Liver Transplantation for Colorectal Liver Metastasis

Liver Transplantation for Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastasis: Perspective and Review of Current Literature

The treatment of unresectable colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) has previously been limited to palliative chemotherapy. Traditionally, the role of liver transplant has not been associated with sufficient survival to justify a patient undergoing a major operation with the associated requirement for postoperative immunosuppression. With improvements in chemotherapy options, a certain subset of patients can experience stable disease for years, which has prompted investigation into the role of liver transplant in these patients. Several recent studies have shown promising results in well-selected patients, with posttransplant survival approaching that of liver transplant recipients for other diseases. Here, we present a review of the data and current protocols for liver transplant for unresectable CRLM.

Liver Transplantation for Colorectal Liver Metastases

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Approximately half of the patients diagnosed will develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Liver resection has a 50% 5-year survival; however, only a fourth of cases are resectable. Unresectable CRLM has poor prognosis despite improved systemic and local ablative treatments. Liver transplantation (LT) has demonstrated a survival benefit in initial prospective clinical trials. Current use of LT for CRLM is limited to several randomized trials and high-performing centers. Improving patient selection criteria and perioperative management, LT will likely become an important part of the multidisciplinary approach to managing the metastatic disease.

[Colorectal cancer liver metastases: current state of the problem, priority treatment approaches]

The review is devoted to the world trends in epidemiology of colorectal cancer and treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. The authors analyze the effectiveness of traditional (resection) and modern minimally invasive methods of local destruction (radiofrequency thermoablation, microwave ablation, cryoablation), stereotactic radiotherapy, radiosurgery, targeted therapy and endovascular techniques (chemoinfusion, chemoembolization, radioembolization). It was emphasized that searching for new chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs is one of the reserve ways to improve treatment outcomes in patients with potentially resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases. The possibilities and prospects of liver transplantation as a priority treatment strategy for patients with unresectable bilobar colorectal cancer liver metastases are highlighted.

Attitudes of Canadian Colorectal Cancer Care Providers towards Liver Transplantation for Colorectal Liver Metastases: A National Survey

Up to 50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The aim of this study was to gauge the awareness and perception of liver transplantation (LT) for non-resectable CRLM, and to describe the current referral patterns and management strategies for CRLM in Canada. Surgeons who provide care for patients with CRC were invited to an online survey through the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, the Canadian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and the Canadian Society of Surgical Oncology. Thirty-seven surveys were included. The most utilized management strategy for CRLM was to refer to a hepatobiliary surgeon for assessment of metastectomy (78%), and/or refer to medical oncologists for consideration of chemotherapy (73%). Among the respondents, 84% reported that their level of knowledge about LT for CRLM was low, yet the perception of exploring the option of LT for non-resectable CRLM seemed generally favorable (81%). The decision to refer for consideration of LT for CRLM treatment seemed to depend on patient-specific factors and the local hepatobiliary surgeon’s recommendation. Providing CRC care providers with educational materials on up-to-date CRLM management may help raise the awareness of the use of LT for non-resectable CRLM.