Hepatectomy for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases in the Era of Modern Preoperative Chemotherapy: Evaluation of Postoperative Complications

C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio predicts outcome of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases: A multicenter prediction model

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with colorectal liver metastasis often results in varying outcomes. This study aimed to develop a clinical prediction model incorporating the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio to determine neoadjuvant chemotherapy efficacy in patients with colorectal liver metastasis METHODS: This retrospective study included 1,335 patients with colorectal liver metastasis who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were classified into high and low C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio groups on the basis of an optimal cutoff value. Multivariate regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine associations between clinical factors and progression-free survival. A prediction model was constructed and validated both internally and externally.

RESULTS

The optimal C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio cutoff value was 0.234. Patients with a high C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio had a greater risk of 3-year disease progression and shorter 5-year survival (both P < .05). The final model incorporated C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio value, clinical risk score, and tumor differentiation. It demonstrated excellent performance in predicting progression-free survival (C-index = 0.69) and OS (C-index = 0.72), outperforming the clinical risk score alone in both internal and external validations.

CONCLUSION

The C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio is an effective independent predictor for patients with colorectal liver metastasis receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The clinical prediction model exhibited superior predictive ability, potentially improving individualized treatment decisions patients with colorectal liver metastasis.

Simultaneous curative resection may improve the long-term survival of patients diagnosed with colorectal liver metastases: A propensity score-matching study

BACKGROUND

The benefit of simultaneous curative resection in patients with colorectal liver metastases has been unclear. Adjuvant chemotherapy is still considered an effective and priority treatment for advanced-stage colorectal patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected patients with colorectal liver metastases from January 2012 to October 2023 at the Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital. The baseline information was compared between a simultaneous curative resection group and a palliative treatment group. Propensity score matching with a 1:1 ratio was applied to develop comparable cohorts of curative resection and palliative treatment resection. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the impact of curative resection on survival of colorectal liver metastasis patients. Prognostic nomogram and a web-version calculator were developed based on the multivariate Cox regression method. Then, the concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic, calibration plots, and decision curves analysis were applied to evaluate the prognostic performance of the nomogram.

RESULTS

A total of 716 patients with colorectal liver metastases were enrolled in the study, of whom 131 patients received curative resection. There was no significant difference in terms of baseline information between the curative resection group and the palliative treatment group after propensity score matching. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that curative resection was an independent prognostic factor affecting overall survival (P = .001, hazard ratio = 1.95, 95% confidence interval 1.30-2.91). Compared with patients who did not receive curative resection, patients who received simultaneous curative resection had a significant improvement in overall survival before and after propensity score matching (P < .0001 and P = .0047, respectively). Overall survival nomogram showed excellent predictive performance with the C-indexes of 0.686 (95% confidence interval 0.556-0.792). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.75 (95% confidence interval 64.43-96.05), 0.75 (67.22-82.58), and 0.76 (66.10-85.98) for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival, respectively. The calibration plots and decision curves analysis also indicated the good predictability of the predictive nomogram. Finally, subgroup analysis further demonstrated a favorable impact of curative resection on overall survival in colorectal liver metastasis patients after propensity score matching.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous curative resection may improve the overall survival of patients with colorectal liver metastases and is an independent and effective indicator for predicting overall survival. The nomogram may provide a personalized treatment strategy.

Prognosis and predictive factors of conversion surgery for initially unresectable advanced colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of conversion surgery for initially unresectable advanced colorectal cancer and to identify factors that enable successful conversion surgery.

METHODS

We compared the outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer with distant metastases, including extrahepatic metastases, who underwent upfront surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, conversion surgery, and chemotherapy only at our department from 2007 to 2020. In addition, factors influencing the achievement of conversion surgery in patients who were initially unresectable were examined in univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Of 342 colorectal cancer patients with distant metastases treated during the study period, 239 were judged to be initially unresectable, and 17 (conversion rate: 7.1%) underwent conversion surgery. The prognosis for the conversion surgery group was better than that of the chemotherapy only group but worse than that of the upfront surgery group. In the conversion surgery group, the recurrence-free survival after resection was significantly shorter than that upfront surgery group and neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, and no patients have been cured. Among patients who were initially unresectable, left-sided primary cancer and normal CA19-9 level were identified as independent factors contributing to the achievement of conversion surgery in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although relapse after conversion surgery is common, and no patients have been cured thus far, overall survival was better in comparison to patients who received chemotherapy only. Among unresectable cases, patients with left-sided primary cancer and normal CA19-9 levels are likely to be candidates for conversion surgery.

Prognostic Role for Primary Tumor Location in Patients With Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Comparison of Right-Sided Colon, Left-Sided Colon, and Rectum

BACKGROUND

Although right-sided colon cancer is increasingly recognized as having a worse prognosis than left-sided colorectal cancer for colorectal liver metastases, little is known about the differences between the left-sided colon and rectum.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the prognostic value of primary tumor location in patients with colorectal liver metastases by examining the left-sided colon and rectum separately.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study from 2003 to 2017.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in a National Cancer Center Hospital.

PATIENTS

The study cohort included 489 patients with colorectal liver metastases from right-sided colon cancer ( n = 119, 24%), left-sided colon cancer ( n = 251, 51%), or rectal cancer ( n = 119, 24%) who underwent hepatic resection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes were relapse-free survival and overall survival.

RESULTS

Five-year relapse-free survival rates for patients with right-sided colon cancer, left-sided colon cancer, and rectal cancer were 28.6%, 34.1%, and 26.4%, and 5-year overall survival rates were 53.9%, 70.3%, and 60.8%. Multivariable analysis revealed significant differences in relapse-free survival and overall survival between left-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer (relapse-free survival: HR = 1.37, p = 0.03; overall survival: HR = 1.49, p = 0.03) and between left-sided colon cancer and right-sided colon cancer (relapse-free survival: HR = 1.39, p = 0.02; overall survival: HR = 1.60, p = 0.01), but not between right-sided colon cancer and rectal cancer. In patients with recurrence ( n = 325), left-sided colon cancer had the lowest multiple-site recurrence rate and the highest surgical resection rate for recurrence (left-sided colon cancer, 20%/46%; right-sided colon cancer, 32%/30%; rectal cancer, 26%/39%).

LIMITATIONS

This study was retrospective in design.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectal cancer was associated with worse relapse-free survival and overall survival compared with left-sided colon cancer in patients with colorectal liver metastases who underwent hepatic resection. Our findings suggest that the left-sided colon and rectum should be considered distinct entities in colorectal liver metastases. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B882 .

PAPEL PRONSTICO DE LA UBICACIN DEL TUMOR PRIMARIO EN PACIENTES CON METSTASIS HEPTICAS COLORRECTALES UNA COMPARACIN ENTRE COLON DERECHO, COLON IZQUIERDO Y RECTO

ANTECEDENTES:Aunque se reconoce cada vez más que el cáncer de colon del lado derecho tiene un peor pronóstico que el cáncer colorrectal del lado izquierdo para las metástasis hepáticas colorrectales, se sabe poco acerca de las diferencias entre el recto y el colon del lado izquierdo.OBJETIVO:Este estudio evaluó el valor pronóstico de la ubicación del tumor primario en pacientes con metástasis hepáticas colorrectales examinando el recto y el colon del lado izquierdo por separado.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio retrospectivo de 2003 a 2017.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:El estudio se llevó a cabo en un Hospital del Centro Nacional de Cáncer.PACIENTES:La cohorte del estudio incluyó a 489 pacientes con metástasis hepáticas colorrectales de cáncer de colon del lado derecho (n = 119, 24%), cáncer de colon del lado izquierdo (n = 251, 51%) o cáncer de recto (n = 119, 24%). %) que fueron sometidos a resección hepática.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Los resultados primarios fueron la supervivencia sin recaídas y la supervivencia general.RESULTADOS:Las tasas de supervivencia sin recaída a cinco años para los pacientes con cáncer de colon derecho, cáncer de colon izquierdo y cáncer de recto fueron del 28,6%, 34,1%, y 26,4%, respectivamente, y las tasas de supervivencia general a los 5 años fueron del 53,9%, 70,3%, y 60,8%, respectivamente. El análisis multivariable reveló diferencias significativas en la supervivencia sin recaída y la supervivencia general entre el cáncer de colon izquierdo y el cáncer de recto (supervivencia sin recaída: HR = 1,37, p = 0,03; supervivencia general: HR = 1,49, p = 0,03) y entre el cáncer de colon izquierdo y el cáncer de colon del lado derecho (supervivencia libre de recaídas: HR = 1,39, p = 0,02; supervivencia global: HR = 1,60, p = 0,01), pero no entre el cáncer de colon del lado derecho y el cáncer de recto. En pacientes con recurrencia (n = 325), el cáncer de colon izquierdo tuvo la tasa de recurrencia en sitios múltiples más baja y la tasa de resección quirúrgica más alta por recurrencia (cáncer de colon izquierdo, 20%/46%; cáncer de colon derecho, 32%/30%; cáncer de recto, 26%/39%).LIMITACIONES:Este estudio fue de diseño retrospectivo.CONCLUSIONES:El cáncer de recto se asoció con una peor supervivencia sin recaída y una supervivencia general peor en comparación con el cáncer de colon izquierdo en pacientes con metástasis hepáticas colorrectales que se sometieron a resección hepática. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que el colon y el recto del lado izquierdo deben considerarse entidades distintas en las metástasis hepáticas colorrectales. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B882 . (Tradducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Prognostic impact of conversion hepatectomy for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastasis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of conversion hepatectomy in patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) and to identify prognostic factors after conversion hepatectomy.

METHODS

Correlations of conversion hepatectomy with relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively investigated in 554 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for CRLM in 2000-2017. Prognostic factors after conversion hepatectomy were examined in multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Five hundred and nine patients (92%) had initially resectable CRLM at diagnosis and underwent hepatectomy (primary resection group) and 45 (8%) underwent conversion hepatectomy following chemotherapy (conversion group). The 5-year RFS was 30.0% in the primary resection group and 19.8% in the conversion group (p = 0.042); the respective 5-year OS rates were 62.0% and 52.4% (p = 0.253). Multivariable analysis did not identify conversion hepatectomy as a significant prognostic factor for RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64-1.37, p = 0.796) or OS (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.67-1.79, p = 0.667). In the conversion group, multivariable analysis identified the following independent prognostic factors: timing of liver metastases for RFS (synchronous: HR 3.14, 95% CI 1.20-8.24, p = 0.020) and preoperative CEA level for RFS (> 5 ng/ml: HR 3.10, 95% CI 1.45-6.61, p = 0.003) and OS (> 5 ng/ml: HR 3.29, 95% CI 1.18-9.17, p = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

RFS and OS rates after conversion hepatectomy were not inferior to those after primary resection in patients with CRLM. Patients with a normal CEA level before hepatectomy can be expected to have good long-term prognosis after conversion hepatectomy.

Conversion therapy with the intent to perform radical local treatment may not be suitable for patients with 10 or more liver metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The number of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLMs) is usually considered a contradictory indicator to surgical resection. However, some patients with initially unresectable CRLMs can receive radical local treatment after conversion therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of radical local treatment after conversion therapy and the prognosis of patients with more than 10 initially unresectable CRLMs.

METHODS

Data for a total of 229 patients with initially unresectable CRLMs were retrospectively reviewed between December 2012 and January 2020. Among these patients, 107 had ≥10 CRLMs, and 122 had <10 CRLMs. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were used to reflect the prognosis of different groups of patients. Conversion therapy was defined as an initially unresectable liver metastasis converted into an R0 resectable lesion after systemic chemotherapy. Radical local treatment included hepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

RESULTS

Patients with ≥10 CRLMs had a lower conversion rate (42.7% vs. 56.6%, p = 0.001). Baseline clinical N stage 1-2, ≥8 first-line chemotherapy courses, and stable disease (SD) according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) were independent factors predictive of conversion failure. Primary tumour location in the right colon, RECIST response of SD, and the absence of targeted therapy were independent factors predictive of unfavourable OS. The survival curves revealed that the OS of patients with or without conversion could be distinguished only among patients with <10 CRLMs (89.9% [95% CI, 82.5%-98.0%] vs. 58.9% [95% CI, 45.2%-76.7%], p < 0.001); this cut-off point could also distinguish patients with a successful conversion outcome according to OS (89.9% [95% CI, 82.5-98.0%] vs. 58.2% [95% CI, 42.2-80.4%], p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

For CRLMs ≥ 10, patients with a successful conversion outcome cannot be distinguished from those without successful conversion outcome according to OS. Thus, conversion therapy with the intent to perform radical local treatment may not be suitable for patients with 10 or more liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

Study on the Application of Doxorubicin-Loaded Magnetic Nanodrugs in Targeted Therapy of Liver Cancer

Doxorubicin (DOX) has been widely recognized as effective in anticancer therapy; however, the additional organ toxicity and low targeting of DOX in antitumor activity remains unaddressed. The aim of this study was to use the drug carrier dextran/polylactic acid (DEX/PLA) and paramagnetic Fe3O4 to improve the targeting of DOX in liver cancer treatment while reducing its potential organ toxicity. Our experimental results show that the combination drug (Fe3O4@DEX/PLA-DOX) exhibits strong hepatocarcinogenic inhibition and low cytotoxicity and that this modified drug provides a better option for clinical liver cancer treatment.

Short-Term Outcomes of Secondary Liver Surgery for Initially Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases Following Modern Induction Systemic Therapy in the Dutch CAIRO5 Trial

Objective

To present short-term outcomes of liver surgery in patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) downsized by chemotherapy plus targeted agents.

Background

The increase of complex hepatic resections of CRLM, technical innovations pushing boundaries of respectability, and use of intensified induction systemic regimens warrant for safety data in a homogeneous multicenter prospective cohort.

Methods

Patients with initially unresectable CRLM, who underwent complete resection after induction systemic regimens with doublet or triplet chemotherapy, both plus targeted therapy, were selected from the ongoing phase III CAIRO5 study (NCT02162563). Short-term outcomes and risk factors for severe postoperative morbidity (Clavien Dindo grade ≥ 3) were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 173 patients underwent resection of CRLM after induction systemic therapy. The median number of metastases was 9 and 161 (93%) patients had bilobar disease. Thirty-six (20.8%) 2-stage resections and 88 (51%) major resections (>3 liver segments) were performed. Severe postoperative morbidity and 90-day mortality was 15.6% and 2.9%, respectively. After multivariable analysis, blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR] 2.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-6.4], P = 0.03), major resection (OR 2.9 [95% CI 1.1-7.5], P = 0.03), and triplet chemotherapy (OR 2.6 [95% CI 1.1-7.5], P = 0.03) were independently correlated with severe postoperative complications. No association was found between number of cycles of systemic therapy and severe complications (r = -0.038, P = 0.31).

Conclusion

In patients with initially unresectable CRLM undergoing modern induction systemic therapy and extensive liver surgery, severe postoperative morbidity and 90-day mortality were 15.6% and 2.7%, respectively. Triplet chemotherapy, blood transfusion, and major resections were associated with severe postoperative morbidity.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In recent years, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been increasingly used in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases. However, the efficacy and safety of NAC in the treatment of resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are still controversial.

AIM

To assess the efficacy and application value of NAC in patients with resectable CRLM.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from inception to December 2020 to collect clinical studies comparing NAC with non-NAC. Data processing and statistical analyses were performed using Stata V.15.0 and Review Manager 5.0 software.

RESULTS

In total, 32 studies involving 11236 patients were included in this analysis. We divided the patients into two groups, the NAC group (that received neoadjuvant chemotherapy) and the non-NAC group (that received no neoadjuvant chemotherapy). The meta-analysis outcome showed a statistically significant difference in the 5-year overall survival and 5-year disease-free survival between the two groups. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were HR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.39-0.61, P = 0.000 and HR = 0.48 95%CI: 0.36-0.63, P = 0.000. The duration of surgery in the NAC group was longer than that of the non-NAC group [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.01-0.82, P = 0.044)]. The meta-analysis showed that the number of liver metastases in the NAC group was significantly higher than that in the non-NAC group (SMD = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.02-1.43, P = 0.043). The lymph node metastasis in the NAC group was significantly higher than that in the non-NAC group (SMD = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.07-1.43, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

We found that NAC could improve the long-term prognosis of patients with resectable CRLM. At the same time, the NAC group did not increase the risk of any adverse event compared to the non-NAC group.

Liver resection for octogenarians in a French center: prolonged hepatic pedicle occlusion and male sex increase major complications

PURPOSE

The prolonged life expectancy and increase in aging of the population have led surgeons to propose hepatectomy in the elderly population. In this study, we evaluate the surgical outcome of octogenarians in a single French center.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2020, 78 patients over 80 years old were retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors of major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ grade IIIa) and patient performance after surgery by using textbook outcome (TO) (no surgical complications, no prolonged hospital stay (≤ 15 days), no readmission ≤90 days after discharge, and no mortality ≤90 days after surgery) were studied.

RESULTS

The main surgical indication was for malignancy (96%), including mainly colorectal liver metastases (n = 41; 53%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 22; 28%), and major hepatectomy was performed in 28 patients (36%). There were 6 (8%) postoperative mortalities. The most frequent complications were pulmonary (n = 22; 32%), followed by renal insufficiency (n = 22; 28%) and delirium (n = 16; 21%). Major complications occurred in 19 (24%) patients. On multivariate analysis, the main risk factors for major complications were the median vascular clamping time (0 vs 35; P = 0.04) and male sex (P = 0.046). TO was ultimately achieved in 30 patients (38%), and there was no prognostic factor for achievement of TO.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatectomy in octogenarians is associated with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Meanwhile, prolonged hepatic pedicle clamping should be avoided especially if hepatectomy is planned in a male patient.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Postoperative Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy

Purpose: Our goal was to analyze postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and to explore the possible risk factors.

Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were retrospectively enrolled, and the main study outcomes were postoperative bleeding and 30-day mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the independent risk factors for postoperative bleeding.

Results: A total of 31,706 patients were enrolled for analysis during January 2010 and December 2018 from the Affiliated First Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Benign and malignant disease was reported in 4,521 and 27,185 patients, respectively. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 48 patients with benign disease and in 263 patients with malignant disease. There was one bleeding site in 243 patients. The branch of the superior thyroid artery was the most common arterial bleeding site, occurring in 124 patients, and the anterior jugular vein was the most common venous bleeding site, occurring in 85 patients. Multivariable analysis confirmed that hypertension, diabetes, BMI, and disease pathology were independent factors affecting postoperative bleeding in patients with benign disease and that hypertension, diabetes, BMI, operation time, tumor stage, and tracheotomy were independent factors affecting postoperative bleeding in patients with malignant disease. In patients with postoperative bleeding, there were 5 deaths; in patients without postoperative bleeding, there were 42 deaths, and the difference was significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Compared with malignant disease patients, benign disease patients have a similar postoperative bleeding rate. A previous history of chemotherapy or radiotherapy has no significant effect on postoperative bleeding.

Simultaneous versus staged resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases: A population-based cost analysis in Ontario, Canada - Health economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous compared to staged resection of synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases is considered safe. We aimed to determine their cost implications.

STUDY DESIGN

Population-based cohort was generated by linking administrative healthcare datasets in Ontario, Canada (2006-2014). Resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastases within six months was considered synchronous. Cost analysis was performed from the perspective of a third-party payer. Median costs with range were estimated using the log-normal distribution of cost using t-test with a one-year time horizon.

RESULTS

Among patients undergoing staged resection (n = 678), the estimated median cost was $54,321 CAD (IQR 45,472 to 68,475) and $41,286 CAD (IQR 31,633 to 58,958) for those undergoing simultaneous resection (n = 390), median difference: $13,035 CAD (p < 0.001). Primary cost driver were all costs related to hospitalization for liver and colon resection, which was higher for the staged approach, median difference: $16,346 CAD (p < 0.001). This was mainly due to a longer median length of hospital stay in the staged vs. simultaneous group (11 vs. 8 days, p < 0.001 respectively), which was not attributable to differences in major postoperative complication rates (23% vs. 28%, p = 0.067 respectively). Other costs, including cost of chemotherapy within six months of surgery ($11,681 CAD vs. $8644 CAD, p = 0.074 respectively) and 90-day re-hospitalization cost ($2155 CAD vs. $2931 CAD, p = 0.454 respectively) were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Cost of staged resection of synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases is significantly higher compared to the simultaneous approach, mostly driven by a longer length of hospital stay despite similar postoperative complication rates.

Clinical analysis of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for recurrent colorectal liver metastases after hepatectomy

Background

RFA is designed to produce localized tumor destruction by heating the tumor and surrounding liver tissue, especially suitable for patients who do not qualify for hepatic resection. Many studies have reported that RFA was inferior to hepatectomy in the treatment of recurrent colorectal liver metastases. However, strong evidence is lacking in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the effect and clinical outcome of percutaneous ultrasound-guided RFA and repeat hepatic resection for recurrent colorectal liver metastases after hepatectomy.

Methods

From January 2007 to January 2014, 194 patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases after hepatectomy diagnosed in our hospital was performed, and then divided into two groups based on different regimens: repeat hepatic resection group and RFA group. The clinical data of the two groups were analyzed. After treatment, the liver function-related indexes, complication rate, survival rate, and tumor recurrence of the two groups were recorded. The difference in short-term and long-term effects between repeat hepatic resection and RFA was identified by propensity score analysis.

Results

The number of metastases and the proportion of left and right lobe involved by tumor and preoperative chemotherapy in the RFA group were higher than those in the repeat hepatic resection group. The clinical data showed no significant difference between the two groups after using propensity score analysis. Compared with the RFA group, the liver function of the repeat hepatic resection group was significantly improved. After adjustment for potential confounders, no significant difference in liver function-related indexes was found between RFA and repeat hepatic resection, and the incidence of complications in the RFA group was lower. In survival analysis, there was no significant difference in OS and DFS between the two groups.

Conclusions

RFA is a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases after hepatectomy.

Population-based study on practice variation regarding preoperative systemic chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases and impact on short-term outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Definitions regarding resectability and hence indications for preoperative chemotherapy vary. Use of preoperative chemotherapy may influence postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to assess the variation in use of preoperative chemotherapy for CRLM and related postoperative outcomes in the Netherlands.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2018 were included from a national database. Case-mix factors contributing to the use of preoperative chemotherapy, hospital variation and postoperative outcomes were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Postoperative outcomes were postoperative complicated course (PCC), 30-day morbidity and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

In total, 4469 patients were included of whom 1314 patients received preoperative chemotherapy and 3155 patients did not. Patients receiving chemotherapy were significantly younger (mean age (+SD) 66.3 (10.4) versus 63.2 (10.2) p < 0.001) and had less comorbidity (Charlson scores 2+ (24% versus 29%, p = 0.010). Unadjusted hospital variation concerning administration of preoperative chemotherapy ranged between 2% and 55%. After adjusting for case-mix factors, three hospitals administered significantly more preoperative chemotherapy than expected and six administered significantly less preoperative chemotherapy than expected. PCC was 12.1%, 30-day morbidity was 8.8% and 30-day mortality was 1.5%. No association between preoperative chemotherapy and PCC (OR 1.24, 0.98-1.55, p = 0.065), 30-day morbidity (OR 1.05, 0.81-1.39, p = 0.703) or with 30-day mortality (OR 1.22, 0.75-2.09, p = 0.467) was found.

CONCLUSION

Significant hospital variation in the use of preoperative chemotherapy for CRLM was present in the Netherlands. No association between postoperative outcomes and use of preoperative chemotherapy was found.