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

The Use of Circulating Tumor DNA to Monitor and Predict Response to Treatment in Colorectal Cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and has a high mortality rate following disease recurrence. Treatment efficacy is maximized by providing tailored cancer treatment, ideally involving surgical resection and personalized neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and increasingly, targeted therapy. Early detection of recurrence or disease progression results in more treatable disease and is essential to improving survival outcomes. Recent advances in the understanding of tumor genetics have resulted in the discovery of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). A growing body of evidence supports the use of these sensitive biomarkers in detecting residual disease and diagnosing recurrence as well as enabling targeted and tumor-specific adjuvant therapies. Methods: A literature search in Pubmed was performed to identify all original articles preceding April 2019 that utilize ctDNA for the purpose of monitoring response to colorectal cancer treatment. Results: Ninety-two clinical studies were included. These studies demonstrate that ctDNA is a reliable measure of tumor burden. Studies show the utility of ctDNA in assessing the adequacy of surgical tumor clearance and changes in ctDNA levels reflect response to systemic treatments. ctDNA can be used in the selection of targeted treatments. The reappearance or increase in ctDNA, as well as the emergence of new mutations, correlates with disease recurrence, progression, and resistance to therapy, with ctDNA measurement allowing more sensitive monitoring than currently used clinical tools. Conclusions: ctDNA shows enormous promise as a sensitive biomarker for monitoring response to many treatment modalities and for targeting therapy. Thus, it is emerging as a new way for guiding treatment decisions-initiating, altering, and ceasing treatments, or prompting investigation into the potential for residual disease. However, many potentially useful ctDNA markers are available and more work is needed to determine which are best suited for specific purposes and for improving specific outcomes.

In-Depth Characterization of Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomic Profiles Revealed Novel Signature Proteins Associated with Liver Metastatic Colorectal Cancers

Liver metastasis is the most common form of metastatic colorectal cancers during the course of the disease. The global change in protein abundance in liver metastatic colorectal cancers and its role in metastasis establishment have not been comprehensively analyzed. In the present study, fresh-frozen tissue samples including normal colon/localized/liver metastatic CRCs from each recruited patient were analyzed by quantitative proteomics using a multiplexed TMT labeling strategy. Around 5000 protein groups were quantified from all samples. The proteomic profile of localized/metastatic CRCs varied greatly from that of normal colon tissues; differential proteins were mainly from extracellular regions and participate in immune activities, which is crucial for the chronic inflammation signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment. Further statistical analysis revealed 47 proteins exhibiting statistical significance between localized and metastatic CRCs, of which FILI1P1 and PLG were identified for the first time in proteomic data, which were highly associated with liver metastasis in CRCs.

Thermal Ablation of Metastatic Colon Cancer to the Liver

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is responsible for approximately 10% of cancer-related deaths in the Western world. Liver metastases are frequently seen at the time of diagnosis and throughout the course of the disease. Surgical resection is often considered as it provides long-term survival; however, few patients are candidates for resection. Percutaneous ablative therapies are also used in the management of this patient population. Different thermal ablation (TA) technologies are available including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation (MWA), laser, and cryoablation. There is growing evidence about the role of interventional oncology and image-guided percutaneous ablation in the management of metastatic colorectal liver disease. This article aims to outline the technical considerations, outcomes, and rational of TA in the management of patients with CRC liver metastases, focusing on the emerging role of MWA.

Adjuvant Hepatic Arterial Infusion Pump Chemotherapy After Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases: Results of a Safety and Feasibility Study in The Netherlands

Background

The 10-year overall survival with adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) was 61% in clinical trials from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. A pilot study was performed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of adjuvant HAIP chemotherapy in patients with resectable CRLMs.

Study Design

A phase II study was performed in two centers in The Netherlands. Patients with resectable CRLM without extrahepatic disease were eligible. All patients underwent complete resection and/or ablation of CRLMs and pump implantation. Safety was determined by the 90-day HAIP-related postoperative complications from the day of pump placement (Clavien–Dindo classification, grade III or higher) and feasibility by the successful administration of the first cycle of HAIP chemotherapy.

Results

A total of 20 patients, with a median age of 57 years (interquartile range [IQR] 51–64) were included. Grade III or higher HAIP-related postoperative complications were found in two patients (10%), both of whom had a reoperation (without laparotomy) to replace a pump with a slow flow rate or to reposition a flipped pump. No arterial bleeding, arterial dissection, arterial thrombosis, extrahepatic perfusion, pump pocket hematoma, or pump pocket infections were found within 90 days after surgery. After a median of 43 days (IQR 29–52) following surgery, all patients received the first dose of HAIP chemotherapy, which was completed uneventfully in all patients.

Conclusion

Pump implantation is safe, and administration of HAIP chemotherapy is feasible, in patients with resectable CRLMs, after training of a dedicated multidisciplinary team.

Ablation or Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases? A Systematic Review of the Literature

Background: Successful use of ablation for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) has led to interest in the role of ablation for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, there remains a lack of clarity about the use of ablation for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), specifically its efficacy compared with hepatic resection. Methods: A systematic review of the literature on ablation or resection of colorectal liver metastases was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase until December 2018. The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence for ablation vs. resection in the treatment of CRLM. Results: This review identified 1,773 studies of which 18 were eligible for inclusion. In the majority of the studies, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were significantly higher and local recurrence (LR) rates were significantly lower in the resection groups. On subgroup analysis of solitary CRLM, resection was associated with improved OS, DFS, and reduced LR. Three series assessed the outcome of resection vs. ablation for technically resectable CRLM, and showed improved outcome in the resection group. In fact, there were no studies showing a survival advantage of ablation compared to resection in the treatment of CRLM. Conclusions: Resection remains the "gold standard" in the treatment of CRLM and should not be replaced by ablation at present. This review supports the use of ablation only as an adjunct to resection and as a single treatment option when resection is not safely possible.

Use of perioperative chemotherapy in colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver

A curative-intent approach may improve survival in carefully selected patients with oligometastatic colorectal cancer. Aggressive treatments are most frequently administered to patients with isolated liver metastasis, though they may be judiciously considered for other sites of metastasis. To be considered for curative intent with surgery, patients must have disease that can be definitively treated while leaving a sufficient functional liver remnant. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be used for upfront resectable disease as a test of tumor biology and/or for upfront unresectable disease to increase the likelihood of resectability (so-called 'conversion' chemotherapy). While conversion chemotherapy in this setting aims to improve survival, the choice of a regimen remains a complex and highly individualized decision. In this review, we discuss the role of RAS status, primary site, sidedness, and other clinical features that affect chemotherapy treatment selection as well as key factors of patients that guide individualized patient-treatment recommendations for colorectal-cancer patients being considered for definitive treatment with metastasectomy.

Combined targeting of HER-2 and HER-3 represents a promising therapeutic strategy in colorectal cancer

Background

Abrogation of growth factor-dependent signaling represents an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Here we evaluated the effectiveness of targeting the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors HER-2 and HER-3 in the three cell lines LS513, LS1034 and SW837.

Methods

Treatment with HER-2-specific antibodies trastuzumab and pertuzumab resulted in a mild reduction of cellular viability. In contrast, the antibody-drug conjugate T-DM1 mediated a strong and dose-dependent decrease of viability and Akt phosphorylation.

Results

The most striking effects were observed with the dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib, and the Pan-ErbB inhibitor afatinib. Selectively, the effect of EGF receptor inhibition was augmented by a combination with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Finally, high expression of HER-3 was detected in 121 of 172 locally advanced rectal cancers (70.3%). In conclusion, inhibition of EGF receptors effectively blocks downstream signaling and significantly impairs viability of CRC cells. However, the effectiveness of receptor inhibition highly depends on the inhibitors’ mode of action, as targeting HER-2 alone is not sufficient.

Conclusion

Since HER-2 and HER-3 are expressed in a relevant number of patients, targeting both receptors may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for CRC.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-6051-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Follow-up strategies for patients treated for non-metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

This is the fourth update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2002 and last updated in 2016.It is common clinical practice to follow patients with colorectal cancer for several years following their curative surgery or adjuvant therapy, or both. Despite this widespread practice, there is considerable controversy about how often patients should be seen, what tests should be performed, and whether these varying strategies have any significant impact on patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of follow-up programmes (follow-up versus no follow-up, follow-up strategies of varying intensity, and follow-up in different healthcare settings) on overall survival for patients with colorectal cancer treated with curative intent. Secondary objectives are to assess relapse-free survival, salvage surgery, interval recurrences, quality of life, and the harms and costs of surveillance and investigations.

SEARCH METHODS

For this update, on 5 April 2109 we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Science Citation Index. We also searched reference lists of articles, and handsearched the Proceedings of the American Society for Radiation Oncology. In addition, we searched the following trials registries: ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We contacted study authors. We applied no language or publication restrictions to the search strategies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomised controlled trials comparing different follow-up strategies for participants with non-metastatic colorectal cancer treated with curative intent.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two review authors independently determined study eligibility, performed data extraction, and assessed risk of bias and methodological quality. We used GRADE to assess evidence quality.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 19 studies, which enrolled 13,216 participants (we included four new studies in this second update). Sixteen out of the 19 studies were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Although the studies varied in setting (general practitioner (GP)-led, nurse-led, or surgeon-led) and 'intensity' of follow-up, there was very little inconsistency in the results.Overall survival: we found intensive follow-up made little or no difference (hazard ratio (HR) 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 1.04: I² = 18%; high-quality evidence). There were 1453 deaths among 12,528 participants in 15 studies. In absolute terms, the average effect of intensive follow-up on overall survival was 24 fewer deaths per 1000 patients, but the true effect could lie between 60 fewer to 9 more per 1000 patients.Colorectal cancer-specific survival: we found intensive follow-up probably made little or no difference (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.07: I² = 0%; moderate-quality evidence). There were 925 colorectal cancer deaths among 11,771 participants enrolled in 11 studies. In absolute terms, the average effect of intensive follow-up on colorectal cancer-specific survival was 15 fewer colorectal cancer-specific survival deaths per 1000 patients, but the true effect could lie between 47 fewer to 12 more per 1000 patients.Relapse-free survival: we found intensive follow-up made little or no difference (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.21; I² = 41%; high-quality evidence). There were 2254 relapses among 8047 participants enrolled in 16 studies. The average effect of intensive follow-up on relapse-free survival was 17 more relapses per 1000 patients, but the true effect could lie between 30 fewer and 66 more per 1000 patients.Salvage surgery with curative intent: this was more frequent with intensive follow-up (risk ratio (RR) 1.98, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.56; I² = 31%; high-quality evidence). There were 457 episodes of salvage surgery in 5157 participants enrolled in 13 studies. In absolute terms, the effect of intensive follow-up on salvage surgery was 60 more episodes of salvage surgery per 1000 patients, but the true effect could lie between 33 to 96 more episodes per 1000 patients.Interval (symptomatic) recurrences: these were less frequent with intensive follow-up (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.86; I² = 66%; moderate-quality evidence). There were 376 interval recurrences reported in 3933 participants enrolled in seven studies. Intensive follow-up was associated with fewer interval recurrences (52 fewer per 1000 patients); the true effect is between 18 and 75 fewer per 1000 patients.Intensive follow-up probably makes little or no difference to quality of life, anxiety, or depression (reported in 7 studies; moderate-quality evidence). The data were not available in a form that allowed analysis.Intensive follow-up may increase the complications (perforation or haemorrhage) from colonoscopies (OR 7.30, 95% CI 0.75 to 70.69; 1 study, 326 participants; very low-quality evidence). Two studies reported seven colonoscopic complications in 2292 colonoscopies, three perforations and four gastrointestinal haemorrhages requiring transfusion. We could not combine the data, as they were not reported by study arm in one study.The limited data on costs suggests that the cost of more intensive follow-up may be increased in comparison with less intense follow-up (low-quality evidence). The data were not available in a form that allowed analysis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The results of our review suggest that there is no overall survival benefit for intensifying the follow-up of patients after curative surgery for colorectal cancer. Although more participants were treated with salvage surgery with curative intent in the intensive follow-up groups, this was not associated with improved survival. Harms related to intensive follow-up and salvage therapy were not well reported.

Hepatic Resection Following Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Cancer Metastases in the FOXFIRE Clinical Trial: Clinical Outcomes and Distribution of Microspheres

The FOXFIRE (5-Fluorouracil, OXaliplatin and Folinic acid ± Interventional Radio-Embolisation) clinical trial combined systemic chemotherapy (OxMdG: Oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and folic acid) with Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT or radio-embolisation) using yttrium-90 resin microspheres in the first-line management for liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). We report clinical outcomes for patients having hepatic resection after this novel combination therapy and an exploratory analysis of histopathology. Multi-Disciplinary Teams deemed all patients inoperable before trial registration and reassessed them during protocol therapy. Proportions were compared using Chi-squared tests and survival using Cox models. FOXFIRE randomised 182 participants to chemotherapy alone and 182 to chemotherapy with SIRT. There was no statistically significant difference in the resection rate between groups: Chemotherapy alone was 18%, (n = 33); SIRT combination was 21% (n = 38) (p = 0.508). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the rate of liver surgery, nor in survival from time of resection (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83-2.89). In the subgroup studied for histopathology, microsphere density was highest at the tumour periphery. Patients treated with SIRT plus chemotherapy displayed lower values of viable tumour in comparison to those treated with chemotherapy alone (p < 0.05). This study promotes the feasibility of hepatic resection following SIRT. Resin microspheres appear to preferentially distribute at the tumour periphery and may enhance tumour regression.

Multidisciplinary management of liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer: a consensus of SEOM, AEC, SEOR, SERVEI, and SEMNIM

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the second-highest tumor incidence and is a leading cause of death by cancer. Nearly 20% of patients with CRC will have metastases at the time of diagnosis, and more than 50% of patients with CRC develop metastatic disease during the course of their disease. A group of experts from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, the Spanish Association of Surgeons, the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology, the Spanish Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, and the Spanish Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging met to discuss and provide a multidisciplinary consensus on the management of liver metastases in patients with CRC. The group defined the different scenarios in which the disease can present: fit or unfit patients with resectable liver metastases, patients with potential resectable liver metastases, and patients with unresectable liver metastases. Within each scenario, the different strategies and therapeutic approaches are discussed.

Local treatment of oligometastatic disease: current role

The presence of distant metastases has long been a predictor of poor outcome in solid cancer. However, in an oncologic situation called oligometastatic disease (OMD), multiple studies have revealed a survival benefit with aggressive treatment of these metastases. Besides surgery and radiation therapy, local thermal therapies have developed into a treatment option for OMD. Most studies concerning local therapy of OMD are available for colorectal cancer, which is therefore the focus of this article. Furthermore, this review gives a basic overview of the most popular ablation techniques for treatment of OMD.

Histopathological growth patterns of colorectal liver metastasis exhibit little heterogeneity and can be determined with a high diagnostic accuracy

Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) exhibit distinct histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) that are indicative of prognosis following surgical treatment. This study aims to assess the reliability and replicability of this histological biomarker. Within and between metastasis HGP concordance was analysed in patients who underwent surgery for CRLM. An independent cohort was used for external validation. Within metastasis concordance was assessed in CRLM with ≥ 2 tissue blocks. Similarly, concordance amongst multiple metastases was determined in patients with ≥ 2 resected CRLM. Diagnostic accuracy [expressed in area under the curve (AUC)] was compared by number of blocks and number of metastases scored. Interobserver agreement (Cohen’s k) compared to the gold standard was determined for a pathologist and a PhD candidate without experience in HGP assessment after one and two training sessions. Both the within (95%, n = 825) and the between metastasis (90%, n = 363) HGP concordance was high. These results could be replicated in the external validation cohort with a within and between metastasis concordance of 97% and 94%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy improved when scoring 2 versus 1 blocks(s) or CRLM (AUC = 95.9 vs. 97.7 [p = 0.039] and AUC = 96.5 vs. 93.3 [p = 0.026], respectively), but not when scoring 3 versus 2 blocks or CRLM (both p > 0.2). After two training sessions the interobserver agreement for both the pathologist and the PhD candidate were excellent (k = 0.953 and k = 0.951, respectively). The histopathological growth patterns of colorectal liver metastasis exhibit little heterogeneity and can be determined with a high diagnostic accuracy, making them a reliable and replicable histological biomarker.

A Concise Review of Pelvic Radiation Therapy (RT) for Rectal Cancer with Synchronous Liver Metastases

Background and Objective

Colorectal cancer is a major health concern as a very common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The liver is a very common site of metastatic spread for colorectal cancers, and, while nearly half of the patients develop metastases during the course of their disease, synchronous liver metastases are detected in 15% to 25% of cases. There is no standardized treatment in this setting and no consensus exists on optimal sequencing of multimodality management for rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases.

Methods

Herein, we review the use of pelvic radiation therapy (RT) as part of potentially curative or palliative management of rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases.

Results

There is accumulating evidence on the utility of pelvic RT for facilitating subsequent surgery, improving local tumor control, and achieving palliation of symptoms in patients with stage IV rectal cancer. Introduction of superior imaging capabilities and contemporary RT approaches such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) offer improved precision and toxicity profile of radiation delivery in the modern era.

Conclusion

Even in the setting of stage IV rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases, there may be potential for extended survival and cure by aggressive management of primary tumor and metastases in selected patients. Despite lack of consensus on sequencing of treatment modalities, pelvic RT may serve as a critical component of multidisciplinary management. Resectability of primary rectal tumor and liver metastases, patient preferences, comorbidities, symptomatology, and logistical issues should be thoroughly considered in decision making for optimal management of patients.

Going through laparoscopic liver resection in patients with colorectal liver metastases-A qualitative study

AIM

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Surgery is seen as the only curative treatment. There are two approaches to liver resection: open or laparoscopic surgery. Knowledge from the patient perspective can illuminate how it is experienced going through laparoscopic surgery. We aimed to study patient perspectives of the experience of undergoing laparoscopic liver resection surgery in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

DESIGN

This study has a qualitative research design. Nine patients participated in semi-structured interviews 6 months after surgery. Data were analysed according to Kvale's five-step analysis method.

RESULTS

Though the patients were satisfied with the laparoscopic approach, they expressed unmet informational needs about the new technique, time after discharge and surgery outcomes related to having metastatic cancer. Healthcare professionals should provide information and support that recognizes the needs of patients with cancer undergoing laparoscopic liver resection surgery.

Colorectal liver metastases: An update on multidisciplinary approach

Liver metastasis is the commonest form of distant metastasis in colorectal cancer. Selection criteria for surgery and liver-directed therapies have recently been extended. However, resectability remains poorly defined. Tumour biology is increasingly recognized as an important prognostic factor; hence molecular profiling has a growing role in risk stratification and management planning. Surgical resection is the only treatment modality for curative intent. The most appropriate surgical approach is yet to be established. The primary cancer and the hepatic metastasis can be removed simultaneously or in a two-step approach; these two strategies have comparable long-term outcomes. For patients with a limited future liver remnant, portal vein embolization, combined ablation and resection, and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy have been advocated, and each has their pros and cons. The role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy is still debated. Targeted biological agents and loco-regional therapies (thermal ablation, intra-arterial chemo- or radio-embolization, and stereotactic radiotherapy) further improve the already favourable results. The recent debate about offering liver transplantation to highly selected patients needs validation from large clinical trials. Evidence-based protocols are missing, and therefore optimal management of hepatic metastasis should be personalized and determined by a multi-disciplinary team.

Tumor enhancement of colorectal liver metastases on preoperative gadobutrol-enhanced MRI at 5 minutes post-contrast injection is associated with overall survival post-hepatectomy

Previous studies have demonstrated that target tumor enhancement (TTE) of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) on 10-minute delayed phase gadobutrol-enhanced MRI is associated with overall survival post-hepatectomy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether TTE of CRCLM on preoperative gadobutrol-enhanced MRI measured at 5-minute delayed phase is also associated with overall survival. We performed a single-institution, REB-approved, retrospective study of 121 patients with CRCLM who had received a clinical gadobutrol-enhanced MRI after treatment with chemotherapy and prior to liver surgery between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2012. The TTE of the colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) on 5-minute delayed phase was determined. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression survival analyses were used in order to determine the association between TTE on 5-minute delayed phase and overall survival, after adjusting for known prognostic variables. TTE of chemotherapy-treated CRLM on gadobutrol-enhanced MRI at 5-minute post-contrast injection is associated with overall survival post-hepatectomy. On Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, there was a significant difference in overall survival between strong and weak TTE groups (log-rank P=0.009) with 74.4% survival at 36 months in the strong TTE group compared to only 44.6% in the weak TTE group. On Cox-regression analysis, the adjusted hazard ratio of death for patients with low TTE was 0.40 (95% CI: 0.18-0.90, P=0.026), after adjusting for known prognostic variables. This study provides preliminary evidence that tumor enhancement of CRLM at 5 minutes post-contrast injection on gadobutrol-enhanced MRI may provide preoperative prognostic information. This may be helpful for risk stratification of patients for surgery.

Curative treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer in the young population: is it worth it?

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) presents with metastatic disease. In younger patients, a more aggressive approach is often adopted in an attempt to achieve cure and improve survival. The aim of this paper is to review the management and outcomes of young patients with metastatic CRC.

METHODS

All patients under 50 years diagnosed with CRC in a single institution from January 2007 to December 2015 were reviewed. Patient demographics, details of their treatments, progress and outcomes of treatment were collected for our review.

RESULTS

There were 154 newly diagnosed CRC patients who were <50 years old during the study period. Thirty-three patients (21.4%) had stage IV disease on presentation. Seventeen (51.5%) of these 33 patients were treated with curative intent; 9 (52.9%) of whom underwent upfront surgical resection alone while the remaining 8 (47.1%) patients had neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection. Among the 16 patients who were treated with palliative intent, 9 (56.3%) had surgery while 7 (43.7%) had definitive chemo- or radio-therapy. There was no significant difference in the median survival of patients treated with curative and palliative intent (29 vs. 24 months, P=0.140).

CONCLUSIONS

Young CRC patients with stage IV disease typically survive for 2 years upon diagnosis. Those who were treated and underwent surgery with curative intent have a slightly longer but not statistically significant median survival than those treated with palliative intent. The role of aggressive treatment in these young patients with metastatic patients merits further evaluation.

Targeting CDK7 increases the stability of Snail to promote the dissemination of colorectal cancer

Targeted inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) via its covalent inhibitor THZ1 can suppress the growth of various cancers, while its roles on colorectal cancer (CRC) remain obscure. Here we report that the expression of CDK7 is upregulated in CRC cells and tissues. THZ1 exhibits high potency and selectivity against CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo via induction of cell apoptosis rather than cell cycle disruption. Intriguingly, THZ1 treatment increases the ability of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and in vivo metastasis to liver of CRC cells. Mechanistical studies reveal that THZ1 increases the expression of Snail, while not other EMT-transcription factors, via enhancing its protein stability rather than mRNA expression or translation. By screening Snail stability related factors via qRT-PCR, results indicate THZ1 and si-CDK7 decrease the expression of protein kinase D1 (PKD1) in CRC cells. Down regulation of PKD1 mediates THZ1 up regulated Snail via dephosphorylation of Snail Ser 11 and prevention of proteasome mediated degradation. Clinical analysis confirms that CDK7 is significantly (p < 0.05) negatively correlated with the expression of mesenchymal markers including FN1, VIM, and MMP2. CRC patients whose tumors expressing less CDK7/SNAI1 or PKD1/SNAI1 showed significant (p < 0.05) poorer overall survival (OS) rate as compared with those with greater levels. Collectively, our data suggest that targeted inhibition of CDK7 can trigger the metastasis of CRC during cancer development via PKD1/Snail axis, which imposes great challenge that inhibition of CDK7 is a potential approach for cancer treatment.

MRI radiomics analysis for predicting preoperative synchronous distant metastasis in patients with rectal cancer

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the value of MRI radiomics based on T2-weighted (T2W) images in predicting preoperative synchronous distant metastasis (SDM) in patients with rectal cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 177 patients with histopathology-confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma (123 patients in the training cohort and 54 in the validation cohort). A total of 385 radiomics features were extracted from pretreatment T2W images. Five steps, including univariate statistical tests and a random forest algorithm, were performed to select the best preforming features for predicting SDM. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to build the clinical and clinical-radiomics combined models in the training cohort. The predictive performance was validated by receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis and clinical utility implementing a nomogram and decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients (33.3%) were confirmed to have SDM. Six radiomics features and four clinical characteristics were selected for predicting SDM. The clinical-radiomics combined model performed better than the clinical model in both the training and validation datasets. A threshold of 0.44 yielded an area under the ROC (AUC) value of 0.827 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.6963-0.9580), a sensitivity of 72.2%, a specificity of 94.4%, and an accuracy of 87.0% in the validation cohort for the combined model. A clinical-radiomics nomogram and decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the combined model.

CONCLUSIONS

Our proposed clinical-radiomics combined model could be utilized as a noninvasive biomarker for identifying patients at high risk of SDM, which could aid in tailoring treatment strategies.

KEY POINTS

• T2WI-based radiomics analysis helps predict synchronous distant metastasis (SDM) of rectal cancer. • The clinical-radiomics combined model could be utilized as a noninvasive biomarker for predicting SDM. • Personalized treatment can be carried out with greater confidence based on the risk stratification for SDM in rectal cancer.

Developments in oligometastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To review the current understanding and recent developments regarding the concept of oligometastases in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases, including PubMed and Embase was conducted for the search term 'oligometastases' in combinations with 'prostate cancer', 'hormone sensitive', 'genetics', and 'molecular'. All articles relating to these search terms have been taken into account.

RESULTS

Prostate cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The majority of these cancer-related deaths result from metastases. Currently, there is a dichotomy in prostate cancer management where it is only deemed curable if it is localized, while any signs of metastasis relegate patients to systemic therapies to delay their inevitable death. A growing body of evidence supports the notion that aggressive treatments during the stable 'oligometastatic' state can have significant clinical benefits and potentially 'reset' prostate cancer to an earlier time point in cancer progression. This concept of oligometastases has been adopted in other cancer settings such as colorectal and non-small-cell lung cancers.

CONCLUSION

Multiple clinical and molecular biological studies have been influential in the support of a stable state in metastatic cancer progression coined 'oligometastases'. As our understanding of oligometastases in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer develops, we will be able to molecularly define the oligometastatic state and develop clinically available diagnostic tests. In doing so, prostate cancer patients will experience significant clinical benefits and the burden of prostate cancer worldwide will likely be reduced.

Outcome after hepatic resection for isolated non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine liver metastases in 100 patients - the role of the embryologic origin of the primary tumor

Background

The indication for hepatic resection (HR) in patients suffering from liver metastases (LM) other than colorectal and neuroendocrine tumors is one focus of current multidisciplinary, oncologic considerations. This study retrospectively analyzes outcome after HR for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine (NCNNE) LM in the absence of distant or extrahepatic metastases.

Methods

We included 100 consecutive patients undergoing HR for isolated NCNNE LM from a prospective database in our institution, including postoperative follow-up. Primary tumors were of mesodermal origin in 44%, of ectodermal origin in 29% and of entodermal origin in 27%. Survival analysis was performed by univariate and multivariable methods. Mean follow-up after hepatic surgery was 3.6 years (0.25–16).

Results

Median age at the time of HR was 59.5 years. Kaplan-Meier-estimated survival after liver resection was 56.8%, 34.3% and 24.5% after 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Univariate analysis after HR revealed residual disease (hepatic or primary; p = 0.02), female gender (p = 0.013), entodermal origin (p = 0.009) and early onset of metastatic disease (≤24 months, p = 0.002), as negative prognostic factors. Multivariable survival analysis confirmed residual disease, female gender, entodermal embryologic origin and early onset of metastatic disease (≤24 months) as independent negative prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Overall outcome after HR of NCNNE LM results in acceptable long-term outcome. Although individual decision-making today mostly relies on clinical experience for this type of disease, risk factors derived from the embryologic origin of the tumor might help in patient selection.

Selection and clinical significance of individualized treatment for metastatic liver cancer

The liver is one of the most common target organs for metastasis of malignant tumors, with a metastasis rate of 11.1%. Approximately 40% of patients with malignant tumors will develop liver metastasis. Metastatic liver cancer not only exhibits individualized difference in the origin of primary tumor, tumor gene, and biological behavior, but also varies in the stage of progression, anatomic characteristics, organ function, and complications. In view of the different sources and pathways of metastatic tumors, the treatment of metastatic liver cancer involves two aspects: primary tumor and liver metastasis. How to choose surgery, local ablation, chemotherapy, molecular targeted drugs, endocrine therapy, biological and immune therapy, and radiotherapy as well as the treatment opportunity rationally is the key to the treatment of metastatic liver cancer. Advanced imaging techniques are used to determine the size, number, location, and blood supply of metastatic liver cancer, so as to provide an objective basis for making an accurate individualized treatment plan for metastatic liver cancer. At present, any single therapy for metastatic liver cancer has its own indications. If a metastatic liver tumor cannot be resected radically , the use of a single therapy is difficult to cure or control the progression of the tumor. In this case, it is necessary to combine two or more than two kinds of treatment methods to achieve the synergistic effect. According to the specific condition of patients with metastatic liver cancer, the individual characteristics of the patients should be analyzed by experienced clinicians to formulate an individualized treatment plan in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, so as to make the patients benefit most from the plan, improve the quality of life, and prolong the survival time.

Radiofrequency ablation versus resection for technically resectable colorectal liver metastasis: a propensity score analysis

BACKGROUND

Liver resection is the first-line treatment for patients with resectable colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), while radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be used for small unresectable CRLM because of disease extent, poor anatomical location, or comorbidities. However, the long-term outcomes are unclear for RFA treatment in resectable CRLM. This study aimed to compare the recurrence rates and prognosis between resectable CRLM patients receiving either liver resection or RFA.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent RFA or hepatic resection from November 2010 to December 2015 were assigned in this retrospective study. Propensity score analysis was used to eliminate baseline differences between groups. Survival and recurrence rates were compared between patients receiving liver resection and RFA.

RESULTS

With 1:2 ratio of propensity scoring, 46 patients in the RFA group and 92 in the resection group were successfully matched. Overall survival was similar between the two groups, but the resection group had a higher disease-free survival (median, 22 months vs. 14 months). Whereas among patients with a tumor size of ≤ 3 cm, disease-free survival was similar in the two groups (median, 24 months vs. 21 months). Compared to the resection group, the RFA group had a higher rate of intrahepatic recurrence (34.8% vs. 12.0%) and a shorter recurrence free period. The local and systemic recurrence rate and recurrence-free period for the same were insignificant in the two groups. Poor disease-free survival was associated with RFA, T4, tumor diameter > 3 cm, and lymph node positivity.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with technically resectable CRLM, resection provided greater disease-free survival, although both treatment modalities provided similar overall survival.

Effect of bevacizumab plus XELOX (CapeOX) chemotherapy on liver natural killer cell activity in colorectal cancer with resectable liver metastasis

AIM

We investigated the chemotherapy effect of resectable colorectal cancer with liver metastasis (CRLM) on the function of intrahepatic immune cells.

METHODS

We classified patients into adjuvant chemotherapy (bevacizumab+CapeOX) after hepatectomy group (group A) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by hepatectomy group (group B), and collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and liver mononuclear cells (LMNC) to ascertain phenotypic and functional differences.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in lymphocyte fractions of either PBMC or LMNC between groups, except for the significantly lower percentage of natural killer (NK) cells in LMNC in group B than in group A. Significantly higher percentage of natural-killer group 2, member D (NKG2D)- positive NK cells in PBMC and percentage of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-, NKp30-, and signal regulatory protein β (SIRPβ)-positive NK cells in LMNC were found in group B. Furthermore, significantly higher expressions of NKG2D and SIRPβ in peripheral blood NK cells and of NKp46 and CD122 in liver NK cells were found in group B. When LMNC were incubated with interleukin (IL)-2 in vitro, no difference was observed in the expression of these molecules in NK cells between groups. Consistently, there was no difference in the cytotoxic activity of those LMNC against a colon adenocarcinoma cell line between groups.

CONCLUSION

Colorectal cancer with liver metastasis patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed enhanced expression of activation markers on peripheral blood and liver NK cells in comparison with patients who did not receive therapy; however, the difference in those function remains unclear. These results suggest that neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not have a negative impact on intrahepatic immune cells in resectable CRLM patients.

Prognostic value of distant metastasis sites and surgery in stage IV colorectal cancer: a population-based study

PURPOSE

We investigated the prognostic value of distant metastasis sites among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) and the significance of metastasectomy and resection of the primary CRC.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2014, patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma were selected using the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database. The prognosis of these patients was compared according to the site of metastasis (liver, lung, bone, and brain). A total of 15,133 patients suffered from isolated organ involvement, while 5135 patients experienced multiple organ metastases.

RESULTS

In the isolated organ metastasis cohort, median overall survival (OS) for patients with liver, lung, bone, and brain metastases was 16, 20, 7, and 5 months, respectively. Patients with isolated lung metastases had better cancer-specific survival (CSS) and OS as compared to patients with metastases at any other sites (p < 0.0001 for both CSS and OS). Patients with isolated liver metastases had better prognosis as compared to patients with isolated bone or brain metastases (p < 0.0001 for both CSS and OS). Moreover, patients with a single metastatic site had better prognosis than patients with multiple organs involved (p < 0.0001 for both CSS and OS). Multivariate analysis in patients with isolated organ metastases demonstrated that age ≤ 60 years, rectal cancer, being married, non-black race, N0 stage, and surgery of the primary and distant lesions showed more favorable prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The metastatic site was an independent prognostic factor in stage IV colorectal cancer. Also, carefully chosen patients may benefit from surgery.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy using the CyberKnife® system in the treatment of patients with liver metastases: state of the art

Background

The management of patients with liver metastases presents a challenging problem in clinical oncology. Patients with limited involvement of the liver may be suitable for surgical resection or local ablative techniques. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) presents an emerging new technology that has shown high efficacy in ablating tumors at various disease sites.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify articles in regard to the SBRT in the treatment of patients with liver metastases.

Results

SBRT allows for the delivery of high-dose radiation in few fractions to the tumor with extreme accuracy, while minimizing the damage to normal surrounding tissue. The CyberKnife^® system is an image-guided robotic system that delivers SBRT, tracks tumors during respiration, and automatically adjusts treatment for any patient movement. The most frequently used indications for CyberKnife^® therapy are ≤5 liver metastases with maximum tumor sizes of 6 cm, no extrahepatic disease, good performance status, and adequate hepatic functions. Local control rates range from 70%-100% at 1 year and from 60%-90% at 2 years. Severe toxicity related to SBRT is uncommon - grade three side effects occur in less than 5% of cases. Despite excellent local control rates, out-of-field metastatic progression (out-of-field hepatic metastases and extrahepatic metastases) develops in a substantial proportion of patients after SBRT. Therefore, it seems essential to improve the selection of patients with liver metastases for SBRT.

Conclusion

The CyberKnife^® system presents an effective minimally invasive treatment modality for patients with hepatic oligometastases who are not suitable candidates for radical liver resection. The available data suggest that liver metastases can be treated by CyberKnife therapy with very low toxicity and excellent local control rates.

Delayed tumour enhancement on gadoxetate-enhanced MRI is associated with overall survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether tumour enhancement on preoperative delayed-phase gadoxetate-enhanced MRI can predict long-term survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRCLM) post-hepatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five patients who received a preoperative gadoxetate-enhanced MRI prior to liver resection for CRCLM from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2012, were included in this retrospective study. Target tumour enhancement (TuEn) was calculated as the mean percentage increase in SNR from precontrast to 10-min or 20-min delayed phase for up to two target lesions. Per-patient TuEn was stratified into weak and strong enhancement based on the cut-off determined by the Youden Index for 3-year survival. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to determine whether tumour enhancement could predict overall survival independent of potential confounders (clinical risk score).

RESULTS

The proportion surviving at 3 years was 85.1% in patients with strong TuEn at 10 min vs. 56.5% in those with weak TuEn at 10 min (p = 0.001). The proportion surviving at 3 years was 79.4% in patients with strong TuEn at 20 min vs. 58.7% in those with weak TuEn at 20 min (p = 0.011). After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratio of death was 0.24 (p = 0.009) in patients who had weak TuEn at 10 min and 0.32 (p = 0.018) in patients who had weak TuEn at 20 min.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong delayed tumour enhancement seen on gadoxetate-enhanced MRI is associated with overall survival in patients with CRCLM post-hepatectomy and may be useful for preoperative risk stratification.

KEY POINTS

• Delayed tumour enhancement of colorectal liver metastases on gadoxetate-enhanced MRI is associated with survival post-hepatectomy • Delayed tumour enhancement of colorectal liver metastases on gadoxetate-enhanced MRI can be measured at both 10 min and 20 min post-contrast injection.

A Curative-Intent Trimodality Approach for Isolated Abdominal Nodal Metastases in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Update of a Single-Institutional Experience

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to define survival rates in patients with isolated advanced abdominal nodal metastases secondary to colorectal cancer (CRC), treated with curative-intent trimodality therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five patients received trimodality therapy, defined as chemotherapy delivered with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) followed by lymphadenectomy and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). Infusional 5-fluorouracil was the most common radiosensitizer used (63%, 41 patients). The median dose of EBRT was 50 Gy, and the median dose of IORT was 12.5 Gy. We evaluated time to distant metastasis, toxicities, local failure within the EBRT field, recurrence within the IORT field, and survival.

RESULTS

Fifty-two percent of patients were male; patients' median age was 50.5 years. All patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≤1. Twenty-nine patients had right-sided colon cancer, 22 had left-sided colon cancer, and 14 had rectal primaries. The median time from initial CRC diagnosis to development of abdominal nodal metastatic disease was 20.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.2-40.8 months). Seventy-eight percent (51 patients) had para-aortic nodal metastases, 15% (10 patients) had mesenteric nodal metastases, and 6% (4 patients) had both. With a median follow-up of 77.6 months, the median overall survival and 5-year estimated survival rate were 55.4 months (95% CI, 47.2-80.9 months) and 45%, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 19.3 months (95% CI, 16.5-32.8 months). Twenty-six (40%) patients never developed distant disease. The outcome was not affected by disease sidedness or rectal primary. Treatment was well tolerated without grade 3 or 4 toxicities.

CONCLUSION

Trimodality therapy produces sustainable long-term survival in selected patients with metastatic CRC presenting with isolated retroperitoneal or mesenteric nodal relapse.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This article reports a unique trimodality approach incorporating external beam radiotherapy with radiosensitizing chemotherapy, surgical resection, and intraoperative radiotherapy provides durable survival benefit with significant curative potential for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who present with isolated abdominal nodal (mesenteric and/or retroperitoneal) recurrence.

The Shifting Paradigm of Prognostic Factors of Colorectal Liver Metastases: From Tumor-Centered to Host Immune-Centered Factors

The determinants of prognosis in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) have been traditionally searched among the tumoral factors, either of the primary colorectal tumor or of the CLM. While many different scoring systems have been developed based on those clinic-pathological factors with disparate results, there has been the introduction of genetic biological markers that added a theranostic perspective. More recently, other important elements, such as those factors related to the host immune system, have been proposed as determinants of prognosis of CLM patients. In the present work, we review the current prognostic factors of CLM patients as well as the burgeoning shifting paradigm of prognostication that relies on the host immune system.

Effect of More vs Less Frequent Follow-up Testing on Overall and Colorectal Cancer-Specific Mortality in Patients With Stage II or III Colorectal Cancer: The COLOFOL Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Intensive follow-up of patients after curative surgery for colorectal cancer is common in clinical practice, but evidence of a survival benefit is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To examine overall mortality, colorectal cancer-specific mortality, and colorectal cancer-specific recurrence rates among patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer who were randomized after curative surgery to 2 alternative schedules for follow-up testing with computed tomography and carcinoembryonic antigen.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Unblinded randomized trial including 2509 patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer treated at 24 centers in Sweden, Denmark, and Uruguay from January 2006 through December 2010 and followed up for 5 years; follow-up ended on December 31, 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized either to follow-up testing with computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen and serum carcinoembryonic antigen at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months after surgery (high-frequency group; n = 1253 patients) or at 12 and 36 months after surgery (low-frequency group; n = 1256 patients).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcomes were 5-year overall mortality and colorectal cancer-specific mortality rates. The secondary outcome was the colorectal cancer-specific recurrence rate. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Among 2555 patients who were randomized, 2509 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (mean age, 63.5 years; 1128 women [45%]) and 2365 (94.3%) completed the trial. The 5-year overall patient mortality rate in the high-frequency group was 13.0% (161/1253) compared with 14.1% (174/1256) in the low-frequency group (risk difference, 1.1% [95% CI, -1.6% to 3.8%]; P = .43). The 5-year colorectal cancer-specific mortality rate in the high-frequency group was 10.6% (128/1248) compared with 11.4% (137/1250) in the low-frequency group (risk difference, 0.8% [95% CI, -1.7% to 3.3%]; P = .52). The colorectal cancer-specific recurrence rate was 21.6% (265/1248) in the high-frequency group compared with 19.4% (238/1250) in the low-frequency group (risk difference, 2.2% [95% CI, -1.0% to 5.4%]; P = .15).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer, follow-up testing with computed tomography and carcinoembryonic antigen more frequently compared with less frequently did not result in a significant rate reduction in 5-year overall mortality or colorectal cancer-specific mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00225641.

Gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging as a problem-solving tool for diagnosing colorectal liver metastases: a case report

Due to significant improvements in morbidity and mortality, surgery with curative intent is now the standard of care for patients with colorectal liver metastases who are surgical candidates. As a result, highly accurate preoperative per-lesion diagnosis is crucial. However, in some instances, this remains limited with standard techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with conventional contrast agents. Delayed retention of contrast of fibrotic liver metastases on MRI with extracellular contrast agents may mimic the late retention of contrast in hemangiomas and represent a diagnostic pitfall that limits diagnosis. Early preliminary work suggests that this imaging pitfall may not be seen on MRI with intravascular contrast agents (e.g., gadofosveset). This case report describes a surgical patient with colorectal liver metastases where gadofosveset-enhanced liver MRI was helpful in determining patient management.

Post-hepatectomy liver failure after major hepatic surgery: not only size matters

Objectives

To compare the value of functional future liver remnant (functFLR) to established clinical and imaging variables in prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after major liver resection.

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 62 patients, who underwent gadoxetic acid enhanced MRI and MDCT within 10 weeks prior to resection of ≥ 4 liver segments. Future liver remnant (FLR) was measured in MDCT using semi-automatic software. Relative liver enhancement for each FLR segment was calculated as the ratio of signal intensity of parenchyma before and 20 min after i.v. administration of gadoxetic acid and given as mean (remnantRLE). Established variables included indocyanine green clearance, FLR, proportion of FLR, weight-adapted FLR and remnantRLE. functFLR was calculated as FLR multiplied by remnantRLE and divided by patient’s weight. The association of measured variables and PHLF was tested with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves compared with the DeLong method.

Results

Sixteen patients (25.8%) experienced PHLF. Univariate logistic regression identified FLR (p = 0.015), proportion of FLR (p = 0.004), weight-adapted FLR (p = 0.003), remnantRLE (p = 0.002) and functFLR (p = 0.002) to be significantly related to the probability of PHLF. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a decreased functFLR was independently associated with the probability of PHLF (0.561; p = 0.002). Comparing ROC curves, functFLR showed a significantly higher area under the curve (0.904; p < 0.001) than established variables.

Conclusions

functFLR seems to be superior to established variables in prediction of PHLF after major liver resection.

Key Points

• functFLR is a parameter combining volumetric and functional imaging information, derived from MDCT and gadoxetic acid enhanced MRI.

• In comparison to other established methods, functFLR is superior in prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure.

• functFLR could help to improve patient selection prior major hepatic surgery.

Oncosurgical Management of Liver Limited Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: Preliminary Data and Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Colorectal cancer is the fourth commonest cancer and second commonest cause of cancer-related death in the United Kingdom. Almost 15% of patients have metastases on presentation. An increasing number of surgical strategies and better neoadjuvant treatment options are responsible for more patients undergoing resection of liver metastases, with prolonged survival in a select group of patients who present with synchronous disease. It is clear that the optimal strategy for the management of these patients remains unclear, and there is certainly a complete absence of Level 1 evidence in the literature.

Objective

The objective of this study is to undertake preliminary work and devise an outline trial protocol to inform the future development of clinical studies to investigate the management of patients with liver limited stage IV colorectal cancer.

Methods

We have undertaken some preliminary work and begun the process of designing a randomized controlled trial and present a draft trial protocol here.

Results

This study is at the protocol development stage only, and as such no results are available. There is no funding in place for this study, and no anticipated start date.

Conclusions

We have presented preliminary work and an outline trial protocol which we anticipate will inform the future development of clinical studies to investigate the management of patients with liver limited stage IV colorectal cancer. We do not believe that the trial we have designed will answer the most significant clinical questions, nor that it is feasible to be delivered within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service at this current time.

Outcome of indeterminate liver lesions on computed tomography in patients with colorectal cancer

Introduction The aim of this study was to determinate the outcome of indeterminate liver lesions on computed tomography (CT) in patients with a background history of colorectal cancer (CRC) and to identify clinicopathological variables associated with malignancy in these lesions. A secondary aim was to devise a management algorithm for such patients. Methods Patients referred to our institution with indeterminate liver lesions on CT with a background history of CRC between January 2012 and December 2014 were included in the study. Clinicopathological factors, surveillance period and histological findings were analysed. Results Fifty-six patients with indeterminate liver lesions were identified. Fifty-three (94.6%) of these required further imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI; n=50] and positron emission tomography combined with CT [n=3]). For the patients who had MRI, the underlying diagnosis was benign in 19 and colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) in 8 while 23 patients and an indeterminate lesion. In cases that remained indeterminate following MRI, liver resection was performed in 2 patients for a high suspicion of CRLM while the 21 remaining patients underwent interval surveillance (median: 9 months, range: 3-52 months). Of these 21 patients, 14 had benign lesions while CRLM was noted in 6 patients and an incidental hepatocellular carcinoma in a single patient. Age ≥65 years was the only statistically significant clinicopathological factor in predicting an underlying malignancy in patients with indeterminate liver lesions on CT. Conclusions Over a third of the patients diagnosed with indeterminate liver lesions on CT subsequently showed evidence of CRLM. These indeterminate lesions are more likely to be malignant in patients aged ≥65 years.

Post-pulmonary metastasectomy prognosis after curative resection for colorectal cancer

Purpose

We aimed to compare disease-free survival after pulmonary metastasectomy to that after hepatic metastasectomy, and to identify prognostic factors after pulmonary metastasectomy.

Results

Between 2005 and 2015, 129 patients underwent resection of isolated metachronous lung metastases from colorectal cancer. Three-year DFS after pulmonary metastasectomy was similar to that after hepatic metastasectomy (50.7% vs. 45.5%, respectively; p=0.58). Rectal cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–3.79; p=0.03) and ≥2 metastases (HR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.28–3.68; p=0.004) were independent adverse risk factors associated with disease-free survival after pulmonary metastasectomy on multivariate analysis. Three-year DFS for colon vs. rectal cancer patients was 72.5% vs. 42.6%, respectively (p=0.04). The number of lung metastases was an independent risk factor for DFS after pulmonary metastasectomy in rectal cancer patients.

Patients and Methods

Patients who underwent lung metastasectomy after curative resection of colorectal cancers were investigated. Disease-free survival (DFS) after pulmonary metastasectomy was compared to that after hepatic metastasectomy, which has a relatively well-known prognosis. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify clinical variables predictive of survival after pulmonary metastasectomy.

Conclusions

Disease-free survival rates after resection of lung vs. liver metastases arising from colorectal cancers are similar. However, lung metastases specifically from rectal cancers produce poorer DFS rates. Primary tumor location must be considered for pulmonary metastasis treatment and follow-up in colorectal cancer patients.

Integrated analysis of genes associated with poor prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignances in the gut. Liver is the most common metastasis site of CRC. This study focuses on the primary CRC and its liver metastasis, aiming to discover several liver metastasis related genes and provide therapeutic candidates. We compared gene expression patterns among the groups of normal colorectal mucosa, primary tumor and the liver metastasis using a CRC gene expression dataset. 84 genes were found to be upregulated in both primary tumor and liver metastases. Function enrichment analysis indicated that these genes are enriched in pathways such as chemotaxis, coagulation and lipid metabolism which are crucial in multi-step cancer metastasis. Gene network analysis identified several important hub genes that may be involved in carcinogenesis and liver metastasis. Then we used a validation dataset containing 562 CRC samples with detailed clinical information, to screen prognostic biomarkers for overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS). Finally, overexpression of THBS2 (thrombospondin 2), INHBB (inhibin, beta B) and BGN (biglycan) were proved to be correlated with poor OS and RFS. In conclusion, this study indicated that chemotaxis, coagulation and lipid metabolism might play critical roles in the processes of carcinogenesis and liver metastasis. THBS2, INHBB and BGN are prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for CRC.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Liver Resection for Colorectal Metastases in Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) in elderly patients.

METHODS

A PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library search was performed from January 1995 to April 2017, for studies comparing both short- and long-term outcomes in younger and elderly patients undergoing liver resection for CRLM.

RESULTS

Eleven studies comparing patients aged <70 years with patients aged >70 years and 4 studies comparing patients aged <75 years with patients aged >75 years were included. Postoperative morbidity was similar in patients aged >70 years (27 vs. 30%; p = 0.35) but higher in patients aged >75 years (21 vs. 32%; p = 0.001). Postoperative mortality was higher in both patients aged >70 years (2 vs. 4%; p = 0.01) and in patients aged >75 years (1 vs. 6%; p = 0.02). Mean 5-year overall survival was lower in patients aged >70 years (40 vs. 32%; p < 0.001) but equal in patients aged >75 years (42 vs. 32%; p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

Although postoperative morbidity and mortality were increased with higher age, liver resection for CRLM seems justified in selected elderly patients.

Operative Results and Oncologic Outcomes of Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy (ALPPS) Versus Two-Stage Hepatectomy (TSH) in Patients with Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has recently emerged as a treatment choice for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and inadequate future liver remnant (FLR). The aim of this study was to define the results of ALPPS compared with two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) for patients with CLM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Identification of eligible studies was performed using three distinct databases through February 2017; Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane library-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using a syntax including medical subject headings terms "portal vein ligation," "PVE," "staged hepatectomy," "staged liver resection," "liver resection," "two-stage hepatectomy," "TSH," "in situ liver transection with portal vein ligation," "associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy" and "ALPPS".

RESULTS

Among the 634 records identified, 9 studies comparing ALPPS with TSH met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 657 patients with unresectable CLM (ALPPS, n = 186 vs TSH, n = 471). There was no difference in final postoperative FLR between ALPPS versus TSH (mean difference: 31.72, 95% CI: -27.33 to 90.77, p = 0.29). The kinetic growth rate was faster with the ALPPS versus TSH (mean difference 19.07 ml/day, 95% CI 8.12-30.02, p = 0.0006). TSH had a lower overall and major morbidity versus ALPPS (overall morbidity: RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07-1.8, p = 0.01; I 2: 58%, p = 0.01; major morbidity: RR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.18-2.08, p = 0.002; I 2: 0%, p = 0.44). Overall survival was comparable following ALPPS versus TSH.

CONCLUSION

While ALPPS may be a suitable approach for patients, the higher morbidity and mortality should be considered when determining the operative approach for patients with extensive CLM.

Accelerating Therapeutic Development through Innovative Trial Design in Colorectal Cancer

OPINION STATEMENT

Current trial design is challenged by the advancement of technologies that have enabled deeper understanding of the molecular drivers of colorectal cancer (CRC). The speed of trial testing and the ability to test larger volumes of promising novel agents in the face of smaller populations identified by molecular profiling are challenges posed to clinical studies. Master protocols that utilize umbrella designs are equipped to deal with potential biomarker and matched treatments simultaneously. Although complex in nature, they increase trial efficiency by utilizing shared screening platforms, test multiple treatments together, and simplify regulatory submission and reporting under a common protocol. Emerging technologies such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may help speed up adjuvant trials. These studies have been traditionally slow to complete due to low event rates and the high numbers needed to recruit. ctDNA used as a surrogate for minimal residual disease (MRD) and as an early marker of relapse may help counter some of these factors that deter innovation in this setting. Finally, in the era of precision medicine, surgery should not be forgotten as the only potentially curative option to date in metastatic disease. Five-year overall survival following resection of liver metastasis exceeds what can be achieved with chemotherapy alone in selected cases. Surgical advances have lowered morbidity and allow for greater resection volumes and repeated interventions. Although historically challenging, a well-designed randomized surgical intervention trial would greatly facilitate moving single-institution guidelines reported by case series into wider clinical practice.

Late gadolinium enhancement of colorectal liver metastases post-chemotherapy is associated with tumour fibrosis and overall survival post-hepatectomy

Purpose

To determine whether late gadolinium MRI enhancement of colorectal liver metastases (CRCLM) post-chemotherapy is associated with tumour fibrosis and survival post-hepatectomy.

Materials and methods

The institutional review board approved this retrospective cohort study and waived the requirement for informed consent. A cohort of 121 surgical patients who received preoperative MRI after chemotherapy between 2006-2012 was included in this study. Target tumour enhancement (TTE), defined as the mean contrast-to-noise ratio of up to two target lesions on late-phase gadobutrol-enhanced MRI, was determined by two independent raters. The average TTE was correlated with tumour fibrosis on post-hepatectomy specimens using Spearman correlation and with survival post-hepatectomy using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. Inter-rater reliability was determined using relative intra-class correlation coefficients.

Results

In the surgical cohort (mean age: 63.0 years; male: 58%), TTE was associated with tumour fibrosis (r = 0.43, p < 0.001). Strong TTE was associated with improved survival compared to weak TTE (3-year survival: 88.4% vs. 58.8%, p = 0.003) with a hazard ratio of 0.32 (95% CI: 0.14-0.75, p = 0.008), after taking into account known prognostic variables. Inter-rater reliability was very good with a relative intraclass correlation of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77-0.89).

Conclusion

Late gadolinium MRI enhancement of CRCLM post-chemotherapy is associated with tumour fibrosis and survival.

Key Points

• MRI enhancement of colorectal liver metastases is associated with survival post-hepatectomy

• MRI enhancement of chemotherapy-treated colorectal liver metastases correlates with tumour fibrosis

• Measuring late MRI enhancement using target tumour enhancement is reliable

Liver resection surgery versus thermal ablation for colorectal LiVer MetAstases (LAVA): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Although surgical resection has been considered the only curative option for colorectal liver metastases (CLM), thermal ablation has recently been suggested as an alternative curative treatment. A prospective randomised trial is required to define the efficacy of resection vs ablation for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases.

Methods

Design and setting: This is a multicentre, open, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial design with internal pilot and will be performed in tertiary liver centres in UK and The Netherlands.

Participants: Eligible patients will be those with colorectal liver metastases at high surgical risk because of their age, co-morbidities or tumour burden and who would be suitable for liver resection or thermal ablation.

Intervention: Thermal ablation as per local policy.

Control: Surgical liver resection performed as per centre protocol.

Co-interventions: Further chemotherapy will be offered to patients as per current practice.

Outcomes

Pilot study: Same as main study and in addition patients and clinicians’ acceptability of the trial to assist in optimisation of recruitment.

Primary outcome: Disease-free survival (DFS) at two years post randomisation.

Secondary outcomes: Overall survival, timing and site of recurrence, additional therapy after treatment failure, quality of life, complications, length of hospital stay, costs, trial acceptability, DFS measured from end of intervention.

Follow-up: 24 months from randomisation; five-year follow-up for overall survival.

Sample size: 330 patients to demonstrate non-inferiority of thermal ablation.

Discussion

This trial will determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of thermal ablation vs surgical resection for high-risk people with colorectal liver metastases, and guide the optimal treatment for these patients.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN52040363. Registered on 9 March 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2499-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT prior to liver transplantation for nonresectable colorectal liver metastases

PURPOSE

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of volumetric and metabolic information derivied from F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) in combination with computed tomography (CT) prior to liver transplantation (LT) in patients with nonresectable colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Due to scarcity of liver grafts, prognostic information enabling selection of candidates who will gain the highest survival after LT is of vital importance. 18F-FDG PET/CT was a part of the preoperative study protocol. Patients without evidence of extrahepatic malignant disease on 18F-FDG PET/CT who also fulfilled all the other inclusion criteria underwent LT.

METHODS

The preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations of all patients included in the SECA (secondary cancer) study were retrospectively assessed. Maximum, mean and peak standardized uptake values (SUVmax, SUVmean and SUVpeak), tumor to background (T/B) ratio, metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured and calculated for all liver metastases. Total MTV and TLG were calculated for each patient. Cut-off values were determined for each of these parameters by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis dividing the patients into two groups. One, three and five-year overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) for patients over and under the cut-off value were compared by using the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients underwent LT in the SECA study. Total MTV and TLG under the cut-off values were significantly correlated to improved OS at three and five years (p = 0.027 and 0.026) and DFS (p = 0.01). One, three and five-year OS and DFS were not significantly related to SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak or T/B-ratio.

CONCLUSION

Total MTV and TLG from 18F FDG PET/CT prior to LT for nonresectable CLM were significantly correlated to improved three and five-year OS and DFS and can potentially improve the patient selection for LT.

The Potential Role of Liver Transplantation as a Treatment Option in Colorectal Liver Metastases

Liver resection is the only potentially curative treatment option in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, but only about 20% of the patients are resectable. Liver transplantation of patients with unresectable liver metastases was attempted in the early era but it was abandoned due to poor survival. During the last decade, several case reports, a controlled pilot study, and a retrospective cohort study indicated that prolonged disease-free survival and overall survival can be obtained in a proportion of these patients. Strict selection criteria have not yet been well defined, but tumor load, response to chemotherapy, pretransplant carcinoembryonic antigen level, and time interval from resection of the primary tumor to transplant are all factors related to outcome. Carefully selected patients may obtain 5-year overall survival that approaches conventional indications for liver transplant. The scarcity of liver grafts is a significant problem, but this can possibly to some extent be addressed by use of extended criteria grafts and novel surgical techniques. There is an increasing interest in liver transplantation in these patients in the transplant community, and currently 4 clinical trials are active and are recruiting.

Significance of poor performance status after resection of colorectal liver metastases

Background

Performance status (PS) is known as one of the strongest prognostic factors for survival in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. The aim of the present study was to analyze factors associated with poor PS assessed after resection for colorectal liver metastases and the impact on survival.

Methods

All patients undergoing curative resection for colorectal liver metastases between 2010 and 2015 in a single center were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 284 patients were included, out of whom 74 patients (26%) presented with a postoperative PS WHO > 2 precluding administration of adjuvant chemotherapy. These patients had a shorter recurrence-free survival (P = 0.002) and shorter overall survival (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that patients with PS > 2 after surgery had higher preoperative ASA score, had a higher frequency of major complications after surgery, and had more frequently synchronous liver and lung metastases. PS was found to be the strongest independent factor predicting survival (hazard ratio 0.45). When patients with postoperative PS > 2 developed recurrent disease (54 of 74), 43 (80%) received tumor specific treatment.

Conclusions

Patients with postoperative PS > 2 who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy had decreased recurrence-free and overall survival after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases. After recurrence, a large majority of these patients had had improvement in PS allowing for administration of tumor specific treatment.

Pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging of regional lymph nodes with carcinoembryonic antigen in prediction of synchronous distant metastasis in patients with rectal cancer

Distant metastasis in patients with rectal cancer remains a problem influencing prognosis. Prediction of synchronous distant metastasis is important for the choice of personalized treatment strategies and postoperative follow-up protocol. So far, there are few studies about the predictive value of MRI features combined with clinical characteristics for synchronous distant metastasis in rectal cancer, especially for the lesions developed within 6 months after surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the pretreatment clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of 271 patients from January 2010 to December 2011with pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma and tried to identify independent risk factors for synchronous distant metastasis. Forty-nine patients (18.1%) were confirmed to have synchronous distant metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that the elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), positive MRI-predicted lymph nodes staging (mrN), and MRI-predicted mesorectal fascia (mrMRF) involvement were independent risk factors. The odd ratios were 12.2 for elevated CEA, 5.4 for mrN1 and 7.6 for mrN2, and 3.8 for mrMRF involvement, respectively. The accuracy and specificity for predicting synchronous distant metastasis by evaluating the positive mrN combined with elevated CEA were improved to 87.8% and 94.6%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of positive mrN assessment were 86.1%, 71.4% and 91.7%, respectively using the histopathologic results as the reference standard. Altogether, our findings suggest that pretreatment positive mrN and elevated CEA are independent risk factors for synchronous distant metastasis in rectal cancer and combination of both could help to recognize the patients with high risk for structuring personalized treatment protocol.

Treatment-related survival associations of claudin-2 expression in fibroblasts of colorectal cancer

Claudin-2 is a trans-membrane protein—component of tight junctions in epithelial cells. Elevated claudin-2 expression has been reported in colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression patterns of claudin-2 in human CRC samples and analyze its association with clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. TMAs of primary tumors from two cohorts of metastatic CRC (mCRC) were used. Claudin-2 IHC staining was evaluated in a semi-quantitative manner in different regions and cell types. Claudin-2 expression was also analyzed by immunofluorescence in primary cultures of human CRC cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Initial analyses identified previously unrecognized expression patterns of claudin-2 in CAFs of human CRC. Claudin-2 expression in CAFs of the invasive margin was associated with shorter progression-free survival. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the survival associations occurred among cases that received 5-FU+oxaliplatin combination treatment, but not in patients receiving 5-FU±irinotecan. The finding was validated by analyses of the independent cohort. In summary, previously unreported stromal expression of claudin-2 in CAFs of human CRC was detected together with significant association between high claudin-2 expression in CAFs and shorter survival in 5-FU+oxaliplatin-treated mCRC patients.

Early recurrence in patients undergoing curative resection of colorectal liver oligometastases: identification of its clinical characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis

PURPOSE

Oligometastatic disease can potentially be cured when an optimal approach is performed. Early recurrence after liver resection is an intractable problem, and the clinical implications remain unknown in colorectal liver oligometastases (CLOM) patients. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis related to early recurrence in these patients.

METHODS

A total of 307 consecutive patients with CLOM undergoing curative liver resection were retrospectively reviewed between September 1999 and June 2016. Early recurrence was defined as any recurrence or death from CLOM that occurred within 6 months of liver resection.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up time of 31.7 months, the 3-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival rates were 68.7 and 42.5%, respectively. Forty-nine (16.0%) patients developed early recurrence and showed a poorer 3-year OS than those with non-early recurrence (22.3 vs. 75.8%, P < 0.001) or later recurrence (22.3 vs. 52.8 vs. 63.2%, P < 0.001). Moreover, early recurrence was identified as an independent predictor of 3-year OS [hazard ratio (HR) 6.282; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.980-9.915, P < 0.001]. In multivariate analysis, a node-positive primary tumor [odds ratio (OR) 2.316; 95% CI 1.097-4.892, P = 0.028) and metastatic diameter > 3 cm (OR 2.560; 95% CI 1.290-5.078; P = 0.007) were shown to be risk factors for early recurrence. The salvage liver resection rate for patients with early recurrence was significantly lower than that for patients with later recurrence (4.1 vs. 19.7%, P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Early recurrence should be investigated in routine clinical practice, even in patients with CLOM after curative liver resection. Detailed preoperative comprehensive measurements might help stratify high-risk patients, and a non-surgical treatment for early recurrence might represent an effective alternative.