Adjuvant therapy after resection of colorectal liver metastases: the predictive value of the MSKCC clinical risk score in the era of modern chemotherapy

Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System Improves Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy in Patients With Liver Metastasis of Colorectal Cancers

INTRODUCTION

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAAS-I) have been shown to prolong overall survival in patients with liver metastasized colorectal cancer in combination with antiangiogenic treatment. The effects of RAAS-I combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy on colorectal cancer liver metastasis remain unexplored. We aimed to study the response of patients undergoing liver resection to RAAS-I in combination with neoadjuvant therapy to elucidate their potential benefits.

METHODS

Between February 2005 and May 2012, 62 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for distant metastasis (cM1) and comparable computed tomography or magnetic resonance tomography scans in the Picture Archiving Communication System of our center before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Follow-up data and clinicopathological characteristics were collected from a prospective database and retrospectively investigated. The chemotherapeutic response to liver metastasis was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria 1.1.

RESULTS

Comparing the average reduction of measured lesions, a significant response to chemotherapy was detected in the patients receiving RAAS-I (n = 24) compared to those who did not (n = 38) (P = 0.031). Interestingly, the effect was more distinctive when the size reduction was compared between high responses with more than 50% size reduction of all measured lesions (P = 0.011). In the subgroup analysis of patients receiving bevacizumab treatment, high responses to chemotherapy were observed only in the RAAS-I cohort (28.6% versus 0%, P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

For neoadjuvantly treated patients, concomitant antihypertensive treatment with RAAS-I showed a higher total size reduction of liver metastasis as a sign of treatment response, especially in combination with antiangiogenic treatment with bevacizumab.

Recurrence-risk stratification using the Beppu score and selection of perioperative chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases

The annual postoperative disease-free survival for colorectal liver metastases can be easily estimated by weighting six preoperative clinical parameters (Beppu score). We identified three recurrence-risk stratification groups: the low (≤6 points), moderate (7-10 points), and high-risk (≥11 points). For low-, moderate-, and high-risk patients, hepatectomy alone, hepatectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy, and hepatectomy with preoperative chemotherapy are recommended, respectively. The Beppu score enables the decision on the necessity and timing of perioperative chemotherapy.

Optimal policy tree to assist in adjuvant therapy decision-making after resection of colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Although systemic postoperative therapy after surgery for colorectal liver metastases is generally recommended, the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy has been debated. We used machine learning to develop a decision tree and define which patients may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS

Patients who underwent curative-intent resection for colorectal liver metastases between 2000 and 2020 were identified from an international multi-institutional database. An optimal policy tree analysis was used to determine the optimal assignment of the adjuvant chemotherapy to subgroups of patients for overall survival and recurrence-free survival.

RESULTS

Among 1,358 patients who underwent curative-intent resection of colorectal liver metastases, 1,032 (76.0%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. After a median follow-up of 28.7 months (interquartile range 13.7-52.0), 5-year overall survival was 67.5%, and 3-year recurrence-free survival was 52.6%, respectively. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with better recurrence-free survival (3-year recurrence-free survival: adjuvant chemotherapy, 54.4% vs no adjuvant chemotherapy, 46.8%; P < .001) but no overall survival significant improvement (5-year overall survival: adjuvant chemotherapy, 68.1% vs no adjuvant chemotherapy, 65.7%; P = .15). Patients were randomly allocated into 2 cohorts (training data set, n = 679, testing data set, n = 679). The random forest model demonstrated good performance in predicting counterfactual probabilities of death and recurrence relative to receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. According to the optimal policy tree, patient demographics, secondary tumor characteristics, and primary tumor characteristics defined the subpopulation that would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

A novel artificial intelligence methodology based on patient, primary tumor, and treatment characteristics may help clinicians tailor adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations after colorectal liver metastases resection.

Tumor-derived lactate promotes resistance to bevacizumab treatment by facilitating autophagy enhancer protein RUBCNL expression through histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la) in colorectal cancer

Bevacizumab plays an important role in the first and second line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). And induction of hypoxia and the tumors response to it plays an important role in determining the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy while the connection between them remains unclear. Here, we found that lactate accumulated in the tumor environment of CRC and acted as substrates for histone lactylation, and this process was further induced by cellular enhanced glycolysis in hypoxia. We determined that CRC patients resistant to bevacizumab treatment presented with elevated levels of histone lactylation and inhibition of histone lactylation efficiently suppressed CRC tumorigenesis, progression and survival in hypoxia. Histone lactylation promoted the transcription of RUBCNL/Pacer, facilitating autophagosome maturation through interacting with BECN1 (beclin 1) and mediating the recruitment and function of the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex, which had a crucial role in hypoxic cancer cells proliferation and survival. Moreover, combining inhibition of histone lactylation and macroautophagy/autophagy with bevacizumab treatment demonstrated remarkable treatment efficacy in bevacizumab-resistance patients-derived pre-clinical models. These findings delivered a new exploration and important supplement of metabolic reprogramming-epigenetic regulation, and provided a new strategy for improving clinical efficacy of bevacizumab in CRC by inhibition of histone lactylation.Abbreviations: 2-DG: 2-deoxy-D-glucose; BECN1: beclin 1; CQ: chloroquine; CRC: colorectal cancer; DMOG: dimethyloxalylglycine; H3K18la: histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; Nala: sodium lactate; PDO: patient-derived orgnoid; PDX: patient-derived xenograft; RUBCNL/Pacer: rubicon like autophagy enhancer; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus upfront surgery as the initial treatment for patients with resectable, synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Although perioperative chemotherapy has been the standard treatment for colorectal cancer with resectable liver metastases (CRLM), studies that have compared neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and upfront surgery, especially in the setting of synchronous metastases are rare.

METHODS

We compared perioperative outcomes, overall survival (OS) and overall survival after recurrence (rOS) in a retrospective study of 281 total and 104 propensity score-matched (PSM) patients who underwent curative resection, with or without NAC, for synchronous CRLM, from 2006 to 2017. A Cox regression model was developed for OS.

RESULTS

After PSM, 52 NAC and 52 upfront surgery patients with similar baseline characteristics were compared. Postoperative morbidity, mortality, and 5-year OS rate (NAC: 78.9%, surgery: 64.0%; p = 0.102) were similar between groups; however, the NAC group had better rOS (NAC: 67.3%, surgery: 31.5%; p = 0.049). Initial cancer stage (T4, N1-2), poorly differentiated histology, and >1 hepatic metastases were independent predictors of worse OS. Based on these factors, patients were divided into low-risk (≤1 risk factor, n = 115) and high-risk (≥2 risk factors, n = 166) groups. For high-risk patients, NAC yielded better OS than upfront surgery (NAC: 74.5%, surgery: 53.2%; p = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Although NAC and upfront surgery-treated patients had similar perioperative outcomes and OS, better postrecurrence survival was shown in patients with NAC. In addition, NAC may benefit patients with worse prognoses; therefore, physicians should consider patient disease risk before initiating treatment to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy.

Postoperative Chemotherapy After Surgical Resection of Metachronous Metastases of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

Currently, 6 months of perioperative or adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) is a standard treatment option after radical surgical removal of metachronous metastases in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Data show that ACT improves relapse-free survival in such patients, although no difference in overall survival rate was observed. We perform a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection of metachronous metastases in CRC.

Clinical strategy of conversion therapy and surgical treatment for liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the digestive system in clinical practice. Due to the anatomical characteristics of the colorectum itself, colorectal cancer is prone to liver metastasis. Approximately 15%-25% of colorectal cancer cases are complicated with liver metastasis at diagnosis, 15%-25% are complicated with liver metastasis after radical resection of colorectal cancer, and 80%-90% with liver metastasis cannot undergo radical resection initially. The 5-year survival rate is less than 5%, and liver metastasis is the main cause of death in patients with colorectal cancer. In recent years, with the clinical application of effective chemotherapy and molecular targeted drugs, as well as the rapid development of surgical techniques, an individualized safe, efficient, fast, treatment plan can be formulated according to patients' age, primary colorectal tumor location, degree of differentiation, Ras and B-Raf gene status, tumor size, number and distribution of metastases in the liver. By shrinking the tumor volume in the liver and increasing the residual liver volume, liver metastatic tumors can undergo surgical resection or disease-free status can be achieved in patients with liver metastasis. As a result, patients with colorectal liver metastases can achieve a 5-year survival rate of 30%-57%, which greatly improves the prognosis after operation. According to the postoperative adverse factors, individualized preventive measures are worked out to reduce the impact of adverse factors and improve the prognosis of patients with colorectal liver metastases. In this paper, we systematically discuss the clinical strategy of conversion therapy and surgical treatment for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases by reviewing the relevant domestic and foreign literature, so as to provide a theoretical reference for the selection of clinical treatment and program for patients with unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases.

The Pathologic Complete Response Ratio of Liver Metastases Represents a Valuable Prognostic Indicator

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the pathologic complete response ratio of liver metastases (PCRRLM) in predicting the prognosis and recurrence of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM).

Methods: A total of 305 CRLM patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy followed by hepatectomy were included. PCRRLM was defined as the number of liver metastases exhibiting pathologic complete response (PCR) divided by the number of total resected liver metastases. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate survival, and differences were examined by the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the predictors of PCRRLM, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results: Among the 305 included patients, 44 (14.4%) achieved a PCRRLM ≥0.50 (including PCRRLM = 1), and 261 (85.6%) achieved a PCRRLM <0.50 (including PCRRLM = 0). Patients of an older age (≥55 years old) and those with higher carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (≥5 ng/ml) were less likely to achieve a PCRRLM ≥0.50. In the multivariate analysis, PCRRLM≥ 0.50 (vs. < 0.50, HR [95% CI]: 0.67 [0.46–0.99], p = 0.043) was associated with better RFS. Positive lymph node status (vs. negative, HR [95% CI]: 1.46 [1.04–2.05], p = 0.028) and TBS ≥5 (vs. < 5, HR [95% CI]: 1.44 [1.02–2.04], p = 0.038) were associated with worse RFS.

Conclusion: PCRRLM was significantly associated with long-term RFS after preoperative chemotherapy and CRLM resection. Thus, it may be a valuable indicator of recurrence in CRLM patients.

Predicting 10-year survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases; an international study including biomarkers and perioperative treatment

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to develop a prediction model for 10-year overall survival (OS) after resection of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) based on patient, tumour and treatment characteristics.

METHODS

Consecutive patients after complete resection of CRLM were included from two centres (1992-2019). A prediction model providing 10-year OS probabilities was developed using Cox regression analysis, including KRAS, BRAF and histopathological growth patterns. Discrimination and calibration were assessed using cross-validation. A web-based calculator was built to predict individual 10-year OS probabilities.

RESULTS

A total of 4112 patients were included. The estimated 10-year OS was 30% (95% CI 29-32). Fifteen patient, tumour and treatment characteristics were independent prognostic factors for 10-year OS; age, gender, location and nodal status of the primary tumour, disease-free interval, number and diameter of CRLM, preoperative CEA, resection margin, extrahepatic disease, KRAS and BRAF mutation status, histopathological growth patterns, perioperative systemic chemotherapy and hepatic arterial infusion pump chemotherapy. The discrimination at 10-years was 0.73 for both centres. A simplified risk score identified four risk groups with a 10-year OS of 57%, 38%, 24%, and 12%.

CONCLUSIONS

Ten-year OS after resection of CRLM is best predicted with a model including 15 patient, tumour, and treatment characteristics. The web-based calculator can be used to inform patients. This model serves as a benchmark to determine the prognostic value of novel biomarkers.

External Validation of Two Established Clinical Risk Scores Predicting Outcome after Local Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastases in a Nationwide Cohort

Optimized surgical techniques and systemic therapy have increased the number of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) eligible for local treatment. To increase postoperative survival, we need to stratify patients to customize therapy. Most clinical risk scores (CRSs) which predict prognosis after CRLM resection were based on the outcome of studies in specialized centers, and this may hamper the generalizability of these CRSs in unselected populations and underrepresented subgroups. We aimed to externally validate two CRSs in a population-based cohort of patients with CRLM. A total of 1105 patients with local treatment of CRLM, diagnosed in 2015/2016, were included from a nationwide population-based database. Survival outcomes were analyzed. The Fong and more recently developed GAME CRS were externally validated, including in pre-specified subgroups (≤70/>70 years and with/without perioperative systemic therapy). The three-year DFS was 22.8%, and the median OS in the GAME risk groups (high/moderate/low) was 32.4, 46.7, and 68.1 months, respectively (p < 0.005). The median OS for patients with versus without perioperative therapy was 47.6 (95%CI [39.8, 56.2]) and 54.9 months (95%CI [48.8, 63.7]), respectively (p = 0.152), and for below/above 70 years, it was 54.9 (95%CI [49.3−64.1]) and 44.2 months (95%CI [37.1−54.3]), respectively (p < 0.005). The discriminative ability for OS of Fong CRS was 0.577 (95%CI [0.554, 0.601]), and for GAME, it was 0.596 (95%CI [0.572, 0.621]), and was comparable in the subgroups. In conclusion, both CRSs showed predictive ability in a population-based cohort and in predefined subgroups. However, the limited discriminative ability of these CRSs results in insufficient preoperative risk stratification for clinical decision-making.

Prognostic value of a novel biomarker combining DNA ploidy and tumor burden score for initially resectable liver metastases from patients with colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) has not been identified as a unified disease entity due to the differences in the severity of metastatic disease and tumor aggressiveness. A screen for specific prognostic risk subgroups is urgently needed. The current study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of DNA ploidy, stroma fraction and nucleotyping of initially resectable liver metastases from patients with CRLM.

Methods

One hundred thirty-nine consecutive patients with initially resectable CRLM who underwent curative liver resection from 2006 to 2018 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were selected for analysis. DNA ploidy, stroma fraction and nucleotyping of liver metastases were evaluated using automated digital imaging systems. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models.

Results

DNA ploidy was identified as an independent prognostic factor for RFS (HR, 2.082; 95% CI 1.053–4.115; P = 0.035) in the multivariate analysis, while stroma-tumor fraction and nucleotyping were not significant prognostic factors. A significant difference in 3-year RFS was observed among the low-, moderate- and high-risk groups stratified by a novel parameter combined with the tumor burden score (TBS) and DNA ploidy (72.5% vs. 63.2% vs. 37.3%, P = 0.007). The high-risk group who received adjuvant chemotherapy had a significantly better 3-year RFS rate than those without adjuvant chemotherapy (46.7% vs. 24.8%; P = 0.034).

Conclusions

Our study showed that DNA ploidy of liver metastases is an independent prognostic factor for patients with initially resectable CRLM after liver resection. The combination of DNA ploidy and TBS may help to stratify patients into different recurrence risk groups and may guide postoperative treatment among the patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02250-x.

Postoperative circulating tumour DNA is associated with pathologic response and recurrence-free survival after resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases

Background

Recurrence rates after resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) are high and correlate with worse survival. Postoperative circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is a promising prognostic biomarker. Focusing on patients with resected CRLM, this study aimed to evaluate the association between the detection of postoperative ctDNA, pathologic response and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Methods

Twenty-three patients were selected from an ongoing phase-3 trial who underwent resection of RAS-mutant CRLM after induction systemic treatment. CtDNA analysis was performed by droplet digital PCR using blood samples collected at baseline, before and after resection. Pathologic response of CRLM was determined via the Tumour Regression Grading system.

Findings

With a median follow-up of 19.6 months, the median RFS for patients with detectable (N = 6, [26%]) and undetectable (N = 17, [74%]) postoperative ctDNA was 4.8 versus 12.1 months, respectively. Among 21 patients with available tumour tissue, pathologic response in patients with detectable compared to undetectable postoperative ctDNA was found in one of six (17%) and 15 of 15 (100%) patients, respectively (p < 0.001). In univariable Cox regression analyses both postoperative detectable ctDNA (HR = 3.3, 95%CI = 1.1–9.6, p = 0.03) and pathologic non-response (HR = 4.6, 95%CI = 1.4–15, p = 0.01) were associated with poorer RFS and were strongly correlated (r = 0.88, p < 0.001). After adjusting for clinical characteristics in pairwise multivariable analyses, postoperative ctDNA status remained associated with RFS.

Interpretation

The detection of postoperative ctDNA after secondary resection of CRLM is a promising prognostic factor for RFS and appeared to be highly correlated with pathologic response.

Recurrence patterns and their effects on clinical outcomes after R1 resection of colorectal liver metastases: a propensity score-matched analysis

PURPOSE

The prognostic significance of the surgical margin status remains controversial for patients who undergo hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases. This study evaluated the influence of R1 resection on recurrence patterns and prognosis in these patients.

METHODS

Between January 2001 and December 2016, 232 consecutive Japanese patients underwent initial hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases. Their medical records were reviewed to evaluate recurrence and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

Relative to patients with R0 resection, patients with R1 resection had significantly poorer recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). However, after propensity score matching, there were no significant differences in RFS and OS associated with the margin status. Nevertheless, R1 resection was associated with a significantly higher incidence of intrahepatic recurrence and early recurrence, while R0 resection was associated with a significantly higher re-resection rate for hepatic recurrence. Only eight of 55 patients with R1 resection developed recurrence at the R1 resection margin, whereas 36 patients developed recurrence at other sites/organs.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with similar characteristics, R1 resection does not affect long-term outcomes. This suggests that R1 resection itself is not a cause of a poor prognosis, but rather a potent indicator of aggressive tumor biology.

Recurrence Patterns After Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastasis are Modified by Perioperative Systemic Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the impact of perioperative systemic chemotherapy on the recurrence rate and pattern following resection of colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in two centers. Rates and patterns of recurrence and overall survival (OS) were compared between patients treated with and without perioperative systemic chemotherapy. The clinical risk score (CRS) was used to stratify patients in low risk (CRS 0-2) and high risk (CRS 3-5) of recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 2020 patients were included, of whom 1442 (71%) received perioperative systemic chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 88 months, and 1289 patients (64%) developed a recurrence. The recurrence pattern was independent of chemotherapy in low-risk patients: intrahepatic recurrences (30% vs. 30%, p = 0.97) and extrahepatic recurrences (38% vs. 39%, p = 0.52). In high-risk patients, no difference in intrahepatic recurrences was found (48% vs. 50%, p = 0.59). However, a lower rate of extrahepatic recurrences (43% vs. 55%, p = 0.007) was observed with perioperative systemic chemotherapy, mainly due to a reduction in pulmonary recurrences (25% vs. 35%, p = 0.007). In competing risk analysis, the cumulative incidence of extrahepatic recurrence was significantly lower with perioperative systemic chemotherapy in high-risk patients only (5-year cumulative incidence 44% vs. 59%, p < 0.001). Perioperative chemotherapy was associated with improved OS in high-risk patients (adjusted HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57-0.94, p = 0.02), but not in low-risk patients (adjusted HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.82-1.19, p = 0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative systemic chemotherapy had no association with intrahepatic recurrence, but was associated with fewer pulmonary recurrences and superior OS in high-risk patients only.

Impact of Primary Tumor Laterality on Adjuvant Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump Chemotherapy in Resected Colon Cancer Liver Metastases: Analysis of 487 Patients

BACKGROUND

Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) chemotherapy is associated with overall survival (OS) in patients with resected colon cancer liver metastases (CLM). The prognostic impact of primary tumor location in CLM following hepatic resection in patients receiving regional HAI is unknown. This study seeks to investigate the prognostic impact of HAI in relation to laterality in this patient population.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with resected CLM, with known primary tumor site treated with and without HAI, were reviewed from a prospective institutional database. Correlations between HAI, laterality, other clinicopathological factors, and survival were analyzed, and Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine whether laterality was an independent prognostic factor.

RESULTS

From 1993 to 2012, 487 patients [182 with right colon cancer (RCC), 305 with left colon cancer (LCC)] were evaluated with a median follow-up of 6.5 years. Fifty-seven percent (n = 275) received adjuvant HAI. Patients with RCC had inferior 5-year OS compared with LCC (56% vs. 67%, P = 0.01). HAI was associated with improved 5-year OS in both RCC (68% vs. 45%; P < 0.01) and LCC (73% vs. 55%; P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, HAI remained associated with improved OS (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.39-0.70; P < 0.01) but primary tumor site did not (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.63-1.11; P = 0.21). Additional significant prognostic factors on multivariable analysis included age, number of tumors, node-positive primary, positive margins, RAS mutation, two-stage hepatectomy, and extrahepatic disease. Cox proportional hazard regression determined no significant interaction between HAI and laterality on OS [parameter estimate (SEM), 0.12 (0.28); P = 0.67].

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show an association of adjuvant HAI and increased OS in patients who underwent curative hepatectomy, irrespective of primary tumor location. Laterality should therefore not impact decision-making when offering adjuvant HAI.

The impact of hepatic arterial infusion pump chemotherapy on hepatic recurrences and survival in patients with resected colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

The objective was to investigate the impact of adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy on the rates and patterns of recurrence and survival in patients with resected colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

METHODS

Recurrence rates, patterns, and survival were compared between patients treated with and without adjuvant HAIP using competing risk analyses.

RESULTS

2128 patients were included, of which 601 patients (28.2%) received adjuvant HAIP and systemic chemotherapy (HAIP + SYS). The overall recurrence rate was similar with HAIP + SYS or SYS (63.5% versus 64.2%,p = 0.74). The 5-year cumulative incidence of initial intrahepatic recurrences was lower with HAIP + SYS (22.9% versus 38.4%,p < 0.001). The 5-year cumulative incidence of initial extrahepatic recurrences was higher with HAIP + SYS (48.5% versus 40.3%,p = 0.005), because patients remained at risk for extrahepatic recurrence in the absence of intrahepatic recurrence, which was largely attributable to more pulmonary recurrences with HAIP + SYS (33.6% versus 23.7%,p < 0.001). HAIP was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (adjusted HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.60-0.79, p < 0.001), and OS (adjusted HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.57-0.78,p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adjuvant HAIP chemotherapy is associated with lower intrahepatic recurrence rates and better DFS and OS after resection of CRLM.

Histopathological growth patterns as biomarker for adjuvant systemic chemotherapy in patients with resected colorectal liver metastases

Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy (CTx) is widely administered in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) are an independent prognostic factor for survival after complete resection. This study evaluates whether HGPs can predict the effectiveness of adjuvant CTx in patients with resected CRLM. Two main types of HGPs can be distinguished; the desmoplastic type and the non-desmoplastic type. Uni- and multivariable analyses for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were performed, in both patients treated with and without preoperative chemotherapy. A total of 1236 patients from two tertiary centers (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands) were included (period 2000–2016). A total of 656 patients (53.1%) patients received preoperative chemotherapy. Adjuvant CTx was only associated with a superior OS in non-desmoplastic patients that had not been pretreated (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.73, p < 0.001), and not in desmoplastic patients (adjusted HR 1.78, 95% CI 0.75–4.21, p = 0.19). In pretreated patients no significant effect of adjuvant CTx was observed, neither in the desmoplastic group (adjusted HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.49–1.42, p = 0.50) nor in the non-desmoplastic group (adjusted HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.71–1.29, p = 0.79). Similar results were found for DFS, with a superior DFS in non-desmoplastic patients treated with adjuvant CTx (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55–0.93, p < 0.001) that were not pretreated. Adjuvant CTx seems to improve OS and DFS after resection of non-desmoplastic CRLM. However, this effect was only observed in patients that were not treated with chemotherapy.

Reduction of Liver Metastasis Stiffness Improves Response to Bevacizumab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Tumors are influenced by the mechanical properties of their microenvironment. Using patient samples and atomic force microscopy, we found that tissue stiffness is higher in liver metastases than in primary colorectal tumors. Highly activated metastasis-associated fibroblasts increase tissue stiffness, which enhances angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapy resistance. Drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin system, normally prescribed to treat hypertension, inhibit fibroblast contraction and extracellular matrix deposition, thereby reducing liver metastases stiffening and increasing the anti-angiogenic effects of bevacizumab. Patients treated with bevacizumab showed prolonged survival when concomitantly treated with renin-angiotensin inhibitors, highlighting the importance of modulating the mechanical microenvironment for therapeutic regimens.

Outcomes of Resectability Assessment of the Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group Liver Metastases Expert Panel

BACKGROUND

Decision making on optimal treatment strategy in patients with initially unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) remains complex because uniform criteria for (un)resectability are lacking. This study reports on the feasibility and short-term outcomes of The Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group Liver Expert Panel.

STUDY DESIGN

The Expert Panel consists of 13 hepatobiliary surgeons and 4 radiologists. Resectability assessment is performed independently by 3 randomly assigned surgeons, and CRLM are scored as resectable, potentially resectable, or permanently unresectable. In absence of consensus, 2 additional surgeons are invited for a majority consensus. Patients with potentially resectable or unresectable CRLM at baseline are evaluated every 2 months of systemic therapy. Once CRLM are considered resectable, a treatment strategy is proposed.

RESULTS

Overall, 398 panel evaluations in 183 patients were analyzed. The median time to panel conclusion was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 5-11 days). Intersurgeon disagreement was observed in 205 (52%) evaluations, with major disagreement (resectable vs permanently unresectable) in 42 (11%) evaluations. After systemic treatment, 106 patients were considered to have resectable CRLM, 84 of whom (79%) underwent a curative procedure. R0 resection (n = 41), R0 resection in combination with ablative treatment (n = 26), or ablative treatment only (n = 4) was achieved in 67 of 84 (80%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study analyzed prospective resectability evaluation of patients with CRLM by a panel of radiologists and liver surgeons. The high rate of disagreement among experienced liver surgeons reflects the complexity in defining treatment strategies for CRLM and supports the use of a panel rather than a single-surgeon decision.

Adjuvant chemotherapy does not provide survival benefits to elderly patients with stage II colon cancer

To date, the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy after curative resection in patients with stage II colon cancer remains controversial. Still, little is known about the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage II colon cancer who are older than 70 years, as most studies did not focus on this population. This study aimed to investigate the oncologic outcomes of elderly patients with stage II colon cancer who underwent curative resection with or without postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients older than 70 years who underwent curative resection of stage II primary colon cancer during 2002–2015. Patients were classified into surgery alone (SA) and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) groups and propensity score-matched at a 1:1 ratio using a logistic regression. The end points were recurrence-free (RFS), cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Of the 623 patients who met the criteria, 145 were assigned to each arm after propensity score matching. The mean ages of the SA and AC groups were 74.3 and 74.0 years, respectively. A log-rank test revealed no significant inter-group differences in RFS (p = 0.202), CSS (p = 0.486) or OS (p = 0.299). In a Cox regression analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy was not found to be an independent factor affecting RFS (p = 0.206), CSS (p = 0.487) or OS (p = 0.301). Adjuvant chemotherapy does not appear to yield survival benefits in elderly patients with stage II colon cancer.

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

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

Adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion pump chemotherapy and resection versus resection alone in patients with low-risk resectable colorectal liver metastases - the multicenter randomized controlled PUMP trial

Background

Recurrences are reported in 70% of all patients after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), in which half are confined to the liver. Adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy aims to reduce the risk of intrahepatic recurrence. A large retrospective propensity score analysis demonstrated that HAIP chemotherapy is particularly effective in patients with low-risk oncological features. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) --the PUMP trial-- is to investigate the efficacy of adjuvant HAIP chemotherapy in low-risk patients with resectable CRLM.

Methods

This is an open label multicenter RCT. A total of 230 patients with resectable CRLM without extrahepatic disease will be included. Only patients with a clinical risk score (CRS) of 0 to 2 are eligible, meaning: patients are allowed to have no more than two out of five poor prognostic factors (disease-free interval less than 12 months, node-positive colorectal cancer, more than 1 CRLM, largest CRLM more than 5 cm in diameter, serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen above 200 μg/L). Patients randomized to arm A undergo complete resection of CRLM without any adjuvant treatment, which is the standard of care in the Netherlands. Patients in arm B receive an implantable pump at the time of CRLM resection and start adjuvant HAIP chemotherapy 4–12 weeks after surgery, with 6 cycles of floxuridine scheduled. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints include overall survival, hepatic PFS, safety, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. Pharmacokinetics of intra-arterial administration of floxuridine will be investigated as well as predictive biomarkers for the efficacy of HAIP chemotherapy. In a side study, the accuracy of CT angiography will be compared to radionuclide scintigraphy to detect extrahepatic perfusion. We hypothesize that adjuvant HAIP chemotherapy leads to improved survival, improved quality of life, and a reduction of costs, compared to resection alone.

Discussion

If this PUMP trial demonstrates that adjuvant HAIP chemotherapy improves survival in low-risk patients, this treatment approach may be implemented in the standard of care of patients with resected CRLM since adjuvant systemic chemotherapy alone has not improved survival.

Trial registration

The PUMP trial is registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR), number: 7493. Date of registration September 23, 2018.

Salvage treatment for recurrences after first resection of colorectal liver metastases: the impact of histopathological growth patterns

The majority of patients recur after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Patients with CRLM displaying a desmoplastic histopathological growth pattern (dHGP) have a better prognosis and lower probability of recurrence than patients with non-dHGP CRLM. The current study evaluates the impact of HGP type on the pattern and treatment of recurrences after first resection of CRLM. A retrospective cohort study was performed, including patients with known HGP type after complete resection of CRLM. All patients were treated between 2000 and 2015. The HGP was determined on the CRLM resected at first partial hepatectomy. The prognostic value of HGPs, in terms of survival outcome, in the current patient cohort were previously published. In total 690 patients were included, of which 492 (71%) developed recurrent disease. CRLM displaying dHGP were observed in 103 patients (21%). Amongst patients with dHGP CRLM diagnosed with recurrent disease, more liver-limited recurrences were seen (43% vs. 31%, p = 0.030), whereas patients with non-dHGP more often recurred at multiple locations (34% vs. 19%, p = 0.005). Patients with dHGP CRLM were more likely to undergo curatively intended local treatment for recurrent disease (adjusted odds ratio: 2.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.46-3.84]; p < 0.001) compared to patients with non-dHGP. The present study demonstrates that liver-limited disease recurrence after complete resection of CRLM is more often seen in patients with dHGP, whereas patients with non-dHGP more frequently experience multi-organ recurrence. Recurrences in patients with dHGP at first CRLM resection are more likely to be salvageable by local treatment modalities, but no prognostic impact of HGPs after salvage therapy for recurrent disease was found.

Prognostic indicators lose their value with repeated resection of colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

The liver is the most common site of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and surgical resection improves overall survival in selected patients. Here, we investigate outcomes and relevant prognostic factors after repeated hepatic resections for CRLM.

METHODS

From a prospective database, 578 patients who underwent 788 resections of colorectal liver metastases were included into this study. In total, 169 patients underwent a second and 41 patients had a third operation due to intrahepatic metastatic recurrence. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine prognostic risk factors.

RESULTS

5-year overall survival was 36.7% (95% CI: 30.2%; 43.2%) and 10-year survival was 20.3% (95% CI: 7.6%; 33.0%) in patients undergoing single resection. In patients undergoing a second or third resection, 5- and 10-year survival rates were 56.6% (95% CI: 45.0%; 68.2%) and 21.9% (95% CI: 6.8%; 37.0%) or 53.2% (95% CI: 32.4%; 74.0%) and 25.4%, respectively. In patients undergoing single resection, established markers (number, size and pattern of CRLM [p = 0.030/0.015/<0.001], R-status [p = 0.001], surgical/medical complications [p = 0.001/0.008], CEA-level [p = 0.001] and Fong-Score [p = 0.02]) were significantly associated with survival. In patients undergoing three resections, the only predictive markers were pT-stage of the primary tumor in univariate analysis (p = 0.013) and metachronous metastasis and medical complications in multivariate analysis (p = 0.001/0.025). The Fong-Score had no predictive value in patients undergoing two (p = 0.08) or three (p = 0.7) resections.

CONCLUSION

Established prognostic indicators are not applicable in patients undergoing repeated CRLM resection. In a highly-selected group of patients, repeated hepatic resections can be performed safely with favorable long-term outcomes.

Is there a survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with liver oligometastases from colorectal cancer after curative resection?

Background

Although colorectal oligometastases to the liver can potentially be cured with aggressive local ablation, the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for such metastasis remains unclear. The present study explored the effects of ACT on patients with colorectal liver oligometastases (CLO) after curative resections and aimed to identify patients who could benefit from ACT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 264 eligible patients with CLO who underwent curative resection between September 1999 and June 2015. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test; prognostic factors were a by Cox regression modeling.

Results

Among 264 patients, 200 (75.8%) patients received ACT and 64 (24.2%) did not receive ACT. These two groups did not significantly differ in clinicopathologic characteristics, and had comparable 3-year OS and RFS rates (RFS: 42.1% vs. 45.7%, P = 0.588; OS: 69.7% vs. 62.7%, P = 0.446) over a median follow-up duration of 35.5 months, irrespective of preoperative chemotherapy. ACT markedly improved 3-year OS in high-risk patients with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center clinical risk scores (MSKCC-CRS) of 3–5 (68.2% vs. 33.8%, P = 0.015), but presented no additional benefit in patients with MSKCC-CRS of 0–2 (72.2% vs. 78.6%, P = 0.834). In multivariate analysis, ACT was independently associated with improved OS in patients with MSKCC-CRS of 3–5.

Conclusions

ACT might offer a prognostic benefit in high-risk patients with CLOs after curative liver resection, but not in low-risk patients. Therefore, patients’ risk status should be determined before ACT administration to optimize postoperative therapeutic strategies.

Survival prediction in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases: Clinical risk scores and tumor response to chemotherapy

Clinical risk scores and response to pre-operative chemotherapy are prognostic factors of colorectal liver metastases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combining these factors to predict patient survival and to select patients for curative therapy. The study included 189 patients who underwent hepatectomy following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, for initially resectable colorectal liver metastases, between January 2005 and December 2015. Patients were stratified into four sub-groups: A1-2, low clinical risk scores with/without a response to pre-operative chemotherapy; and B1-2, high clinical risk scores with or without a response to pre-operative chemotherapy. Treatment and survival data were analysed. Survival was significantly longer in patients with low clinical risk scores and a response to pre-operative chemotherapy; these factors were confirmed as independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. Combining clinical risk score and chemotherapy response classification, patient survival was significantly longer for groups A1-2/B1 compared with for group B2, in which only 10.2% of patients were alive after 5 years. Of those with no response to first-line chemotherapy, survival was significantly longer in patients who responded to second-line chemotherapy. A combined clinical risk score and chemotherapy response classification may aid in identifying suitable candidates for potentially curative therapy.

Prognostic Analysis of 102 Patients with Synchronous Colorectal Cancer and Liver Metastases Treated with Simultaneous Resection

Background:

The liver is the most common site for colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases. Their removal is a critical and challenging aspect of CRC treatment. We investigated the prognosis and risk factors of patients with CRC and liver metastases (CRCLM) who underwent simultaneous resections for both lesions.

Methods:

From January 2009 to August 2016, 102 patients with CRCLM received simultaneous resections of CRCLM at our hospital. We retrospectively analyzed their clinical data and analyzed their outcomes. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were examined by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods.

Results:

Median follow-up time was 22.7 months; no perioperative death or serious complications were observed. Median OS was 55.5 months; postoperative OS rates were 1-year: 93.8%, 3-year: 60.7%, and 5-year: 46.4%. Median DFS was 9.0 months; postoperative DFS rates were 1-year: 43.1%, 3-year: 23.0%, and 5-year 21.1%. Independent risk factors found in multivariate analysis included carcinoembryonic antigen ≥100 ng/ml, no adjuvant chemotherapy, tumor thrombus in liver metastases, and bilobar liver metastases for OS; age ≥60 years, no adjuvant chemotherapy, multiple metastases, and largest diameter ≥3 cm for DFS.

Conclusions:

Simultaneous surgical resection is a safe and effective treatment for patients with synchronous CRCLM. The main prognostic factors are pathological characteristics of liver metastases and whether standard adjuvant chemotherapy is performed.

Influence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on resection of primary colorectal liver metastases: A propensity score analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There is ongoing debate about whether patients planned for liver resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC). Therefore, we performed a retrospective survival analysis of patients with and without NC prior to surgery.

METHODS

Data prospectively collected from 468 consecutive patients were analyzed in a retrospective design. We performed a survival analysis and added propensity score matching (PSM). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent prognostic risk factors.

RESULTS

NC was performed in 145/468 patients. NC did not have a significant influence on overall survival (OS) either before or after PSM. Patients receiving NC showed increased complication rates, especially concerning non-surgical complications after primary resection (P = 0.025) of CRLM. Multivariate analysis before and after PSM revealed that the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) score and CEA values are strong predictors for OS in patients with CRLM.

CONCLUSIONS

NC was not associated with increased OS in patients suffering from CRLM. Additionally, potentially harmful chemotherapy prior to surgery increases the risk of postoperative complications in these patients.

The Impact of Advancing Age on Recurrence and Survival Following Major Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases

INTRODUCTION

This study analysed the effect of age on survival in patients undergoing major hepatectomy (MH) for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The effect of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) with age was also assessed.

METHOD

Patients undergoing MH for CRLM between 1996 and 2011 were reviewed. Patients aged <75 or ≥75 were compared for disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) as well as impact of AC on survival.

RESULTS

Seven hundred twenty-seven patients underwent MH of which 105 (14 %) were aged ≥75. Morbidity was greater in the ≥75 group (25 versus 34 %, p = 0.048). No difference was noted in mortality. There was no difference in DFS between the two groups at 5 years (16.8 vs 18.9 months (p = 0.570). OS was longer in the <75 group (38.6 vs 32.0 months (p = 0.001). DFS was better in groups receiving AC than those not (<75 24.2 vs 12.2 months (p = <0.001) and ≥75 24 vs 12.1 months (p = 0.007)). OS in the ≥75 group was improved in the group receiving AC compared to the ≥75 group not (41.1 vs 16.6 months, p = 0.005). Age ≥75 was not an independent risk factor for reduced DFS on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Well-selected patients aged ≥75 should be considered for MH followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

mRNA expression profiles of colorectal liver metastases as a novel biomarker for early recurrence after partial hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Identification of specific risk groups for recurrence after surgery for isolated colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains challenging due to the heterogeneity of the disease. Classical clinicopathologic parameters have limited prognostic value. The aim of this study was to identify a gene expression signature measured in CRLM discriminating early from late recurrence after partial hepatectomy.

METHODS

CRLM from two patient groups were collected: I) with recurrent disease ≤12 months after surgery (N = 33), and II) without recurrences and disease free for ≥36 months (N = 30). The patients were clinically homogeneous; all had a low clinical risk score (0-2) and did not receive (neo-) adjuvant chemotherapy. Total RNA was hybridised to Illumina arrays, and processed for analysis. A leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) analysis was performed to identify a prognostic gene expression signature.

RESULTS

LOOCV yielded an 11-gene profile with prognostic value in relation to recurrent disease ≤12 months after partial hepatectomy. This signature had a sensitivity of 81.8%, with a specificity of 66.7% for predicting recurrences (≤12 months) versus no recurrences for at least 36 months after surgery (X² P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The current study yielded an 11-gene signature at mRNA level in CRLM discriminating early from late or no relapse after partial hepatectomy.

Clinical risk scores in the current era of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Clinical risk scores (CRS) within the context of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) has not been validated. The predictive value of clinical risk scoring in patients administered neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to liver surgery for CRLM is evaluated.

METHODS

A prospective database over a 15-year period (April 1999 to March 2014) was analysed. We identified two groups: A, neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to CRLM surgery; and B, no neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Overall median survival in groups A and B were 36 (2-137) months and 33 (2-137) months. In group A, nodal status, size, number of metastases and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were not found to be independent predictors of overall survival (OS). However, patients with a shorter disease-free interval of less than 12 months had an increased OS (P = 0.0001). Multivariate analysis of high- and low-risk scores compared against survival in group B (P < 0.05) confirms the applicability of the scoring system in traditional settings.

CONCLUSION

Traditional CRS are not a prognostic predictive tool when applied to patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for CRLM. Disease-free interval may be one independent variable for use in future risk score systems specifically developed for the neoadjuvant chemotherapy era.

Survival and Prognostic Factors of Colorectal Liver Metastases After Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer is one leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and distant metastases determine an unfavorable prognosis. Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) improves survival and provides the chance for cure. The aim of this study was to prospectively analyze the outcome of patients with CRLM in a population-based manner, and thereby, to compare the prognosis of patients undergoing resection with those receiving nonsurgical treatment. Moreover, we set out to identify and confirm important prognostic factors after resection of CRLM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed the outcome of 506 patients diagnosed with CRLM in our institution from 1996 to 2011. Survival and the impact of clinical and pathologic factors were analyzed by univariate analysis. Important independent prognostic factors were analyzed by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival rate (5y-OSR) for patients receiving resection of CRLM (n = 152) was 46% (95% confidence interval (CI), 37%-54%) compared with a 5y-OSR of 6% (95% CI, 4%-9%) for patients treated nonsurgically (n = 354). There was no perioperative mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed, among other factors, good performance status of the patient (low American Society of Anesthesiologists score), the absence of extrahepatic metastases, < 5 metastatic lesions, and a tumor-free resection margin (R0) as important, independent prognostic factors. Importantly, repeated hepatic resections of CRLM performed in 13 patients were associated with an excellent outcome (5y-OSR, 47%; 95% CI, 17%-72%).

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection, which can be performed with tolerable site-effects, is the first choice for patients diagnosed with metachronous and synchronous CRLM. Of note, repeated resections should be advised in recurrent intrahepatic colorectal cancer whenever possible.

The use of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases: Clinical risk score as possible discriminator

AIM

The combination of surgery and chemotherapy (CTx) is increasingly accepted as an effective treatment for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, controversy exists whether all patients with resectable CRLM benefit from perioperative CTx. We investigated the impact on overall survival (OS) by neo-adjuvant CTx in patients with resectable CRLM, stratified by the clinical risk score (CRS) described by Fong et al.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for CRLM between January 2000 and December 2009 were included. We compared OS of patients with and without neo-adjuvant CTx stratified by the CRS. The CRS includes five prognosticators and defines two risk groups: low CRS (0-2) and high CRS (3-5).

RESULTS

363 patients (64% male) were included, median age 63 years (IQR 57-70). Prior to resection, 219 patients had a low CRS (neo-adjuvant CTx: N = 65) and 144 patients had a high CRS (neo-adjuvant CTx: N = 88). Median follow-up was 47 months (IQR 25-82). In the low CRS group, there was no significant difference in median OS between patients with and without CTx (65 months (95% CI 39-91) vs. 54 months (95% CI 44-64), P = 0.31). In the high CRS group, there was a significant difference in OS between patients with and without CTx (46 months (95% CI 24-68) vs. 33 month (95% CI 29-37), P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

In our series, patients with a high CRS benefit from neo-adjuvant CTx. In patients with a low risk profile, neo-adjuvant CTx might not be beneficial.

Circulating tumour cells and outcome in non-metastatic colorectal cancer: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Circulating tumour cells (CTC) in the blood have been accepted as a prognostic marker in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Only limited data exist on the prognostic impact of CTC in patients with early stage CRC using standardised detection assays. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of CTC in patients with non-metastatic CRC.

METHODS

A total of 287 patients with potentially curable CRC were enrolled, including 239 patients with UICC stage I-III. CTC were measured in the blood using the CellSearch system preoperatively and on postoperative days 3 and 7. The complete patient group (UICC I-IV) and the non-metastatic cohort (UICC I-III) were analysed independently. Patients were followed for 28 (0-53) months. Prognostic factors for overall and progression-free survival were analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

CTC were detected more frequently in patients with metastatic disease. No clinicopathological variables were associated with CTC detection in non-metastatic patients. CTC detection (⩾1 CTC per 7.5 ml blood) in the blood was significantly associated with worse overall survival (49.8 vs 38.4 months; P<0.001) in the non-metastatic group (UICC I-III), as well as in the complete cohort (48.4 vs 33.6 months; P<0.001). On multivariate analysis CTC were the strongest prognostic factor in non-metastatic patients (hazard ratio (HR) 5.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-13.6) as well as in the entire study group (HR 5.6; 95% CI 2.6-12.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative CTC detection is a strong and independent prognostic marker in non-metastatic CRC.

Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery versus surgery alone in high-risk patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases: the CHARISMA randomized multicenter clinical trial

Background

Efforts to improve the outcome of liver surgery by combining curative resection with chemotherapy have failed to demonstrate definite overall survival benefit. This may partly be due to the fact that these studies often involve strict inclusion criteria. Consequently, patients with a high risk profile as characterized by Fong’s Clinical Risk Score (CRS) are often underrepresented in these studies. Conceptually, this group of patients might benefit the most from chemotherapy. The present study evaluates the impact of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk patients with primary resectable colorectal liver metastases, without extrahepatic disease. Our hypothesis is that adding neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to surgery will provide an improvement in overall survival (OS) in patients with a high-risk profile.

Methods/Design

CHARISMA is a multicenter, randomized, phase III clinical trial. Patients will be randomized to either surgery alone (standard treatment, arm A) or to 6 cycles of neo-adjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, followed by surgery (arm B). Patients must be ≥ 18 years of age with liver metastases of histologically confirmed primary colorectal carcinoma. Patients with extrahepatic metastases are excluded. Liver metastases must be deemed primarily resectable. Only patients with a CRS of 3–5 are eligible. The primary study endpoint is OS. Secondary endpoints are progression free survival (PFS), quality of life, morbidity of resection, treatment response on neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, and whether CEA levels can predict treatment response.

Discussion

CHARISMA is a multicenter, randomized, phase III clinical trial that will provide an answer to the question if adding neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to surgery will improve OS in a well-defined high-risk patient group with colorectal liver metastases.

Trial registration

The CHARISMA is registered at European Union Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT), number: 2013-004952-39, and in the “Netherlands national Trial Register (NTR), number: 4893.

Prognostication systems as applied to primary and metastatic hepatic malignancies

Staging systems are an attempt to incorporate the biology and therapy for cancer in a way that enables categorization and prediction of oncologic outcomes. Because of unusual disease biology and complexities related to treatment intervention, efforts to develop reliable staging systems for hepatic malignancies have been challenging. This article discusses the ways in which improved understanding of these diseases has informed the evolution of prognostication systems as applied to hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatic colorectal adenocarcinoma.