removed. Furthermore, liver resection may be indicated in patients who have had a prior lung resection, and vice versa.1(b). Routine liver resection is not recommended in patients with portal nodal disease. This group includes patients with radiologically suspicious portal nodes or malignant portal nodes found preoperatively or intraoperatively. Liver plus nodal resection, together with perioperative systemic therapy, may be an option-after a full discussion with the patient-in cases with limited nodal involvement and with metastases that can be completely resected.1(c). Routine liver resection is not recommended in patients with nonpulmonary ehms. Liver plus extrahepatic resection, together with perioperative systemic therapy, may be an option-after a full discussion with the patient-for metastases that can be completely resected.2(a). Perioperative chemotherapy, either before and after resection, or after resection, is recommended in patients with resectable liver metastatic disease. This recommendation extends to patients with ehms that can be completely resected (R0). Risks and potential benefits of perioperative chemotherapy should be discussed for patients with resectable liver metastases. The data on whether patients with previous oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy or a short interval from completion of adjuvant therapy for primary crc might benefit from perioperative chemotherapy are limited.2(b). Liver resection is recommended in patients with initially unresectable metastatic liver disease who have a sufficient downstaging response to conversion chemotherapy. If complete resection has been achieved, postoperative chemotherapy should be considered.3. Surgical resection of all lesions, including lesions with rcr, is recommended when technically feasible and when adequate functional liver can be left as a remnant. When a lesion with rcr is present in a portion of the liver that cannot be resected, surgery may still be a reasonable therapeutic strategy if all other visible disease can be resected. Postoperative chemotherapy might be considered in those patients. Close follow-up of the lesion with rcr is warranted to allow localized treatment or further resection for an in situ recurrence.

Conversion to complete resection and/or ablation using hepatic artery infusional chemotherapy in patients with unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer: a decade of experience at a single institution

BACKGROUND

When feasible, surgical treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is the treatment of choice. Regional hepatic artery infusional (HAI) chemotherapy effectively treats CRLM. The combination of HAI and systemic chemotherapy may downsize tumors and allow for complete resection and/or ablation (R/A). This study analyzes the combination of HAI and systemic chemotherapy for treating unresectable CRLM, focusing on conversion to complete R/A.

METHODS

All patients with unresectable CRLM treated with HAI and systemic chemotherapy from 2000 to 2009 were included. Patients who responded sufficiently to undergo complete R/A were compared to those who did not convert. Survival was compared using a landmark analysis to account for bias.

RESULTS

A total of 373 patients were included; 93 patients (25%) subsequently underwent complete R/A. The percentage of patients submitted to complete R/A increased from 16% during 2000-2003 to 30% during 2004-2009. Factors associated with conversion on multivariate analysis were more recent treatment (2004-2009), no prior chemotherapy, clinical risk score<3, treatment on clinical protocol, and younger age. Median and predicted 5-year survival from the time of HAI pump placement was 59 months and 47%, respectively, in the patients who converted to complete R/A, compared with 16 months and 6%, respectively in those who did not (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite extensive disease, 25% of patients with unresectable CRLM responded sufficiently to undergo complete R/A following HAI plus systemic chemotherapy. Combination HAI and systemic chemotherapy is an effective strategy to convert patients to complete resection with an associated excellent long-term survival.

Manejo atual das metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal: recomendações do Clube do Fígado de São Paulo

Aproximadamente metade dos pacientes portadores de câncer colorretal apresenta metástases hepáticas durante a evolução de sua doença que afetam diretamente o prognóstico e são diretamente responsáveis por 2/3 dos óbitos relacionados à doença. Nas últimas duas décadas o tratamento das metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal (MHCCR) proporcionou ganho expressivo na sobrevida quando todas as opções terapêuticas são colocadas à disposição do paciente. Nesse contexto, o tratamento cirúrgico persiste como a única possibilidade de cura com índices de sobrevida em cinco anos de 25 a 58%. No entanto, apenas 1/4 dos pacientes tem doença ressecável ao diagnóstico. Por essa razão, um dos pontos fundamentais no manejo atual dos pacientes com MHCCR é o desenvolvimento de estratégias que possibilitem a ressecção completa das lesões hepáticas. O advento e aperfeiçoamento dos métodos ablativos expandiram as possibilidades da terapêutica cirúrgica, além disto, o surgimento de novos esquemas quimioterápicos e a introdução das terapias-alvo proporcionou altas taxas de resposta e alteraram definitivamente o manejo destes pacientes. O tratamento multimodal e a utilização da experiência de diversas especialidades médicas permitiram que o tratamento das MHCCR se aproximasse cada vez mais do tratamento ideal, ou seja, individualizado. Baseado em uma extensa revisão da literatura e na experiência de alguns dos centros especializados mais importantes do Brasil, o Clube do Fígado de São Paulo iniciou um trabalho de discussão multi-institucional que resultou nas recomendações que se seguem. Essas recomendações, no entanto, não visam ser absolutas, mas sim ferramentas úteis no processo de decisão terapêutica desse grupo complexo de pacientes.

Routine staging laparoscopy has no place in the management of colorectal liver metastases

AIMS

Staging laparoscopy has been recommended in the management of patients with colorectal liver metastases prior to hepatectomy in order to reduce the incidence and associated morbidity of futile laparotomies. The utility of staging laparoscopy has not been assessed in patients undergoing CT, PET-CT and MRI as standard preoperative staging.

METHODS

All patients undergoing attempted open hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases between 1/4/2008 and 31/3/2012 were identified from a prospectively maintained research database. All patients who underwent futile laparotomy were identified, with demographics and operative notes subsequently analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients underwent attempted open hepatectomy during the study period. At laparotomy 12 (4.4%) patients were found to have irresectable disease. There were no unifying demographic factors within the patients undergoing futile laparotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

With modern imaging, the potential yield of staging laparoscopy is low. Staging laparoscopy should not be used routinely, but may have a role in the case of specific clinical concerns.

Hyaluronic acid as a marker of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome secondary to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

A considerable number of patients develop sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases (CLMs). SOS is associated with adverse outcomes after major hepatectomy. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a marker of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell function and may serve as an accurate marker of SOS. This study aimed to assess the value of systemic HA levels and fractional extraction (FE) of HA by the splanchnic area and liver as markers of SOS after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for CLMs.

METHODS

Forty patients were studied. The presence of SOS was assessed histopathologically. Blood samples from the radial artery and portal and hepatic veins were collected. HA levels were determined by ELISA and the FE of HA was estimated.

RESULTS

SOS was present in 23 patients, 11 of whom demonstrated moderate or severe SOS. Preoperative HA levels were significantly higher in patients with moderate or severe SOS (group B, n = 11) compared to patients with no or mild SOS (group A, n = 29) (51.6 ± 10.2 ng/mL vs. 32.1 ± 3.5 ng/mL, p = 0.030). A cutoff HA level of 44.1 ng/mL yielded a sensitivity of 67 % and specificity of 83 % for detection of SOS. The positive predictive value was 50 % and the negative predictive value 91 %. Both groups exhibited a similar FE of HA by the splanchnic area (-7.9 ± 8.5 % in Group A vs. 7.3 ± 3.6 % in Group B, p = 0.422) and liver (-10.7 ± 6.2 % in Group A vs. 4.6 ± 2.3 % in Group B, p = 0.265).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic HA levels can be used to detect patients at risk of SOS after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for CLMs. Additional investigations into the presence of SOS are indicated in patients with elevated HA levels.

Portal vein embolization: cross-sectional imaging of normal features and complications

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to describe the role of cross-sectional imaging before portal vein embolization, the normal imaging findings after the procedure, and the imaging findings of postprocedural complications.

CONCLUSION

With the increasing emphasis on aggressive resection of hepatic malignancies, portal vein embolization has evolved into a leading technique. Radiologists need to be familiar with the normal imaging findings after this procedure and with the imaging findings of postprocedural complications.

Locoregional surgical and interventional therapies for advanced colorectal cancer liver metastases: expert consensus statements

Selection of the optimal surgical and interventional therapies for advanced colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) requires multidisciplinary discussion of treatment strategies early in the trajectory of the individual patient's care. This paper reports on expert consensus on locoregional and interventional therapies for the treatment of advanced CRLM. Resection remains the reference treatment for patients with bilateral CRLM and synchronous presentation of primary and metastatic cancer. Patients with oligonodular bilateral CRLM may be candidates for one-stage multiple segmentectomies; two-stage resection with or without portal vein embolization may allow complete resection in patients with more advanced disease. After downsizing with preoperative systemic and/or regional therapy, curative-intent hepatectomy requires resection of all initial and currently known sites of disease; debulking procedures are not recommended. Many patients with synchronous primary disease and CRLM can safely undergo simultaneous resection of all disease. Staged resections should be considered for patients in whom the volume of the future liver remnant is anticipated to be marginal or inadequate, who have significant medical comorbid condition(s), or in whom extensive resections are required for the primary cancer and/or CRLM. Priority for liver-first or primary-first resection should depend on primary tumour-related symptoms or concern for the progression of marginally resectable CRLM during treatment of the primary disease. Chemotherapy delivered by hepatic arterial infusion represents a valid option in patients with liver-only disease, although it is best delivered in experienced centres. Ablation strategies are not recommended as first-line treatments for resectable CRLM alone or in combination with resection because of high local failure rates and limitations related to tumour size, multiplicity and intrahepatic location.

Chance of cure following liver resection for initially unresectable colorectal metastases: analysis of actual 5-year survival

BACKGROUND

Survival with long-term follow-up following liver resection for unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) downsized by chemotherapy has rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the chance of cure following liver resection for initially unresectable CRLM.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and December 2009, 61 patients underwent hepatectomy for unresectable liver-only CRLM downsized after chemotherapy. Cure was defined as a recurrence-free interval of at least 5 years after primary hepatectomy.

RESULTS

Resectability of CRLM was achieved after a mean number of 11 courses, and 42.6 % of patients underwent liver resection after ≥10 courses. Postoperative mortality was nil, and morbidity rate was 19.7 %. The 5- and 10-year actuarial overall survival rates were 42.6 and 16.0 %. Of 30 patients with a follow-up ≥5 years, 11 were alive, yielding a 5-year actual overall survival rate of 36.7 %, and 7 (23.3 %) were considered cured because they are alive without recurrence. On multivariate analysis, response to chemotherapy was the only independent predictor of both overall and disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Cure can be achieved in about 23 % of patients resected for initially unresectable CRLM downsized by chemotherapy. Liver resection can be safely performed in selected patients even after multiple courses of chemotherapy.

Surgical management of colorectal cancer metastases to the liver: multimodality approach and a single institutional experience

Over the past 30 years, the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver has undergone major changes. Once considered terminal and incurable, the prognosis of patients with colorectal hepatic metastases has seen dramatic improvements using modern multimodality therapy and now long-term survival and even cure are possible in some patients. Despite the advances seen in systemic therapy, hepatic resection offers the longest survival potential and remains the only curative option. Based on long-term outcomes and the improved safety of hepatic resection using modern operative techniques and critical care support, an aggressive locoregional approach to colorectal hepatic metastasis has become the standard of care. This article focuses on the management of colorectal hepatic metastases and highlights the importance of multimodality therapy. We also report our 18-year experience treating patients with hepatic resection for colorectal metastases.

Improved long-term survival after major resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter analysis based on a new definition of major hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Advances in the surgical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have expanded the indications for curative hepatectomy, including more extensive liver resections. The purpose of this study was to examine long-term survival trends for patients treated with major hepatectomy for HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinicopathologic data for 1,115 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 1981 and 2008 at five hepatobiliary centers in France, China, and the USA were assessed. In addition to other performance metrics, outcomes were evaluated using resection of ≥4 liver segments as a novel definition of major hepatectomy.

RESULTS

Major hepatectomy was performed in 539 patients. In the major hepatectomy group, median tumor size was 10 cm (range: 1-27 cm) and 22 % of the patients had bilateral lesions. The TNM Stage distribution included 29 % Stage I, 31 % Stage II, 38 % Stage III, and 2 % Stage IV. The postoperative histologic examination indicated that chronic liver disease was present in 35 % of the patients and tumor microvascular invasion was identified in 60 % of the patients. The 90-day postoperative mortality rate was 4 %. After a median follow-up time of 63 months, the 5-year overall survival rate was 40 %. Patients treated with right hepatectomy (n = 332) and those requiring extended hepatectomy (n = 207) had similar 90-day postoperative mortality rates (4 % and 4 %, respectively, p = 0.976) and 5-year overall survival rates (42 % and 36 %, respectively, p = 0.523). Postoperative mortality and overall survival rates after major hepatectomy were similar among the participating countries (p > 0.1) and improved over time with 5-year survival rates of 30 %, 40 %, and 51 % for the years 1981-1989, 1990-1999, and the most recent era of 2000-2008, respectively (p = 0.004). In multivariate analysis, factors that were significantly associated with worse survivals included AFP level >1,000 ng/mL, tumor size >5 cm, presence of major vascular invasion, presence of extrahepatic metastases, positive surgical margins, and earlier time period in which the major hepatectomy was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

This multinational, long-term HCC survival analysis indicates that expansion of surgical indications to include major hepatectomy is justified by the significant improvement in outcomes over the past three decades observed in both the East and the West.

Metastatic recurrence after complete resection of colorectal liver metastases: impact of surgery and chemotherapy on survival

PURPOSE

Surgery is the standard of care for resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRC-LM). Unfortunately, 60% of patients develop secondary metastatic recurrence (SMR) after R0-resection of CRC-LM. We investigated the impact of surgical re-intervention and chemotherapy (Ctx) on survival in a consecutive series of patients with SMR.

METHODS

From 01/2001 to 11/2011, 104 out of 178 consecutive patients with R0-resection of CRC-LM developed SMR and were evaluated. The impact of surgical and Ctx re-interventions on recurrence free (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was analyzed. Median follow-up was 28.0 (95%CI: 19.4-37.4) months.

RESULTS

SMR occurred in 81 patients at a single site (49× liver, 18× lung, 14× other) and in 23 patients at multiple sites. Forty-two patients were scheduled for primary surgery. Fifty-three patients were classified as non-resectable and treated with median 5.0 [IQR, 3.0-10.0] cycles of Ctx, combined with an EGFR/VEGF-antibody in 27 patients. Nine patients received best supportive care only. R0/R1 resection could be achieved in 35 patients primarily and even in 8 patients secondarily after Ctx. Surgical morbidity and mortality were 16 and 0%, respectively. The 5-year RFS rates for patients with R0 versus R1-resection were 22 and 24% (p = 0.948). The 5-year CSS rate for R0/R1-resected patients was 38% versus 10% for those patients treated by Ctx alone (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In SMR, surgical re-intervention is feasible and safe in a remarkable number of patients and offers significantly longer CSS compared to patients without resection.

Outcomes of open versus laparoscopic procedure for synchronous radical resection of liver metastatic colorectal cancer: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

The laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) along with synchronous liver metastases has been attempted and reported in multiple single series. In this study, we aimed to examine the feasibility, procedural safety, and oncological integrity of 1-stage totally laparoscopic procedure for the radical resection of liver metastatic CRC in a head-to-head comparison with the 1-stage open procedure simultaneously.

METHODS

The patients who underwent selective 1-stage concomitant resection of CRC and synchronous liver metastases between January 2004 and December 2008 (laparoscopy group, n=13) were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Patients receiving open 1-stage resection (laparotomy group) were retrospectively included at the ratio of 1:1 (n=13 out of 71), matching the laparoscopy group in sex, age, body mass index, site and stage of primary tumor, location and size of liver metastases, and adjuvant therapies.

RESULTS

All the thirteen 1-stage laparoscopic procedures were successfully completed, without conversion to open procedure or additional incision. The operative duration of laparoscopic procedure was shorter than that of open procedure (313 ± 44 vs. 350 ± 46 min, P<0.05). The volume of blood loss was comparable between the 2 groups (259 ± 111 vs. 273 ± 95 mL, P>0.05). Patients undergoing laparoscopic procedure resumed off-bed activities, bowel movement, and oral intake earlier than those undergoing open procedure, and also had a shorter hospitalization stay (8.5 ± 1.9 vs. 11.2 ± 1.8 d, P<0.05). Only 1 clinically significant adverse event occurred in a patient who developed bile leak after the laparoscopic resection. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were comparable between the 2 groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

One-stage synchronous laparoscopic resection of liver metastatic CRC is a feasible, effective, and safe modality in specifically indicated patients, both accelerating postoperative recovery and shortening hospitalization time.

Surgical results after downstaging of initially marginal or non-resectable liver metastases

Surgery remains the best curative treatment for resectable patients with colorectal liver metastases. In patients initially considered unresectable, both refinements in surgical technique using portal vein occlusion or two-step resections and increased efficiency of chemotherapy regimen with the adjunction of antiangiogenics now allow secondary resection. Recent evidence suggests almost identical long-term survival in case of secondary downstaged lesions advocating an aggressive approach. However, these data lie on disparate and nonconsensual criteria for unresectability, which often do not gather technical and oncologic components together. Furthermore, both impaired general status and damaged underlying parenchyma as a consequence of prolonged chemotherapy to achieve resectability as well as the technical challenge required to perform adequate carcinologic resection could increase the operative risk in such patients. In our experience, a subgroup of slow chemo-responding initially unresectable patients who required preoperative liver volume modulation after ≥ 12 cycles of chemotherapy to achieve sufficient response experienced dramatically high operative risk which jeopardized postoperative chemotherapy and subsequently put these patients at increased risk of recurrence. Whether all patients preoperatively amenable to surgery using intensive chemotherapy and complex surgical strategy actually benefit from such an aggressive approach is a matter of ongoing debate, which needs a reappraisal.

Adjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX for primary colorectal cancer is associated with increased somatic gene mutations and inferior survival in patients undergoing hepatectomy for metachronous liver metastases

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that metachronous colorectal liver metastases (CLM) have different biology after failure of oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) compared to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or no chemotherapy for adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC).

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether patients treated with liver resection for metachronous CLM after adjuvant FOLFOX for CRC have worse outcomes than those who received 5-FU or no chemotherapy.

METHODS

We identified 341 patients who underwent hepatectomy for metachronous CLM (disease-free interval ≥12 months, 1993-2010). Mass-spectroscopy genotyping for somatic gene mutations in CLM was performed in a subset of 129 patients.

RESULTS

Adjuvant treatment for primary CRC was FOLFOX in 77 patients, 5-FU in 169 patients, and no chemotherapy in 95 patients. Node-positive primary was comparable between FOLFOX and 5-FU but lower in the no-chemotherapy group (P < 0.0001). Median metastasis size was smaller in the FOLFOX group (2.5 cm) than in the 5-FU (3.0 cm) or no-chemotherapy (3.5 cm) groups, (P = 0.008) although prehepatectomy chemotherapy utilization, metastases number, and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were similar. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates after hepatectomy were worse in patients treated with adjuvant FOLFOX [DFS at 3 years: 14% vs 38% (5-FU) vs 45% (no-chemo), OS at 3 years: 58% vs 70% (5-FU) vs 84% (no-chemo)]. On multivariate analysis, adjuvant FOLFOX was associated with worse DFS (P < 0.0001) and OS (P < 0.0001). Mutation analysis revealed ≥1 mutations in 57% of patients (27/47) after FOLFOX, 29% (12/41) after 5-FU, and 32% (13/41) after no chemotherapy (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant FOLFOX for primary CRC is associated with a high rate of somatic mutations in liver metastases and inferior outcomes after hepatectomy for metachronous CLM.

Survival after liver resection in metastatic colorectal cancer: review and meta-analysis of prognostic factors

Background

Hepatic metastases develop in approximately 50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases. We performed a review and meta-analysis to evaluate survival after resection of CRC liver metastases (CLMs) and estimated the summary effect for seven prognostic factors.

Methods

Studies published between 1999 and 2010, indexed on Medline, that reported survival after resection of CLMs, were reviewed. Meta-relative risks for survival by prognostic factor were calculated, stratified by study size and annual clinic volume. Cumulative meta-analysis results by annual clinic volume were plotted.

Results

Five- and 10-year survival ranged from 16% to 74% (median 38%) and 9% to 69% (median 26%), respectively, based on 60 studies. The overall summary median survival time was 3.6 (range: 1.7–7.3) years. Meta-relative risks (95% confidence intervals) by prognostic factor were: node positive primary, 1.6 (1.5–1.7); carcinoembryonic antigen level, 1.9 (1.1–3.2); extrahepatic disease, 1.9 (1.5–2.4); poor tumor grade, 1.9 (1.3–2.7); positive margin, 2.0 (1.7–2.5); >1 liver metastases, 1.6 (1.4–1.8); and >3 cm tumor diameter, 1.5 (1.3–1.8). Cumulative meta-analyses by annual clinic volume suggested improved survival with increasing volume.

Conclusion

The overall median survival following CLM liver resection was 3.6 years. All seven investigated prognostic factors showed a modest but significant predictive relationship with survival, and certain prognostic factors may prove useful in determining optimal therapeutic options. Due to the increasing complexity of surgical interventions for CLM and the inclusion of patients with higher disease burdens, future studies should consider the potential for selection and referral bias on survival.

Radiofrequency ablation versus resection for colorectal cancer liver metastases: a meta-analysis

Background

No randomized controlled trial (RCT) has yet been performed to provide the evidence to clarify the therapeutic debate on liver resection (LR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The meta-analysis was performed to summarize the evidence mostly from retrospective clinical trials and to investigate the effect of LR and RFA.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Systematic literature search of clinical studies was carried out to compare RFA and LR for CLM in Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library Central databases. The meta-analysis was performed using risk ratio (RR) and random effect model, in which 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for RR were calculated. Primary outcomes were the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 and 5 years plus mortality and morbidity. 1 prospective study and 12 retrospective studies were finally eligible for meta-analysis. LR was significantly superior to RFA in 3 -year OS (RR 1.377, 95% CI: 1.246–1.522); 5-year OS (RR: 1.474, 95%CI: 1.284–1.692); 3-year DFS (RR 1.735, 95% CI: 1.483–2.029) and 5-year DFS (RR 2.227, 95% CI: 1.823–2.720). The postoperative morbidity was higher in LR (RR: 2.495, 95% CI: 1.881–3.308), but no significant difference was found in mortality between LR and RFA. The data from the 3 subgroups (tumor<3 cm; solitary tumor; open surgery or laparoscopic approach) showed significantly better OS and DFS in patients who received surgical resection.

Conclusions/Significances

Although multiple confounders exist in the clinical trials especially the bias in patient selection, LR was significantly superior to RFA in the treatment of CLM, even when conditions limited to tumor<3 cm, solitary tumor and open surgery or laparoscopic (lap) approach. Therefore, caution should be taken when treating CLM with RFA before more supportive evidences for RFA from RCTs are obtained.

Repeated Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Comparison with Primary Liver Resections concerning Perioperative and Long-Term Outcome

Introduction. 60% of patients operated for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) will develop recurrent disease and some may be candidates for a repeated liver resection. The study aimed to evaluate differences in intraoperative blood loss and complications comparing the primary and the repeated liver resection for metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as to evaluate differences in long-time follow-up. Method. 32 patients underwent 34 repeated liver resections due to recurrence of CRLM an studied retrospectively to identify potential differences between the primary and the repeat resections. Results. There was no 30-day postoperative mortality or postoperative hospital deaths. The median blood loss at repeat resection (1850 mL) was significantly (P = 0.014) higher as compared to the primary liver resection (1000 mL). This did not have any effect on the rate of complications, even though increased bleeding in itself was a risk factor for complications. There were no differences in survival at long-term follow-up. Discussion. A repeated liver resection for CRLM was associated with an increased intraoperative bleeding as compared to the first resection. Possible explanations include presence of adhesions, deranged vascular anatomy, more complicated operations and the effects on the liver by chemotherapy following the first liver resection. 30 out of 32 patients had only one reresection of the liver.

Diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in pancreatic cancer

Serum CA 19-9 is the only FDA approved biomarker recommended for use in the routine management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Over 2,000 biomarker studies related to pancreatic cancer appear in the literature, highlighting the need to discover and develop improved tests. Diagnostic biomarkers have implications for early detection of PDA, prognostic markers predict patient survival and recurrence patterns, and predictive markers can help personalize treatment regimens.

An international survey on liver metastases radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

An international survey of radiation therapy (RT) of liver metastases was undertaken by the Liver Cancer Workgroup of the Third International Consensus on Metastases Workshop at the 2010 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) meeting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Canadian, European, Australian, New Zealand and American centers participated in this online survey. The survey had four objectives: 1) to describe the practice patterns for RT of liver metastases; 2) to report on the use of low-dose RT for symptomatic liver metastases; 3) to report on the use of technology; and 4) to describe the regional differences in the management of liver metastases.

RESULTS

A total of 69 individuals treating liver metastases with radiotherapy responded to the survey. Regional response rates ranged from 39% to 50%. The primary professional affiliation of all respondents was evenly distributed amongst ASTRO, CARO, ESTRO and TROG/RANZCR. A 36% increase in the average annual number of referrals over the past five years is reported. The majority of referrals were for radical RT. The most common technologies used were 4D-CT (61%), SBRT (55%), IGRT (50%), and/or IMRT (28%). A uniform treatment approach was not found. The most commonly employed radical regimens were 45 Gy in 3 fractions, 40-50 Gy in 5 fractions, and 45 Gy in 15 fractions. Palliative regimens included 20 Gy in 5 fractions, 30 Gy in 10 fractions, 8 Gy in 1 fraction, and 10 Gy in 2 fractions.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey suggests radiation oncologists will be seeing more referrals for liver RT. The majority of experience in liver metastases RT is with radical SBRT for focal metastases rather than low-dose palliative RT for symptom control. There is significant variation in technology utilization and dose regimens. Prospective studies or registries may allow for comparison of regimens and identification of parameters to optimize patient selection.

Routine preoperative chest computed tomography does not influence therapeutic strategy in patients with colorectal cancer

AIM

Patients with lung metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) may benefit from surgical resection. Chest computed tomography (CT) is often included in the preoperative staging. Interpretation of the nature of pulmonary lesions is not always easy and many question its clinical value.

METHOD

Clinical data for all patients treated at our institution for CRC have been collected prospectively in a dedicated database. Since August 2008 chest CT has been routinely performed for preoperative staging. The outcome of 147 patients operated on since then (Group A) was compared with a numerically equal group of patients (147) (Group B) treated before the introduction of preoperative routine chest CT.

RESULTS

Pulmonary lesions were identified in 45 (30%) patients in Group A and 10 (6.8%) in Group B. Ten and nine lesions, respectively, were interpreted as metastases. In 28 (19%) patients in Group A, the lesions were considered to be indeterminate and only four were confirmed as malignant. Overall metastases were present after 1 year of follow-up in 5 (50%) of 10 patients in Group A and 5 (55%) of 9 in Group B. The global incidence of synchronous and metachronous metastases was 6.8%, with no statistical difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that chest CT reveals a higher number of pulmonary lesions, only a small proportion of which were malignant. The investigation does not add value to routine staging methods in patients with CRC.

Portal vein occlusion before major hepatectomy in patients with colorectal liver metastases: rationale, indications, technical aspects, complications and outcome

Surgery is the only curative treatment for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), but resection should be total with tumor-free margins and the remaining parenchyma, functionally evaluated. The rationale behind portal vein embolization (PVE) to reduce the risk of these hepatic resections is threefold: (i) surgery for CRLM has become more and more aggressive, and hepatocellular insufficiency represents the leading cause of mortality after major hepatectomy for hepatic metastasis (HM), (ii) underlying hepatic disease occurs more frequently than previously thought in these patients having undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and can alter hepatic function and/or hinder postoperative regeneration, and (iii) the operative risk is increased if major hepatectomy is associated with resection of the primary tumor. The goal of this update is to review the reasons behind and the indications for PVE, to analyze the literature pertaining to whether PVE should be routine or selective, and to tackle certain technical aspects, all within the framework of the treatment of CRLM.

Liver hypertrophy and accelerated growth of implanted tumors in nonembolized liver of rabbit after left portal vein embolization

BACKGROUND

Portal vein embolization (PVE) has become a standard preoperative procedure to promote hypertrophy of the future remnant liver to reduce postoperative liver failure. Whether PVE accelerates tumor growth is still controversial. We developed a left PVE procedure and investigated its effect on liver hypertrophy and tumor growth in a rabbit liver tumor model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

VX2 tumors were implanted in both the external left and right middle lobe (the bilateral group) or in the external left lobe only (the unilateral group) of rabbit liver. Both groups were further divided into a PVE or a sham/control group. Tumor volume and tumor growth rate as volume relative increase were determined by ultrasound. Liver volume-to-body weight index, an index for liver volume, was compared. Serum HGF was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

In the bilateral PVE group, tumor volume and relative increase value in the nonembolized lobe were significantly (71% and 65%, respectively) greater than those in the control group at 5 d post-PVE. In the unilateral PVE group, liver volume-to-body weight index of the nonembolized lobes was significantly increased by 17%. Increase of serum HGF level after PVE was correlated well with both tumor growth and liver hypertrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

Left PVE promoted both the growth of implanted tumors and liver hypertrophy in the nonembolized liver, in which serum HGF might play an important role.

Evidence for tumor cell spread during local hepatic ablation of colorectal liver metastases

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of cryosurgery (CRYO) on liver metastases compared to other thermoablative techniques. In a rat liver metastases model, evidence for tumor cell spread was analyzed comparing CRYO, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT).

METHODS

In an experimental study, we compared cell spillage in the washout of isolated perfused rat livers undergoing thermal ablation. Within the same model, CC531-GFP rat liver tumors were treated with CRYO, RFA, or LITT and the number of vital tumor cells within the perfusate was measured. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) were analyzed after in vivo ablation of rat colorectal liver metastases in the third experimental model.

RESULTS

Our data showed pronounced washout of cells after CRYO with a higher amount of intravascular cells and cell detritus compared to RFA and LITT. Only the effluent fluid of cryosurgery-treated livers revealed GFP-stained tumor cells. MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was significantly higher after cryosurgery than after RFA and LITT.

CONCLUSION

When using thermoablative techniques, intravascular metastatic cell spillage is highest in CRYO, and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases may further facilitate tumor cell spread. Therefore, RFA and LITT may be preferable whenever surgical resection of liver tumors is impossible.

Totally laparoscopic strategies for the management of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopy is an accepted treatment for colorectal cancer and liver metastases, but there is no consensus for its use in the management of synchronous liver metastases (SCRLM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate totally laparoscopic strategies in the management of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases.

METHODS

Patients presenting to Ninewells Hospital between July 2007 and August 2010, with adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum with synchronous liver metastases were considered. Patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic liver and colon cancer resection, a staged laparoscopic resection of SCRLM and colon cancer, or simultaneous colon resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of SCRLM. Primary endpoints were in-hospital morbidity and mortality, total hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, and resection margin status.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients presented with synchronous colorectal liver metastases. Thirteen patients underwent a simultaneous laparoscopic liver and colon resection (median operating time, 370 (range, 190-540) min; median hospital stay, 7 (range, 3-54) days), seven patients had a staged laparoscopic resection of SCRLM and primary colon cancer (median operating time, 530 (range, 360-980) min; median hospital stay 14, (range, 6-51) days), and eight patients underwent laparoscopic colon resection and RFA of SCRLM (median operating time, 310 (range, 240-425) min; median hospital stay, 8 (range, 6-13) days). There were no conversions to an open procedure. Overall in-hospital morbidity and mortality was 28 and 0 % respectively. An R0 resection margin was achieved in 91 % of the resection group. At a median follow-up of 26 (range, 18-55) months, 19 (90 %) patients remain disease-free.

CONCLUSIONS

Totally laparoscopic strategies for the radical treatment of stage IV colorectal cancer are feasible with low morbidity and favorable outcomes. A laparoscopic approach for the simultaneous management of SCRLM and primary colon cancer is associated with reduced surgical access trauma, postoperative morbidity, and hospital stay with no compromise in short-term oncological outcome.

Totally laparoscopic strategies for the management of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopy is an accepted treatment for colorectal cancer and liver metastases, but there is no consensus for its use in the management of synchronous liver metastases (SCRLM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate totally laparoscopic strategies in the management of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases.

METHODS

Patients presenting to Ninewells Hospital between July 2007 and August 2010, with adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum with synchronous liver metastases were considered. Patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic liver and colon cancer resection, a staged laparoscopic resection of SCRLM and colon cancer, or simultaneous colon resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of SCRLM. Primary endpoints were in-hospital morbidity and mortality, total hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, and resection margin status.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients presented with synchronous colorectal liver metastases. Thirteen patients underwent a simultaneous laparoscopic liver and colon resection (median operating time, 370 (range, 190-540) min; median hospital stay, 7 (range, 3-54) days), seven patients had a staged laparoscopic resection of SCRLM and primary colon cancer (median operating time, 530 (range, 360-980) min; median hospital stay 14, (range, 6-51) days), and eight patients underwent laparoscopic colon resection and RFA of SCRLM (median operating time, 310 (range, 240-425) min; median hospital stay, 8 (range, 6-13) days). There were no conversions to an open procedure. Overall in-hospital morbidity and mortality was 28 and 0 % respectively. An R0 resection margin was achieved in 91 % of the resection group. At a median follow-up of 26 (range, 18-55) months, 19 (90 %) patients remain disease-free.

CONCLUSIONS

Totally laparoscopic strategies for the radical treatment of stage IV colorectal cancer are feasible with low morbidity and favorable outcomes. A laparoscopic approach for the simultaneous management of SCRLM and primary colon cancer is associated with reduced surgical access trauma, postoperative morbidity, and hospital stay with no compromise in short-term oncological outcome.

Disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow negatively influence survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Despite all efforts in extending the resectability rates of colorectal liver metastases, thus improving the prognosis of the patients, tumor recurrence occurs in many patients. Occult dissemination of tumor cells might reflect a minimal residual disease that is not eliminated by primary surgery. Because the prognostic effect of disseminated tumor cells (DTC) is still uncertain in this clinical setting, we analyzed these cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients undergoing hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS

In 108 patients with colorectal liver metastases, the presence of DTC in the peripheral blood and bone marrow was detected with CK20 RT-PCR. Clinical data were prospectively collected, and multiple variables were analyzed regarding their influence on overall survival.

RESULTS

DTC in the peripheral blood were detected in 40% of the patients. In 25% of the patients, DTC were detected in the bone marrow. The median follow-up was 34 months. Fifty-nine of 108 patients died from tumor relapse. Multivariate analysis determined detection of DTC in the bone marrow to be an independent prognostic factors for overall survival (P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

This large series of patients with hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases demonstrated that detection of CK20-positive DTC via RT-PCR in the bone marrow compartment negatively influences overall survival. The evidence of DTC in the bone marrow might serve as an additional individual marker to select patients for adjuvant treatment after liver metastases resection.

What is a safe future liver remnant size in patients undergoing major hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases and treated by intensive preoperative chemotherapy?

BACKGROUND

A multidisciplinary approach involving preoperative chemotherapy has become common practice in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The definition of a safe future liver remnant (FLR) volume based on preoperative clinical data in these patients is lacking. Our aim was to identify predictors of postoperative morbidities in patients undergoing major hepatectomy after intensive preoperative chemotherapy for CLM.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and August 2010, a total of 101 consecutive patients with CLM underwent major hepatectomy after preoperative chemotherapy (≥6 cycles of oxaliplatin or irinotecan regimen with or without targeted therapies). The FLR ratio was calculated by two formulas: actual FLR (aFLR) ratio, and standardized FLR (sFLR) ratio. Predictors of postoperative overall morbidity, sepsis, and liver failure were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients (57.4%) had 95 postoperative complications. Sepsis and postoperative liver failure occurred in 23 (22.8%) and 16 patients (15.8%), respectively. On univariate analysis, small aFLR ratio was significantly associated with all complications, and sFLR ratio was associated with sepsis and liver failure. In receiver-operating characteristic analysis, the cutoff of aFLR ratio in predicting overall morbidity, sepsis, and liver failure was 44.8, 43.1, and 37.7%, respectively, and that of sFLR ratio in predicting sepsis and liver failure was 43.6 and 48.5%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, these aFLR and sFLR ratio cutoffs were independent predictors of all complications and of sepsis and liver failure, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a cutoff FLR ratio for safe postoperative outcome after major hepatectomy in CLM patients receiving six or more cycles of preoperative chemotherapy.

Simultaneous surgery for primary colorectal cancer and metastatic lesions?

Approximately 20-25% of patients with colorectal cancer present with liver metastases at the time of diagnosis. Traditionally, resection of the primary tumor has been advocated in order to prevent complications of the primary tumor colorectal cancer in patients with synchronous liver metastases. The published data concerning long-term prognosis in this group of patients are discordant. Although some of the reports show survival benefits from resection of the primary tumor, these studies are retrospective with small number of patients and using single drug chemotherapy. For patients with resectable liver metastases, new studies indicate that progression-free survival is best in patients receiving perioperative chemotherapy. In patients with synchronous nonresectable liver metastases and colorectal cancer, there is no published prospective randomized study comparing initial surgery of the primary tumor with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, recent publications show that in patients receiving chemotherapy based on oxaliplatin or irinotecan combined with targeted treatments, the complications associated with the primary tumor are less than 10%. The conclusion should be that today prophylactic surgery of asymptomatic primary colorectal cancer in patients with liver metastases cannot be recommended.

A systematic review of treatment guidelines for metastatic colorectal cancer

AIM

A systematic review of treatment guidelines for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) was performed to assess recommendations for monoclonal antibody therapy in these guidelines.

METHOD

Relevant papers were identified through electronic searches of MEDLINE, MEDLINE In Process, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library; through manual searches of reference lists; and by searching the Internet.

RESULTS

A total of 57 relevant guidelines were identified, 32 through electronic database searches and 25 through the website searches. The majority of guidelines were published between 2004 and 2010. The country publishing the most guidelines was the USA (12), followed by the UK (10), Canada (eight), France (eight), Germany (three), Australia (two), Spain (two) and Italy (one). In addition, eight European and three international guidelines were identified. As monoclonal antibody therapy for mCRC was not introduced until 2004, no firm recommendations for monoclonal antibody therapy were made in guidelines published between 2004 and 2006. Recommendations for monoclonal antibody therapy first appeared in 2007 and evolved as more data became available. The most recent international, European and US guidelines recommend combination chemotherapy with the addition of a monoclonal antibody for the first-line treatment of mCRC. Second-line treatment depends on the first-line regimen used. For chemoresistant mCRC, cetuximab or panitumumab are recommended as monotherapy in patients with wild-type KRAS tumours.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that recent treatment guidelines have recognized the role of monoclonal antibodies in the management of mCRC, and that treatment guidelines should be updated in a timely manner to reflect the most recently available data.

Bilobar spreading of colorectal liver metastases does not significantly affect survival after R0 resection in the era of interdisciplinary multimodal treatment

PURPOSE

Bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are often considered incurable or associated with poor prognosis even after R0 resection. In this single-center study, we evaluate the impact of CRLM spreading on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific overall survival (CSS) after R0 resection of CRLM with respect to multimodal treatment strategies including perioperative chemotherapy and multistep resections.

METHODS

Between January 2001 and December 2010, R0 resection could be achieved in 70 patients with bilobar and 100 with unilobar CRLM. Extent of disease, perioperative chemotherapy, surgical procedures, adjuvant treatment, histopathological workup, RFS, and CSS were compared between both cohorts.

RESULTS

Forty-six (66 %) patients with bilobar and 26 (26 %) patients with unilobar CRLM received preoperative chemotherapy (p < 0.001). For bilobar CRLM, more extended and multistep resection including portal vein occlusion were performed (29 % versus 3 %; p < 0.001). Morbidity (39 % versus 28 %, p = 0.183) and mortality (1 % versus 3 %, p = 0.644) rates were comparable in both patients' cohorts. Postoperative therapy was applied in adjuvant intent to 42 (60 %) versus 51 (51 %) patients (p = 0.275). The 5-year RFS and CSS rates were 24 % versus 31 % (p = 0.169) and 42 % versus 55 % (p = 0.131), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

To our single-center experience, there is no significant effect of CRLM spreading (bilobar versus unilobar) on RFS and CSS rates. Bilobar CRLM are more likely to require extended multimodal efforts to achieve R0 resection.

Surgical treatment of neuroendocrine liver metastases

Management of Neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) is challenging. The presence of NELM worsens survival outcome and almost 10% of all liver metastases are neuroendocrine in origin. There is no firm consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for NELM. A systematic search of the PubMed database was performed from 1995-2010, to collate the current evidence and formulate a sound management algorithm. There are 22 case series with a total of 793 patients who had undergone surgery for NELM. The overall survival ranges from 46-86% at 5 years, 35-79% at 10 years, and the median survival ranges from 52-123 months. After successful cytoreductive surgery, the mean duration of symptom reduction is between 16-26 months, and the 5-year recurrence/progression rate ranges from 59-76%. Five studies evaluated the efficacy of a combination cytoreductive strategy reporting survival rate of ranging from 83% at 3 years to 50% at 10 years. To date, there is no level 1 evidence comparing surgery versus other liver-directed treatment options for NELM. An aggressive surgical approach, including combination with additional liver-directed procedures is recommended as it leads to long-term survival, significant long-term palliation, and a good quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach should be established as the platform for decision making.

Current state of surgical treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Hepatic resection is the procedure of choice for curative treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Objectives of surgical strategy are low intraoperative blood loss, short liver ischemic times and minor postoperative morbidity and mortality. Blood loss is an independent predictor of mortality and compromises, in common with postoperative complications, long-term outcome after hepatectomy for CLM. The type of liver resection has no impact on the outcome of patients with CLM; wedge resections are not inferior to anatomical resections in terms of tumor clearance, pattern of recurrence or survival. Despite the lack of proof of survival benefit, routine lymphadenectomy has been advocated, allowing the detection of microscopic lymph node metastases and with prognostic value. In experienced hands, minimally invasive liver surgery is safe with acceptable morbidity and mortality and oncological results comparable to open hepatic surgery, but with reduced blood loss and earlier recovery. The European Colorectal Metastases Treatment Group recommended treating up front with chemotherapy for patients with both resectable and unresectable CLM. However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can induce damage to the remnant liver, dependent on the number of chemotherapy cycles. Therefore, in our opinion, preoperative chemotherapy should be reserved for patients whose CLM are marginally resectable or unresectable. A meta analysis of randomized trials dealing with perioperative chemotherapy for the treatment of resectable CLM demonstrated a benefit of systemic chemotherapy but did not answer the question of whether a neoadjuvant or adjuvant approach should be preferred. Analysis of the literature demonstrates that the results of specialized centers cannot be attained in the reality of comprehensive patient care. Reasons behind the commonly poorer results seen in cancer networks as compared with literature-based data are, on the one hand, geographical disparities in access to specialized surgical and medical care. On the other hand, a selection bias in the reports of the literature may be assumed. Studies of surgical resection for CLM derive almost exclusively from case series generally drawn from large academic centers where patient selection or surgical expertise is superior to what is found in many communities. Therefore, we may conclude that the comprehensive propagation of the standards outlined in this paper constitutes a major task in the near future to reduce the variations in survival of patients with CLM.

Treatment decisions after diagnosis of metastatic colorectal cancer

Treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) involves the use of active cytotoxic drugs (irinotecan, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil [5-FU], and capecitabine) and biological agents (bevacizumab, cetuximab, and panitumumab) either in combination or as single agents. Until recently, the only biological agent with proven first-line efficacy was bevacizumab, but options have expanded from the data generated with anti-endothelial growth factor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies. Anti-EGFR agents can be added to first-line FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin [folinic acid], irinotecan) or FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin [folinic acid], oxaliplatin) in patients whose tumors express wild-type KRAS. These agents may improve outcomes when added to chemotherapy, particularly progression-free survival (PFS), and in the case of cetuximab, overall survival (OS) and response rates. The selection of first-line therapy should be based on the individual treatment goals after considering the efficacy and tolerability of each regimen. For patients with metastases confined to the liver, surgical resection offers a potentially curative approach. For initially unresectable lesions, treatment regimens offering high response rates may produce sufficient tumor shrinkage to permit complete resection. Regimens with high response rates are also preferable for patients requiring symptom relief or for those with large tumor burdens. The choice between intensive vs. nonintensive management also depends on other factors, including the patient's functional status, comorbidities, and desires. A sequential single-agent strategy or an intermittent approach (combination therapy followed by maintenance) may minimize toxicity and be appropriate for patients who are not surgical candidates, irrespective of treatment response. Guidelines, such as those of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), recommend that KRAS mutational status should be determined at mCRC diagnosis to identify candidates for anti-EGFR therapy whether they are used in first or subsequent lines of treatment.