Hepatic metastasectomy for soft-tissue sarcomas: is it justified? World J Surg. 2009;33:111-117. [PMID: 18949511 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-008-9777-4]

Laparoscopic liver resection for liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma of the thigh: a case report

Background

Although there is no established treatment strategy for liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma, liver resection has been reported to be effective in some cases. However, almost all liver resections performed for liver metastasis of primary leiomyosarcoma are reported to be open resections, and there are few reports of liver resection performed by laparoscopy. Here, we report a case of laparoscopic liver resection for liver metastasis of a leiomyosarcoma in the right thigh.

Case presentation

An 80-year-old man was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma of the right thigh with liver metastasis. The primary tumor was first resected, and he was discharged on the 25th postoperative day. Four months after primary tumor resection, a laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy was performed. There were no postoperative complications, and the patient was discharged on the 11th postoperative day with a histopathological diagnosis of liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma and negative resection margins. Currently, 9 months have passed since the resection of the primary tumor, and 5 months have passed since the laparoscopic liver resection; there is no recurrence.

Conclusions

The liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma was successfully removed, with good short-term outcomes after the laparoscopic liver resection. Laparoscopic liver resection seems to be effective for liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma, which is characterized by a high recurrence rate after surgery. However, more case studies may be necessary to examine the effectiveness and long-term results of laparoscopic liver resection for the treatment of liver metastasis of leiomyosarcoma.

Development and Validation of Novel Nomograms for Predicting Specific Distant Metastatic Sites and Overall Survival of Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Purpose:

The goal of this study is to construct nomograms to effectively predict the distant metastatic sites and overall survival (OS) of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients.

Methods:

STS case data between 2010 and 2015 for retrospective study were gathered from public databases. According to the chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis determined independent predictive factors of specific metastatic sites, the nomograms based on these factors were consturced. Subsequently, combined metastatic information a nomogram to predict 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS of STS patients was developed. The performance of models was validated by the area under the curve (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analyses (DCA).

Results:

A total of 7001 STS patients were included in this retrospective study, including 4901 cases in the training group and the remaining 2,100 patients in the validation group. Three nomograms were established to predict lung, liver and bone metastasis, and satisfactory results have been obtained by internal and external validation. The AUCs for predicting lung, liver, and bone metastases in the training cohort were 0.796, 0.799, and 0.766, respectively, and in the validation cohort were 0.807, 0.787, and 0.775, respectively, which means that the nomograms have good discrimination. The calibration curves showed that the models have high precision, and the DCA manifested that the nomograms have great clinical application prospects. Through univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses, 8 independent prognosis factors of age, grade, histological type, tumor size, surgery, chemotherapy, radiatiotherapy and lung metastasis were determined. A nomogram was then constructed to predict the 1-, 2-, and 3-years OS, which has a good performance in both internal and external validations.

Conclusion:

The nomograms for predicting specific metastatic sites and OS have good discrimination, accuracy and clinical applicability. The models could accurately predict the metastatic risk and survival information, and help clinical decision-making.

Abdominal metastases of primary extremity soft tissue sarcoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that about one third of patients with primary localized extremity soft tissue sarcoma (eSTS) will develop metastatic disease, abdominal metastases (AM) and retroperitoneal metastases (RM) constitute rare events. There is no clear consensus on how to achieve follow-up on patients with primary localized eSTS following curative resection, especially regarding the surveillance of potential AM/RM.

AIM

To systematically analyse incidence, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of AM/RM in eSTS patients.

METHODS

In this systematic review, 899 studies available in PubMed and published between 2000 and 2018 were screened, identifying 17 original articles focused on AM or RM in eSTS. Article selection was based on the PRISMA guidelines, using the search terms (abdominal metastasis AND soft tissue sarcoma) and (soft tissue sarcoma metastasis abdomen). All studies published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2018 were screened. Further articles were identified by cross-searching article references, with the final search date being February 18, 2019. Due to limited data and the different reporting techniques used, the present review focused on descriptive analysis of the included studies.

RESULTS

Of the 17 studies included, six original articles reported on incidence ± diagnosis, therapy and outcome in AM and RM, whilst three original and eight case reports focused on diagnostic pathway, therapeutic procedures or outcomes without allowing conclusions regarding incidence of AM and RM. According to the former six studies, incidence of AM ranged from 0.9%-5.6% in patients with miscellaneous histological subtypes, and up to 12.1% in patients with myxoid liposarcoma. The most common histological subtypes that developed AM or RM were (myxoid) liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma, but also rare subtypes such as epithelioid sarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour had been reported to develop AM/RM. Surgery for AM/RM was performed in five of eight case-reports (62.5%) and in 20.8%-100.0% of original articles. In particular, patients with hepatic metastases undergoing metastasectomy had a survival benefit compared to patients treated with chemotherapy or best supportive care (> 3 years vs < 6 mo).

CONCLUSION

Patients with eSTS should undergo surveillance with abdominal ultrasonography/computed tomography, or even whole-body-magnetic resonance imaging to detect AM/RM at an early stage.

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.

Long-Term Survival According to Histology and Radiologic Response to Preoperative Chemotherapy in 126 Patients Undergoing Resection of Non-GIST Sarcoma Liver Metastases

BACKGROUND

Non-gastrointestinal stromal tumor sarcomas (NGSs) have heterogeneous histology, and this heterogeneity may lead to uncertainty regarding the prognosis of patients with liver metastases from NGS (NGSLM) and decision regarding their surgical management. Furthermore, the role of preoperative chemotherapy in treatment of NGSLM remains poorly defined. We investigated long-term survival and its correlation to response to preoperative chemotherapy in patients with NGSLM.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Patients who underwent liver resection for NGSLM during 1998-2015 were identified. Clinical, histopathologic, and survival data were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

126 patients [62 (49%) with leiomyosarcoma] were included. Five-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 49.3 and 14.9%, respectively. Survival did not differ by histologic subtype, primary tumor location, or use of preoperative or postoperative chemotherapy. NGSLM ≥ 10 cm and extrahepatic metastases at NGSLM diagnosis were the only independent risk factors for OS. In the 83 (66%) patients with metachronous NSGLM, disease-free interval > 6 months was associated with improved OS and RFS. Among the 65 patients (52%) who received preoperative chemotherapy, radiologic response according to Choi criteria specifically was associated with improved OS (p = 0.04), but radiologic response according to RECIST 1.1 criteria was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of NGSLM led to a 5-year OS rate of 49%, independent of histologic subtype and primary tumor location. Choi criteria (which take into account tumor density) are superior to RECIST 1.1 in assessing radiologic response and should be used to assess response to preoperative chemotherapy.

Management of liver metastases from gastrointestinal stromal tumors: where do we stand?

The recommended management of liver metastases (LM) from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) disease consists of perioperative administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and surgical resection. The aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy of this therapeutic approach. Studies reporting outcomes for patients underwent liver resection from metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) were overviewed. Eleven studies were included, which enrolled 240 patients with liver metastasis from GISTs. A median overall survival (OS) interval of 41.8 months was calculated while a median disease free interval of 17.9 [17-43] months following resection was also measured. Recurrences were recorded in 63 patients. Prognostic factors identified by the studies included surgical resection, R0 resection, age <55 years, clinical response to TKIs, pre- and postoperative administration of TKIs. The included studies highlight the importance of complete resection and the timing of resection, as well underline the importance of pre- and post-operative administration of TKIs.

Liver metastases from non-gastrointestinal non-neuroendocrine tumours: review of the literature

Liver resection is integrated in the oncological surgical management of metastatic gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine tumours. However, the good prognosis reached in these cases has not been obtained for metastatic tumours of other histological types. In this review, we analysed the published case reports and series of hepatectomies in patients with metastatic breast cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, genitourinary tumours, pulmonary and adrenocortical tumours. From the reported data the surgical resection of oligometastases yields good results in terms of improved survival, in particular when the disease-free time period is longer than 1 year. Hepatic resection can be a valid surgical strategy to obtain a survival benefit in patients with liver metastases from non-gastrointestinal, non-neuroendocrine tumours. However, a careful patient selection is needed in order to obtain a real survival benefit; patients with a good performance status, with a disease-free period longer than 1 year and with oligometastases may obtain the best advantage from this approach.

Survival After Resection of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Sarcoma Liver Metastases in 146 Patients

BACKGROUND

We investigated outcomes by primary tumor type in patients who underwent resection of liver metastases from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), leiomyosarcomas, and other sarcomas.

METHOD

Our institutional liver database was used to identify patients who underwent resection from 1998 through 2013. Histopathological, clinical, and survival data were analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-six patients underwent resection of liver metastases from GIST (n = 49), leiomyosarcomas (n = 47), or other sarcomas (n = 50). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates in patients with GIST, leiomyosarcomas, and other sarcomas were 55.3, 48.4, and 44.9%, respectively, and the 10-year OS rates were 52.5, 9.2, and 23.0%, respectively. The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was better for GIST (35.7%; p = 0.003) than for leiomyosarcomas (3.4%) and other sarcomas (21.4%). Lung recurrence was more common for leiomyosarcomas (36% of patients; p < 0.0001) than for other sarcomas (12%) and GIST (2%). For GIST, the findings support a benefit of imatinib regarding the 5-year RFS rate compared to resection alone (47.1 vs. 9.5%; p = 0.013). For leiomyosarcoma, primary tumor location did not affect the 5-year RFS rate (intraabdominal 14.5%; other location 0%; p = 0.182).

CONCLUSION

Liver metastases from GIST, leiomyosarcomas, and other sarcomas should be assessed separately as their survival and recurrence patterns are different. This is especially important for GIST, for which imatinib is now available.

Liver resection for non-colorectal, non-carcinoid, non-sarcoma metastases: a multicenter study

Background

The role of liver resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, non-sarcoma (NCNNNS) metastases is ill-defined. This study aimed to examine the oncologic outcomes of liver resection in such patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of liver resection for NCNNNS metastases was performed at two large centers. Liver resection was offered selectively in patients with stable disease. Oncologic outcomes were examined using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Fifty-two patients underwent liver resection for NCNNNS metastases. Overall 5-year survival was 58%. Five-year survival was 85% for breast metastases, 66% for ocular melanoma, 83% for other melanomas, 50% for gastro-esophageal metastases, and 0% for renal cell carcinoma metastases. A contemporary colorectal liver metastasis cohort had a survival of 63% (p=0.89).

Conclusions

Liver resection is an effective option in the management of selected patients with NCNNNS metastases which have been deemed stable. Five-year survival rates were comparable to that of a contemporary cohort of patients with colorectal liver metastases in carefully selected patients. Further, larger studies are required to help identify potential prognostic variables and aid in decision-making in this heterogeneous population.

Surgery for isolated liver metastases from pancreatic cancer

The resection of liver metastases from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has been discouraged because it is commonly thought that it does not improve survival. However, the role of potential prognostic factors is unclear, and universally accepted strategies have not been proposed. Between 2003 and 2014, 15 patients with isolated synchronous or metachronous metastases from pancreatic cancer underwent liver resection in our department. The role of potential prognostic factors was analyzed to predict survival. One right hepatectomy, 1 bisegmentectomy and 13 wedge resections were performed. Eleven patients underwent simultaneous pancreatic and liver resection for synchronous disease. The median overall survival (OS) was 9.1 months (95% CI 8.6-9.7). The only potential prognostic factor that significatively affected survival was the timing of metastases (metachronous vs. synchronous). Median OS in patients with metachronous disease was 11.4 months (95% CI 0-25.1) vs. 8.3 months (95% CI 6.9-9.7), p = 0.038. Surgery for liver metastases from pancreatic cancer is not suggested for most patients. If resection is considered, timing of metastatic disease could be a prognostic factor for survival after surgery.

Oligometastasis and oligo-recurrence: more than a mirage

The standard treatment choice for cancer metastasis has been systemic management, including cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal manipulation, and targeted therapy. Emerging evidence has shown an oligometastatic state, an intermediate state between limited primary cancer and polymetastatic cancer, in which local therapy for metastatic lesions results in satisfactory survival comparable to non-metastatic disease. We provide a comprehensive introduction of evidence from experimental and clinical studies in favor of the oligometastatic phenotype, we review the efficacy and safety of surgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy in the treatment of oligometastases, and finally, we discuss the way to differentiate the oligometastatic state from polymetastasis.

Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of recurrent bone and soft-tissue sarcomas in non-surgical candidates

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical utility of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) retrospectively in non-surgical candidates with recurrent bone and soft-tissue sarcomas.

METHODS

Percutaneous RFA was used in 52 patients (21 female, 31 male; mean age, 52.2 ± 21.1 years; range 10-87 years) with recurrent bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. The number of tumors was 3 or fewer in 23 patients (44.2 %) and 4 or more in the others, with a mean maximum tumor diameter of 3.0 ± 3.7 cm (range 0.5-18 cm). Safety, tumor control, and prognosis were evaluated.

RESULTS

All tumors were ablated after RFA in 21 patients (40.4 %, 21/52), although 14 experienced re-recurrence. Tumors were controlled in 8 cases of recurrence by repeat RFA (n = 7) and surgical intervention (n = 1). Therefore, 15 patients (28.8 %, 15/52) were tumor-free at the end of follow-up (mean follow-up 25.5 ± 24.2 months; range 3.9-117 months). Residual tumors were found after RFA in the other 31 patients (59.6 %, 31/52). Overall survival rates were 73.4 % (95 % CI 61.0-85.9 %) at 1 year, 39.3 % (95 % CI 23.6-54.9 %) at 3 years, and 34.3 % (95 % CI 18.0-50.7 %) at 5 years in all patients. Recurrence-free interval (p = 0.040), tumor number (p = 0.0094), and complete tumor ablation (p < 0.0001) were detected as significant prognostic factors in univariate analysis. The latter two factors were significant in multivariate analysis. The rate of major complications was 0.9 %.

CONCLUSIONS

RFA is a safe and useful therapeutic option for treatment of recurrent bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. Prognostic factors found in this study will help to identify those patients who would benefit from RFA.

American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) consensus statement for sarcoma brachytherapy

PURPOSE

To present recommendations for the use of brachytherapy (BT) in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS).

METHODS

A group of practitioners with expertise and experience in sarcoma BT formulated recommendations for BT in STS based on clinical experience and literature review.

RESULTS

The indications for adjuvant BT are discussed. There is no consensus on the use of BT alone or in combination with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), but factors that influence the selection of this modality include tumor grade and size, prior surgeries, and tumor recurrence. Low-dose-rate, high-dose-rate, and pulsed-dose-rate radiation are all acceptable BT modalities to use for STS. Recommendations are made for patient selection, techniques, dose rates, and dosages. Outcome data and toxicity data are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

BT is a useful component of the treatment of STS. The advantages of BT are the targeted dose distribution, low integral dose, and short treatment times. Ultimately the clinician should select the modality or combination of modalities that are most familiar to the treatment team and suitable to the patient.

Overview: Where does radiation therapy fit in the spectrum of liver cancer local-regional therapies?

Experience with radiation therapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases has increased rapidly in the past decade. This is principally because of advances in imaging and radiation techniques that can conform high doses to focal cancers and to a better understanding of how to avoid radiation-induced liver toxicity. Guidelines on how to use radiation therapy safely are becoming more clearly established, and reports of tumor control at 2 to 5 years show the potential for cure after radiation therapy for early-stage HCC and liver metastases. For both HCC and liver metastases, the best outcomes after radiation therapy are found in patients with fewer than 3 lesions that are <6 cm in size, with intact liver function and no extrahepatic metastases. There is a strong rationale for using radiation therapy in patients unsuitable for or with expected poor outcomes after standard local-regional therapies. These patients tend to have advanced tumors (large, multifocal, or invading vessels) and/or impaired liver function, reducing the chance of cure and increasing the chance of toxicity. In these patients, the benefits of radiation therapy over systemic therapy or best supportive therapy should be established in randomized trials.

Current diagnosis and management of retroperitoneal sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are rare neoplasms that often present with multivisceral involvement. Treatment for these tumors requires careful decision making requiring a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

METHODS

We reviewed the scientific literature pertaining to the diagnosis and management of retroperitoneal sarcomas. We also identify recent developments in treatment and discuss future trends in the care of patients with this disease.

RESULTS

Retroperitoneal tumors often present as large, locally advanced lesions. Evaluation of these tumors requires careful consideration of a multimodality approach. Retrospective data and historical prospective series have demonstrated the survival benefit of radical resection for these tumors with en bloc resection of involved structures. Compartmental resections in the retroperitoneum along with debulking of high-grade disease and regional therapy are controversial approaches with significant morbidity that can lead to long-term survival. The application of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies in select tumor histologies may improve local control and survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of retroperitoneal sarcomas requires a multidisciplinary approach and is best accomplished at high-volume centers specializing in the care of patients with these complex malignancies. Current data suggest that radical resection remains the only chance for cure and that chemotherapy and radiation therapy may confer a survival benefit.

Outcomes of single-centre experience of hepatic resection and cryoablation of sarcoma liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Liver metastasis from sarcoma in metastatic disease is common and its effect on prognosis remains ill defined. Surgery remains paramount in sarcoma management; however, there is inadequate literature reporting the role of hepatic surgery as treatment for sarcoma liver metastases.

METHODS

Fifteen patients who underwent hepatic resection for metastatic sarcoma between January 1, 1995 and January 1, 2009 were identified from a prospective hepatobiliary database. Clinicopathologic, operative, recurrence, and long-term survival data are presented.

RESULTS

Three patients had synchronous liver metastases. The median time to developing liver metastasis was 26 (range, 0-206) months. The overall median survival from hepatic resection of liver metastasis was 103 (95% confidence interval, 6-200) months with a 5- and 10-year survival of 51% and 37%, respectively. The median disease-free survival from hepatic resection was 14 (95% confidence interval, 11-18) months. CD117 positive tumors was associated with an improved survival with a 3-year survival of 80% compared with 33% in CD117 negative tumors (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic resection for sarcoma liver metastases with or without extrahepatic disease is a reasonable management strategy if a complete resection may be achieved. Concomitant treatment of CD117 positive tumors with imatinib leads to long-term survival.

Surgery for liver metastases originating from sarcoma-case series

INTRODUCTION

Liver metastases originating from various types of sarcoma are a rare reason for hepatic resection. So far, even multicentre studies do hardly provide statistically relevant sample sizes. Thus, review of available data can provide surgeons with useful information in similar cases. Therefore, this study can be regarded more as a contribution to this pool of data than as a stand-alone paper.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study includes 10 women and five men who underwent subtotal hepatic resection for solitary (n = 4) and multiple (n = 11) liver metastases originating from sarcoma. The median tumour diameter was 60 mm (range 20-200 mm).

RESULTS

Morbidity was 33%. One patient died within 30 days after surgery. Resection was complete (R0) in 67%. Median overall survival was 33.6 months, 5-year survival 27%. The use of Pringle manoeuvre was significantly associated with poorer outcome (p = 0.014) and shorter period of recurrence-free survival (p = 0.012). Diameter of liver lesion over 50 mm showed significantly shorter recurrence-free survival (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Hepatic resection may be beneficial in patients with isolated sarcoma metastasis in the liver.

Hepatic resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, non-sarcoma metastasis: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to analyse the outcome after hepatic resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, non-sarcomatous (NCNNNS) metastatic tumours and to identify the factors predicting survival.

METHODS

All patients who underwent hepatic resection for NCNNNS metastatic tumours between September 1996 and June 2009 were included. Patients' demographics, clinical and histopathological parameters, overall survival and the factors predicting survival were analysed.

RESULTS

In all, 65 patients underwent hepatic resection for metastasis. The most common site of a primary tumour was the kidney (24 patients). Fifteen patients had synchronous tumours. Fifty patients had major liver resections and 22 patients had bilobar disease. The median number of liver lesions resected was 1 and the median maximum diameter of the metastasis was 6 cm. A R0 resection was performed in 51 patients. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival from the time of metastasectomy was 72.9%, 47.9% and 25.6%, respectively, with a median survival of 19 months. The presence of a tumour of greater than 6 cm (P= 0.048) and a positive resection margin (P= 0.04) were associated with poor survival.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic resection for metastasis from NCNNNS tumours can offer acceptable long-term survival in selected patients. To offer a chance of a cure a R0 resection must be performed.

Pancreatic metastases: An increasing clinical entity

Pancreatic metastases, although uncommon, have been observed with increasing frequency recently, especially by high-volume pancreatic surgery centers. They are often asymptomatic and detected incidentally or during follow-up investigations even several years after the removal of the primary tumor. Renal cell cancer represents the most common primary tumor by far, followed by colorectal cancer, melanoma, sarcoma and lung cancer. Pancreatic metastasectomy is indicated for an isolated and resectable metastasis in a patient fit to tolerate pancreatectomy. Both standard and atypical pancreatic resection can be performed: a resection strategy providing adequate resection margins and maximal tissue preservation of the pancreas should be pursued. The effectiveness of resection for pancreatic metastases is mainly dependent on the tumor biology of the primary cancer; renal cell cancer is associated with the best outcome with a 5-year survival rate greater than 70%.

[Primary pancreatic sarcoma with liver metastases: is there a place for radical surgery?]

Pancreatic leiomyosarcomas are a rare neoplasm that accounts for 1/1000 of pancreatic cancers. In the literature, 23 cases of pancreatic leiomyosarcoma have been reported and the majority being diagnosed on autopsy. It has never been reported any radical curative surgery in presence of synchronous hepatic metastasis. We reported a case of a patient affected by a primitive pancreatic leiomyosarcoma with bilobar hepatic metastasis, who underwent distal splenopancreatectomy associated with the resection of multiple liver metastases.

Non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, and non-sarcoma metastases of the liver: resection as a promising tool in the palliative management

PURPOSE

Hepatic resection is established as a safe procedure for colorectal, neuroendocrine, and sarcoma liver metastases. The present study evaluates whether liver resection is an option for patients with non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, and non-sarcoma metastases of the liver.

METHODS

According to data from our prospective clinical tumor registry, we reviewed the medical records of 44 consecutive patients with non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, and non-sarcoma liver metastases, who underwent hepatic resection from January 2000 to December 2008. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis and a stepwise multivariable Cox regression model were applied.

RESULTS

Following hepatic resection, mean overall survival was 21 months, and 5-year survival was 20%. Following hepatic resection, gender, histology, and chemotherapy were of prognostic value in our patient cohort in univariate analysis (p < 0.05). Multivariate survival analysis confirmed chemotherapy (p = 0.002) as an independent prognostic variable. Following initial resection of the primary tumor, synchrone occurrence of metastases, histology, localization of primary, perioperative complications, interval between initial resection of the primary tumor and resection of the metastases, and metastases in follow-up after hepatic resection were of prognostic value in univariate analysis (p < 0.05). Histology (p = 0.017) and interval between resection of the primary and resection of the metastases (p = 0.030) were confirmed as independent prognostic variables in multivariate survival analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic resection seems to be a safe and promising additive for a selective group of patients with non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, and non-sarcoma metastases of the liver.

The role of surgery in the management of isolated metastases to the pancreas

Metastasectomy with curative intent has become standard practice for the management of some malignancies. Resection of isolated metastatic colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumours, neuroendocrine cancers, renal-cell cancer and sarcoma is associated with longer survival or even cure. The strongest evidence in favour of metastasectomy exists for colorectal cancer, in which resection of limited metastatic disease in some patients is associated with 5-year survival rates of more than 50%.(1-3) High incidence of the disease, predictable tumour biology, and development of successful chemotherapies have encouraged metastasectomy. Furthermore, improved safety of complex surgeries over the past several decades has lowered the threshold for more aggressive surgical intervention. Most literature on metastasectomy pertains to the resection of disease involving the liver, lung, and brain. However, metastasectomy has been described for almost every organ system, including the pancreas. In this Review, we discuss resection of isolated cancer metastases to the pancreas. Pancreatic metastasectomy is most often done through a formal pancreatic resection such as pancreaticoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy. Less often, pancreatic metastasectomy is done by enucleation or a pancreas sparing operation such as a central pancreatectomy.