Hepatectomy enables prolonged survival in select patients with isolated noncolorectal liver metastasis

Comparison of intravoxel incoherent motion imaging, diffusion kurtosis imaging, and conventional DWI in predicting the chemotherapeutic response of colorectal liver metastases

PURPOSE

To assess the usefulness and performance of intravoxel incoherent motion imaging (IVIM) with diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and conventional DWI for predicting the chemotherapeutic response of colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs).

METHOD

A prospective study was conducted. Up to February 2018, forty consecutive patients treated with the standard first-line chemotherapy regimens were enrolled. MRI was performed within 1 week before chemotherapy, as well as 2-3 weeks and 6-8 weeks after chemotherapy. The apparent diffusion coefficient map, IVIM and DKI parameter maps were calculated using a prototype postprocessing software. The response was assessed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The parameters were compared between the responding group (complete and partial response) and the nonresponding group (stable and progressive disease).

RESULTS

A total of 15 responding and 25 nonresponding patients were evaluated. Low baseline ADC, D_slow, and D values (P =  0.001, <0.001, and =0.003, respectively) and a high baseline K value (P =  0.002) were independently associated with a good response to chemotherapy. The combination of all the significant parameters yielded an AUC of 0.867. After treatment, the ADC, D_slow, and D values all showed an upward trend, while the K value showed a decreasing trend, but there were no significant differences (P >  0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study showed that the pretreatment IVIM (D_slow), DKI (D and K), and conventional DWI (ADC) parameters all demonstrated a good diagnostic performance in predicting the chemotherapeutic response of CRLMs.

Pancreatic, periampullary and biliary cancer with liver metastases: Should we consider resection in selected cases?

AIM

To analyse the safety and efficacy of curative intent surgery in biliary and pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

An extensive literature review was performed using MEDLINE, Google Scholar and EMBASE to identify articles regarding hepato-pancreatoduodenectomy or resection of liver metastasis in patients with pancreatic, biliary tract, periampullary and gallbladder cancers.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies were identified and reviewed. Major hepatectomy was undertaken in 391 patients. The median overall survival for pancreatic cancer ranged from 5-36 mo and for biliary tract/gallbladder cancer, it was 8-38 mo. The 30 d mortality rate was only 1%-9%. Overall Survival was significantly better for patients, who had good response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, underwent metachronous liver resection and who had intestinal type tumours.

CONCLUSION

Resection of liver metastases in pancreatic and biliary cancers may provide survival benefit without compromising safety and quality of life in a very select group of patients. These data may be utilised to formulate selection criteria that may allow future investigation of resection in the era of more effective systemic therapy.

Liver resection for noncolorectal and nonneuroendocrine metastases: Results of a study on 56 patients at a single institution

The usefulness of surgical treatment for hepatic metastases of noncolorectal non-neuroendocrine (NCRNNE) tumors is not yet clear due to the natural history of these tumors, their frequent systemic dissemination and their histological heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of patients who underwent liver resection for NCRNNE metastases. For this purpose we retrospectively analyzed 202 patients who underwent liver resection for metastasis between January 1989 and December 2006 at the Department of Surgery of the University Hospital of Udine. Fifty-six patients underwent liver resection because of NCRNNE metastases. The preoperative assessment was based on hepatic ultrasonography and CT scan; PET was used in a few patients. All patients had intraoperative liver ultrasonography to evaluate the lesions and to define the resection. Gender, age, primary tumor site (gastrointestinal or nongastrointestinal), synchronous or metachronous metastasis, unilobar or bilobar localization, number and diameter of the lesion(s), type of resection, margin status, positive lymph nodes in the hepatoduodenal ligament, and time between surgery and diagnosis of liver metastases were evaluated as possible prognostic factors for survival. Univariate analysis showed that the location of the primary tumor and the disease-free interval since the treatment of the primary tumor were positive predictive factors for longer survival. Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent significant factor was gastrointestinal versus nongastrointestinal origin. Demographic data, the synchronous or metachronous appearance of metastases, their unilobar or bilobar location, number and size, the type of resection, the resection margin status and the involvement of lymph nodes did not prove to be prognostic factors.

Prognostic Factors Affecting Long-Term Survival after Resection for Noncolorectal, Nonneuroendocrine, and Nonsarcoma Liver Metastases

AIM

To evaluate feasibility and long-term outcome after hepatic resection for noncolorectal, nonneuroendocrine, and nonsarcoma (NCNNNS) liver metastases in a single center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our experience on patients who underwent surgery for NCNNNS liver metastases from 1995 to 2015. Patient baseline characteristics, tumor features, treatment options, and postoperative outcome were retrieved.

RESULTS

We included 47 patients. The overall 5-year survival (OS) rate after hepatectomy was 27.6%, with a median survival of 21 months. Overall survival was significantly longer for patients operated for nongastrointestinal liver metastases when compared with gastrointestinal (41 versus 10 months; p = 0.027). OS was significantly worse in patients with synchronous metastases than in those with metachronous disease (10 versus 22 months; p = 0.021). The occurrence of major postoperative complication negatively affected long-term prognosis (OS 23.5 versus 9.0 months; p = 0.028). Preoperative tumor characteristics (number and size of the lesions), intraoperative features (extension of resection, need for transfusions, and Pringle's maneuver), and R0 at pathology were not associated with differences in overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Liver resection represents a possible curative option for patients with NCNNNS metastases. The origin of the primary tumor and the timing of metastases presentation may help clinicians to better select which patients could take advantages from surgical intervention.

The safety and effectiveness of liver resection for breast cancer liver metastases: A systematic review

Breast cancer liver metastases have traditionally been considered incurable and any treatment given therefore palliative. Liver resections for breast cancer metastases are being performed, despite there being no robust evidence for which patients benefit. This review aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of liver resection for breast cancer metastases. A systematic literature review was performed and resulted in 33 papers being assembled for analysis. All papers were case series and data extracted was heterogeneous so a meta-analysis was not possible. Safety outcomes were mortality and morbidity (in hospital and 30-day). Effectiveness outcomes were local recurrence, re-hepatectomy, survival (months), 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- year overall survival rate (%), disease free survival (months) and 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- year disease free survival rate (%). Overall median figures were calculated using unweighted median data given in each paper. Results demonstrated that mortality was low across all studies with a median of 0% and a maximum of 5.9%. The median morbidity rate was 15%. Overall survival was a median of 35.1 months and a median 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival of 84.55%, 71.4%, 52.85% and 33% respectively. Median disease free survival was 21.5 months with a 3- and 5-year median disease free survival of 36% and 18%. Whilst the results demonstrate seemingly satisfactory levels of overall survival and disease free survival, the data are of poor quality with multiple confounding variables and small study populations. Recommendations are for extensive pilot and feasibility work with the ultimate aim of conducting a large pragmatic randomised control trial to accurately determine which patients benefit from liver resection for breast cancer liver metastases.

Resection of Large Metachronous Liver Metastasis with Gastric Origin: Case Report and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Increasing evidence suggests that surgical resection may be offered to a subgroup of patients with liver metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma. The aim of this case report is to illustrate the surgical resection of a single liver metachronous recurrence twelve months after a radical total gastrectomy for cancer.

CASE REPORT

A 63-year-old male patient with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 1 was referred to our hospital for a single, large liver metastasis, twelve months after a radical total gastrectomy and DII lymphadenectomy for upper third gastric adenocarcinoma. As the adjuvant treatment, the patient received 12 cycles of FOLFOX chemotherapy. During the present admission, the abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a single liver metastasis located in the segments 5 and 6, of 105/85 mm in diameter. Surgical resection by an open approach of liver metastasis was decided. We performed a non-anatomical liver resection, without inflow control due to significant peritoneal adhesions in the liver hilum secondary to the previous lymphadenectomy. The patient was discharged after seven days, with an uneventful recovery. Six months after the second surgical procedure, the patient developed a local liver recurrence. The surgical resection of the liver recurrence was performed, with no postoperative morbidities, and the patient was discharged after eight days. Three months after the latest surgery, the patient is under adjuvant chemotherapy, with no imagistic signs of further recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

  Hepatic resection for liver metastasis of gastric origin may offer satisfactory oncological outcomes in a very selected subgroup of patients.

Liver Resection for Non-colorectal Non-neuroendocrine Metastases: Where Do We Stand Today Compared to Colorectal Cancer?

The continuing controversy about surgery for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases (NCRNNE) necessitates identifying risk factors of worsened outcomes to improve patient selection and survival. Prospectively collected data of 167 patients undergoing hepatectomy for NCRNNE were analyzed, and a comparison to a matched population of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) was performed. Overall survival (OS) (35 vs. 54 months; P = 0.008) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (15 vs. 29 months; P = 0.004) of NCRNNE patients were significantly shorter compared to those with CLM. The best survival was found in the genitourinary (GU; OS, 45 months; RFS, 21 months) NCRNNE subgroup, whereas survival for gastrointestinal (GI) metastases was low (OS, 8 months; RFS, 7 months). Patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) showed excellent outcomes when compared to CLM (OS, 50 vs. 51 months; P = 0.901). Extrahepatic disease (EHD) was identified as independent prognostic factor for reducing both RFS (P = 0.040) and OS (P = 0.046). The number of liver lesions (P = 0.024), residual tumor (P = 0.025), and major complications (P = 0.048) independently diminished OS. The degree of survival advantage by surgery is determined by the primary tumor site, EHD, the number of metastases, and residual tumor. Thus-even more than in CLM-these oncological selection criteria must prevail. GU metastases, especially RCC, represent a favorable subgroup.

Is Hepatic Resection for Non-colorectal, Non-neuroendocrine Liver Metastases Justified?

BACKGROUND

Discussions about the benefit of liver resection (LRx) for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine metastases are controversial. This study aimed to analyze the outcome of LRx for these patients and validate a previously published prognostic risk model.

METHODS

The study analyzed 150 patients who underwent LRx for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine (NCNN) metastases. Patients' demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment options, and postoperative outcome were investigated. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models were used to assess survival and prognostic variables.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up period of 61 months, 39 % of the patients were alive. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.7 %. The overall, disease-free, and intrahepatic recurrence-free survival rates were respectively 42, 29, and 51 % at 5 years and 28, 23, and 47 % at 10 years. The negative prognostic factors identified in the multivariate analysis were melanoma (p = 0.04), squamous tumors (p = 0.01), and a primary tumor liver metastasis, with an interval shorter than 2 years (p = 0.02), whereas the predictive prognostic factors identified were breast cancer (p = 0.04), stromal tumors (p = 0.03), and major LRx (p = 0.04). The prognostic risk score stratified patients into low risk (0-3 points: n = 50; 5-year overall survival [OS] 58 %), medium risk (4-6 points: n = 91; 5-year OS 35 %), and high risk (≥7 points: n = 9; 5-year OS, 33 %) groups (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Liver resection for patients with NCNN metastases is a safe treatment option. More than 25 % of patients can achieve a long-term survival of 10 years when the histology of the primary tumor and the surrogates for the individual biologic tumor behavior are taken into account. Exclusion of patients with NCNN liver metastases from surgical therapy is no longer justified.

Metastatic liver disease from non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, non-sarcoma cancers: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Hepatic resection of liver metastases of non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, and non-sarcoma (NCNNNS) primary malignancies seems to improve survival in selected patients. The aims of the current review were to describe long-term results of surgery and to evaluate prognostic factors for survival in patients who underwent resection of NCNNNS liver metastases.

METHODS

We identified 30 full texts (25 single-center and 5 multicenter studies) published after year 1995 and published in English with a total of 3849 patients. For NCNNNS liver metastases, 83.4 % of these subjects were resected.

RESULTS

No prior systematic reviews or meta-analyses on this topic were identified. All studies were case series without matching control groups. The most common primary sites were breast (23.8 %), genito-urinary (21.8 %), and gastrointestinal tract (19.8 %). The median 5- and 10-year overall survival were 32.3 % (range 19-42 %) and 24 % (indicated only in two studies, range 23-25 %), respectively, with 71 % of R0 resections.

CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence suggesting that surgery of NCNNNS metastases is safe, feasible, and effective if treatment is part of a multidisciplinary approach and if indication is based on the prognostic factors underlined in literature analysis.

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.

The benefits of liver resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine liver metastases: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Defining the benefits of resection of isolated non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine (NCRNNE) liver metastases is difficult. To better understand the survival benefit in this group of patients, we conducted a systematic review of the previous literature.

METHODS

Medline, Web of Knowledge, and manual searches were performed using search terms, such as "liver resection" and "primary tumor." Inclusion criteria were year>1990, >five patients, and median survival reported or derived. An expected median survival was calculated from weighted averages of median survivals, and differences were assessed using a permutation test.

RESULTS

A total of 7,857 references were identified. Overall 4,735 abstracts were reviewed; 120 manuscripts evaluated and of these, 73 met the study inclusion criteria. The final population consisted of 3,596 patients with renal (n=234), ovarian (n=119), testicular (n=153), adrenal (n=90), small bowel (n=28), gallbladder (n=21), duodenum (n=38), gastric (n=481), pancreatic (n=55), esophageal (n=23), head and neck (n=15), and lung (n=36) cancers, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) (n=106), cholangiocarcinoma (n=13), sarcoma (n=189), and melanoma (n=643). The greatest expected median was 63 months for genitourinary (GU) primaries (n=549; range 5.4-142 months) followed by 44.4 months for breast cancer (n=1,013; range 8-74 months), 22.3 months for gastrointestinal cancer (n=549; range 5-58 months), and 23.7 months for other tumor types (n=1,082; range 10-72 months). Using a permutation test, we observed that survival was best for patients with GU primaries followed by that for breast cancer patients. Additionally, we also observed that survival was similar for those with cancer of the GI tract and other primary sites.

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be a benefit to resection for patients with NCRNNE liver metastases. The degree of survival advantage is predicated by primary site.

Prognostic factors related to surgical outcome of liver metastases of breast cancer

PURPOSE

The role of hepatectomy for patients with liver metastases of breast cancer (LMBC) remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to share our experience with hepatic resection in a relatively unselected group of patients with LMBC and analyse the prognostic factors and indications for surgery.

METHODS

In 2000 to 2006, 42 female patients with a mean age of 58.2 years (range, 39 to 69 years) with LMBC diagnosed by means of abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging in the hospital. They were considered for surgery because of limited comorbidities, presence of seven or fewer liver tumors and absence of (or limited and stable) extrahepatic disease on preoperative imaging. Patients' demographics, metastatic characteristics as well as clinical and operative parameters were being studied. Overall actuarial 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were calculated since the hepatic resection onwards using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Metastatic tumor size of ≤4 cm (p=0.03), R0 resection (p=0.02), negative portal lymph nodes (p=0.01), response to chemotherapy (p=0.02), and positive hormone receptor status (p=0.03) were associated with better survival outcomes on univariate analysis. However, it did not show survival benefits on multivariate analysis. The disease-free survival and overall survival are 29.40 and 43 months, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 84.61%, 64.11%, and 38.45%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Selected patients with isolated LMBC may benefit from surgical management; although, indications remain unclear and the risks may outweigh the benefits in patients with a generally poor prognosis. Improvements in preoperative staging and progressive application of new multimodality treatments will be the key to improved survival rates in this severe disease. The careful selection of patients is associated with a satisfactory long-term survival rate.

[Surgical treatment of melanoma liver metastases]

The appearance of liver metastases during the follow-up of a patient with a skin melanoma has classically been considered a sign of a very poor prognosis. There are limited therapeutic options, since these lesions are non-resectable and form part of a disseminated disease in several organs. In certain cases, in those where the disease is restricted to the liver or accompanied by a resectable extra-hepatic disease, hepatectomy can be useful, obtaining acceptable survivals of about 25% at 5 years, although hepatic or skin recurrence is usually early. The limited number of patient cases published, the absence of randomised studies, and the heterogeneity of the series, makes it difficult to reach conclusions to be able to recommend which patients may benefit from liver resection, with an acceptable level of scientific evidence, and thus define its real usefulness. There are also no action plans defined as to when and what type of adjuvant therapy we should use.

Conformational technique for non-anatomic resection of liver lesions

Safe margin-negative hepatic resection with maximal preservation of normal liver parenchyma is the primary operative objective in treating patients with metastatic or primary liver malignancies. A technique to perform non-anatomic liver resection(s) for large lesions that may involve major hepatic vascular structures is herein described. This technique employs linear cutting stapler technology and specific mobilization of the liver to perform single or multiple large spherical resections of liver lesions.

Liver resection for liver metastases from nondigestive endocrine cancer: extrahepatic disease burden defines outcome

BACKGROUND

For patients with hepatic nondigestive endocrine metastases (HNEM), the role of liver resection is not well-defined.

METHODS

We reviewed outcomes for patients who underwent liver resection for HNEM at 2 centers to identify predictors of survival.

RESULTS

From 1991 to 2010, 51 patients underwent liver resection for HNEM. Primary tumor types were adrenal gland (n = 26), thyroid (n = 11), testicular germ cell (n = 9), and ovarian granulosa cell (n = 5). 28 patients (55%) had synchronous or early (diagnosed within 12 months after primary tumor resection) liver metastases. At liver resection, 26 patients (51%) had extrahepatic metastases, and 7 (14%) had ≥2 sites of extrahepatic metastases. 32 patients (63%) had major liver resection and 19 (37%) had a simultaneous extrahepatic procedure. 90-day postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 27% and 2%, respectively. After median follow-up of 20 months (range, 1-144), the 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates were 58% and 37%, respectively. Survival was not affected by primary tumor type. In multivariate analysis, ≥2 sites of extrahepatic metastases (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18-19.50; P = .028) and interval of ≤12 months between primary tumor resection and diagnosis of liver metastases (HR = 5.33; 95% CI = 1.11-25.71; P = .037) were associated with worse overall survival after liver resection.

CONCLUSION

For selected patients, liver resection for HNEM is associated with long-term survival. The number of extrahepatic sites of metastasis and the timing of appearance of liver metastases should be considered in patient selection.

Is surgical resection superior to transplantation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with either liver resection or transplantation.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-institution analysis of 413 HCC patients from 1999 to 2009.

RESULTS

A total of 413 patients with HCC underwent surgical resection (n = 106) and transplantation (n = 270) or were listed without receiving transplantation (n = 37). Excluding transplanted patients with incidental tumors (n = 50), 257 patients with suspected HCC were listed with the intent to transplant (ITT). The median diameter of the largest tumor by radiography was 6.0 cm in resected, 3.0 cm in transplanted, and 3.4 cm in the listed-but-not-transplanted patients. Median time to transplant was 48 days. Recurrence rates were 19.8% for resection and 12.1% for all ITT patients. Overall, patient survival for resection versus ITT patients was similar (5-year survival of 53.0% vs 52.0%, not significant). However, for HCC patients with model end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores less than 10 and who radiologically met Milan or UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival rates were significantly improved in resected patients. For patients with MELD score less than 10 and who met Milan criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival were 92.0% and 63.0% for resection (n = 26) versus 83.0% and 41.0% for ITT (n = 73, P = 0.036). For those with MELD score less than 10 and met UCSF criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival was 94.0% and 62.0% for resection (n = 33) versus 81.0% and 40.0% for ITT (n = 78, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Among known HCC patients with preserved liver function, resection was associated with superior patient survival versus transplantation. These results suggest that surgical resection should remain the first line therapy for patients with HCC and compensated liver function who are candidates for resection.

Is surgical resection superior to transplantation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with either liver resection or transplantation.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-institution analysis of 413 HCC patients from 1999 to 2009.

RESULTS

A total of 413 patients with HCC underwent surgical resection (n = 106) and transplantation (n = 270) or were listed without receiving transplantation (n = 37). Excluding transplanted patients with incidental tumors (n = 50), 257 patients with suspected HCC were listed with the intent to transplant (ITT). The median diameter of the largest tumor by radiography was 6.0 cm in resected, 3.0 cm in transplanted, and 3.4 cm in the listed-but-not-transplanted patients. Median time to transplant was 48 days. Recurrence rates were 19.8% for resection and 12.1% for all ITT patients. Overall, patient survival for resection versus ITT patients was similar (5-year survival of 53.0% vs 52.0%, not significant). However, for HCC patients with model end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores less than 10 and who radiologically met Milan or UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival rates were significantly improved in resected patients. For patients with MELD score less than 10 and who met Milan criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival were 92.0% and 63.0% for resection (n = 26) versus 83.0% and 41.0% for ITT (n = 73, P = 0.036). For those with MELD score less than 10 and met UCSF criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival was 94.0% and 62.0% for resection (n = 33) versus 81.0% and 40.0% for ITT (n = 78, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Among known HCC patients with preserved liver function, resection was associated with superior patient survival versus transplantation. These results suggest that surgical resection should remain the first line therapy for patients with HCC and compensated liver function who are candidates for resection.

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.

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.

Apparent diffusion coefficient: potential imaging biomarker for prediction and early detection of response to chemotherapy in hepatic metastases

PURPOSE

To evaluate the ability of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to help predict response to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal and gastric hepatic metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional review board approval was obtained; all patients provided informed consent. Standard magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and diffusion-weighted (DW) MR imaging were performed before and 3, 7, and 42 days after initiating chemotherapy for 87 hepatic metastases in 23 colorectal and gastric cancer patients (16 men, seven women; mean age, 55.7 years; range, 33-71 years). Lesions were classified as either responding or nonresponding, according to changes in size at the end of therapy. Linear mixed-effects modeling was applied to analyze change in ADCs and size following treatment. The Pearson correlation test was calculated between those ADC parameters and tumor response.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight responding and 49 nonresponding metastatic lesions were evaluated. Pretherapy mean ADCs in responding lesions were significantly lower than those of nonresponding lesions (P = .003). An early increase in ADCs (on day 3 or 7) was observed in responding lesions but not in nonresponding lesions (P = .002). Weak but significant correlations were found between final tumor size reduction and both pretreatment ADCs (P = .006) and early ADC changes (day 3, P = .004; day 7, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

ADC seems to be a promising tool for helping predict and monitor the early response to chemotherapy of hepatic metastases from colorectal and gastric carcinomas.

Expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten in liver of athymic mice with hepatocellular carcinoma and the effect of Fuzheng Jiedu Decoction

AIM: To explore the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) in liver of athymic mice with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the effect of Fuzheng Jiedu Decoction (FJD).

METHODS: Forty eight male BALB/c athymic mice models were built by Bel-7402 with an indirect method. After 24 h of postoperation, the 48 athymic mice were distributed randomly into 4 groups: A, B, C, D, each group had 12 athymic mice. Group A were treated by intragastric administration with FT207 (Tegafur) for 4 wk. Group B, C and D were treated by intragastric administration with FJD (complex prescription of Chinese crude drug) that had been delegated into 3 kinds of density as the low, middle, and high for 4 wk. At last, athymic mice were put to death, live time, volume of tumors, exponent of tumors and the tumor metastasis in livers were observed; and PTEN was detected in hepatic tissue, latero-cancer tissue and cancer tissue by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: Four weeks later, the total survival rate in treatment group (A + B + C) was 50% and higher than the control group (0%) treated by FT207, (P < 0.01). The survival rate in group A, B, C was higher than in group D, and except group A with D, there was significant differentces (Fisher’s Exact Test P = 0.05 or 0.01). And no differences were observed between the treatment groups and the control group in volume of tumors and exponent of tumors (P > 0.05). Tumor metastasis in livers of the treatment group was less than the controls (Fisher’s Exact Test, P = 0.021). The result of immunohistochemistry showed that the intensity of PTEN in latero-cancer tissue was the highest, and then the hepatic tissue, the lowest was cancer tissue (Kruskal-Wallis test, χ² = 60.67, P = 0.000). It also showed that the intensity of PTEN in treatment groups (A, B, C) was higher than the control group (D) (F = 5.90, P = 0.002 in hepatic tissue and F = 15.99, P = 0.000 in latero-cancer tissue and χ² = 26.08, P = 0.000 in cancer tissue), and group B is the highest in the treatment groups (P < 0.05, r = 0.01. respectively). However, there was no significant statistic difference between group A and group C (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: FJD can prolong the survival time and decrease tumor metastasis in livers of these experimental mice. Mechanisms of FJD healing HCC may partially be explained by enhancing the expression of PTEN in liver.

Long-term results of liver resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine metastases

INTRODUCTION

The safety and efficacy of liver resection for colorectal and neuroendocrine liver metastases is well established. However, there is lack of consensus regarding long-term effectiveness of hepatic resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine (NCNN) liver metastases.

METHODS

A review of prospectively collected data of patients undergoing hepatic resection for NCNN liver metastases at two tertiary referral centres in the UK and Australia was undertaken. Survival analysis was used to evaluate the clinical, demographic and operative factors associated with long-term survival.

RESULTS

A total of 114 hepatic resections in 102 patients were performed between 1986 and 2006. Postoperative mortality and morbidity was 0.8% and 21.1%, respectively. At 3 and 5 years overall survival was 56.1% and 38.5%, whereas disease-free survival was 37.2% and 26.5%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, factors associated with poor overall survival were diameter of liver metastasis [<5 cm versus >5 cm: hazard ratio (HR) = 2.83, p = 0.001] and the presence of extrahepatic nodal disease (HR = 3.58, p = 0.001). The type of tumor, the presence of distant extra-hepatic metastases, tumor-free interval, number and distribution of metastases did not effect long-term survival.

CONCLUSION

These results of the present study suggest that liver resection is an effective management option in selected patients with NCNN metastases confined to the liver.

Interleukin-6 inhibits oxidative injury and necrosis after extreme liver resection

Extreme hepatectomy or resection of more than 80% of liver mass often leads to liver failure and death and is a major limitation to therapeutic liver resection for patients with liver tumors. We sought to define the mechanisms leading to liver failure and to determine the utility of interleukin-6 (IL-6) administration to improve outcomes. Mice were injected with Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human IL-6 or no recombinant protein, or were administered recombinant IL-6 or carrier by osmotic mini-pump. Mice were then subjected to 70% or 87% hepatectomy. Light and electron microscopy of liver sections after 87% hepatectomy showed ballooning hepatocytes, vacuolar changes, and mitochondrial abruption, with absence of anoikic nuclei. No significant activation of executor caspases or DNA laddering was observed, although a dramatic decrease in cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stores was measured, suggesting cell death was by a necrotic pathway involving mitochondrial dysfunction. A large increase in protein oxidation was observed, indicative of significant oxidative stress. IL-6 treatment before 87% hepatectomy resulted in less biochemical and histological evidence of liver injury as well as earlier proliferating chain nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and accelerated recovery of liver mass. IL-6 pretreatment induced the antioxidative injury proteins, ref-1 and GPX1, decreased protein oxidation, vacuolar changes and leakage of mitochondrial products, improved ATP stores, and maintained cellular ultrastructure after 87% hepatectomy.

CONCLUSION

Massive oxidative injury and mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in the liver after extreme hepatectomy. IL-6 improves recovery and survival from extreme liver resection by enhancing pro-growth pathways, reducing oxidative stress, and maintaining mitochondrial function.

Liver resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine metastases: analysis of a multicenter study from Argentina

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Resection of colorectal liver metastases has become a standard of care, although the value of this procedure in non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine (NCRNNE) metastases remains controversial and is still a matter of debate. The aim of the study was to determine the utility of liver resection in the long-term outcome of patients with NCRNNE metastases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The records of 106 patients who underwent liver resection for NCRNNE metastases in the period 1989 to 2006 at 5 HPB Centers in Argentina were analyzed. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, type of resection, long-term outcome and prognostic factors were analyzed. Depending on primary tumor sites, a comparative analysis of survival was performed.

RESULTS

Mean age was 54 (17-76). Hepatic metastases were solitary in 62.3% and unilateral in 85.6%. Primary tumor sites: Urogenital (37.7%), sarcomas (21.7%), breast (17.9%), gastrointestinal (6.6%), melanoma (5.7%), and others (10.4%). Fifty-one major hepatectomies and 55 minor resections were performed. Twenty patients underwent synchronous resections. An R0 resection could be achieved in 89.6%. Perioperative mortality was 1.8%. Overall, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 67%, 34%, and 19%, respectively. Survival was significantly longer for metastases of urogenital (p=0.0001) and breast (p=0.003) origin. Curative resections (p=0.04) and metachronous disease (p=0.0001) were predictors of better survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection is an effective treatment for NCRNNE liver metastases; it gives satisfactory long-term survival especially in metachronous disease, in patients with metastases from urogenital and breast tumors and when R0 procedures can be performed.