Metastatic liver tumors

Semin Surg Oncol. 2000 Sep-Oct;19(2):177-88. doi: 10.1002/1098-2388(200009)19:2<177::aid-ssu9>3.0.co;2-s.

Abstract

The liver is a common site of metastasis from a variety of tumors. In many cases, liver resection for metastatic cancer provides the only chance for a cure and can be performed with less than 5% mortality and acceptable morbidity. The 5-year survival following liver resection for colorectal metastasis is reported in many large series to be 25% to 37%. The data regarding liver resection for other metastatic tumor types are less clear. However, resection for selected tumors, such as neuroendocrine and renal cell, can provide durable palliation and/or cure. We will review important prognostic factors used to guide the selection of patients for resection of metastatic disease and make recommendations for imaging studies and follow-up routines. The role of adjuvant regional and systemic chemotherapy for resectable metastatic disease is also discussed. Methods for ablating unresectable metastatic tumors may prove to be useful adjuncts to current therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Cholangiography
  • Cryosurgery
  • Hepatectomy*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Survival Analysis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed