One hundred patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer treated by resection: analysis of prognostic determinants

One hundred patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer underwent 'radical' liver resection from 1980 to 1989. At least 1 cm of normal parenchyma surrounded the tumour and no microscopic invasion of resection margins was evident. The disease was staged according to our own staging system. Lobectomy was performed in 50 patients and non-anatomical resection in the remainder. The postoperative mortality rate was 5 per cent and the major morbidity rate was 11 per cent. The actuarial 5-year survival rate for patients in stages I, II and III was 42 per cent, 34 per cent and 15 per cent respectively (P less than 0.001). The overall actuarial 5-year survival rate was 30 per cent. The prognostic importance of various patient and tumour variables was evaluated by univariate analysis and then by multivariate analysis. Age of patient, site of primary, disease-free interval between treatment of primary and of hepatic metastases, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and number of metastases, did not relate to prognosis, while sex (P = 0.024), stage of primary (P = 0.026), extent of liver involvement (P less than 0.001), distribution of metastases (P = 0.01) and type of surgery (P = 0.028) significantly affected prognosis as single factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that only the extent of liver involvement and stage of the primary tumour were independent predictors of survival. We conclude that liver resection is effective in selected patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. In resectable patients it is not yet possible to formulate a clear prognosis based on clinical factors. The extent of liver involvement and the staging system used may be significant, although not absolute, indicators of outcome.     

Resection rate and effect of postoperative chemotherapy on survival after surgery for colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether adjuvant therapy can improve survival after curative resection of colorectal liver metastases. METHODS: Some 235 patients had 256 liver resections for metastatic colorectal cancer. There were no predefined criteria for resectability with regard either to the number or size of the tumours or to locoregional invasion, except that resection had potentially to be complete and macroscopically curative. All patients who had curative hepatic resection were advised to start postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: The resectability rate in screened patients was 91 per cent (235 of 259 patients); the postoperative mortality rate was 4 per cent. In 35 patients resection of the primary tumour was performed simultaneously with partial liver resection. Forty-four patients (19 per cent) developed intra-abdominal recurrence; 14 (6 per cent) underwent reoperation and the recurrent tumour was resected. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to 99 patients (55 per cent), most treatments being based on 5-fluorouracil with folinic acid. The overall actuarial survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 87, 60 and 36 per cent respectively. In a multivariate analysis, four or more metastases, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level higher than 5 ng/ml and a positive resection margin were independent predictors of poor outcome. Adjuvant chemotherapy improved the 5-year survival rate to 53 per cent. CONCLUSION: This study provides some evidence that postoperative chemotherapy is beneficial; however, prospective randomized studies are necessary to define its exact role.     

Sequential hepatic and pulmonary resections for metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Resection of pulmonary or hepatic colorectal metastases is associated with a 5-year survival rate of 25-40 per cent. This report analyses outcome following sequential resection of colorectal metastases to both organs. METHODS: Seventeen patients with histologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma and resection of liver and lung metastases were identified from a prospective database. RESULTS: The median interval between resection of the primary tumour and first metastasis was 21 (range 0-64) months. The interval between resection of the first and subsequent metastases was 18 (range 1-74) months. No patient died in the postoperative period and there were two perioperative complications. The overall survival rate in 17 patients was 70 per cent at 2 years from resection of metastasis to the second organ, but the disease-free survival rate at 2 years was only 24 per cent. CONCLUSION: Although few long-term survivors were observed in this small series, sequential resection of hepatic and pulmonary metastases is warranted in a highly selected group of patients.     

Repeat hepatic resection for recurrent colorectal liver metastases is associated with favourable long-term survival

BACKGROUND: The management of patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases (RCLM) remains controversial. This study aimed to determine whether repeat liver resection for RCLM could be performed with acceptable morbidity, mortality and long-term survival. METHODS: Of 1121 consecutive liver resections performed and prospectively analysed between 1987 and 2005, 852 'curative' resections were performed on patients with colorectal liver metastases. Single liver resection was performed in 718 patients, and 71 repeat hepatic resections for RCLM were performed in 66 patients. RESULTS: There were no postoperative deaths following repeat hepatic resection compared with a postoperative mortality rate of 1.4 per cent after single hepatic resection. Postoperative morbidity was comparable following single and repeat hepatectomy (26.1 versus 18 per cent; P = 0.172), although median blood loss was greater during repeat resection (450 versus 350 ml; P = 0.006). Actuarial 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 94, 68 and 44 per cent after repeat hepatic resection for RCLM, compared with 89.3, 51.7 and 29.5 per cent respectively following single hepatectomy. CONCLUSION: The beneficial outcomes observed after repeat liver resection in selected patients with RCLM confirm the experience of others and support its status as the preferred choice of treatment for such patients.     

Adjuvant regional chemotherapy after hepatic resection for colorectal metastases.

BACKGROUND: This study explored the possibility of achieving a better survival rate and reduced recurrence in the remaining liver in patients with colorectal hepatic metastases undergoing hepatic resection. Adjuvant postoperative regional chemotherapy was administered via the hepatic artery or the portal vein. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 174 patients after hepatic resection for colorectal metastases. These comprised 78 patients who had hepatic artery infusion (HAI) chemotherapy (HAI group), 30 who had portal vein infusion (PVI) chemotherapy (PVI group) and 66 who had no regional chemotherapy (resection alone group). The three groups were compared with one another in terms of complications, survival rate and patterns of recurrence. RESULTS: Severe complications did not occur at any point during adjuvant HAI or PVI chemotherapy. The 5-year disease-free survival rate of patients in the HAI, PVI and resection alone groups were 35, 13 and 9 per cent respectively, including six hospital deaths. Patients in the HAI group showed significantly improved recurrence rates in the remaining liver compared with the resection alone group (P = 0.03), and more prolonged disease-free and overall survival than those in the PVI (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02 respectively) and resection alone (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0006 respectively) groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that adjuvant HAI chemotherapy after hepatic resection may have therapeutic potential for improved management of patients with colorectal metastases.     

Simultaneous resection of colorectal primary tumour and synchronous liver metastases

BACKGROUND: The surgical strategy for treatment of synchronous colorectal liver metastases remains controversial. The outcome and overall survival of patients presenting with such metastases, treated either by simultaneous resection or by delayed resection, were evaluated. METHODS: From 1987 to 2000, 97 patients presented with synchronous colorectal liver metastases, of whom 35 (36 per cent) underwent a simultaneous resection and 62 patients (64 per cent) a delayed resection. Simultaneous resection was considered prospectively for patients with fewer than four unilobar metastases. RESULTS: Age, blood transfusion requirements, operating time, duration of inflow occlusion, hospital stay and mortality rate were similar in the two groups. The morbidity rate did not differ significantly (23 per cent after simultaneous resection and 32 per cent after delayed resection). The location of the primary tumour and extent of liver resection did not influence the morbidity rate significantly in the simultaneous resection group. The overall survival rate was 94, 45 and 21 per cent at 1, 3 and 5 years respectively after simultaneous resection, and 92, 45 and 22 per cent after delayed resection. CONCLUSION: In selected patients, simultaneous resection of the colorectal primary tumour and liver metastases does not increase mortality or morbidity rates compared with delayed resection, even if a left colectomy and/or a major hepatectomy are required.     

Extrahepatic disease does not contraindicate hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND: Extrahepatic disease has always been considered an absolute contraindication to hepatectomy for liver metastases. The present study reports the long-term outcome and prognostic factors of patients undergoing resection of extrahepatic disease simultaneously with hepatectomy for liver metastases. METHODS: From January 1987 to January 2001, 111 (30 per cent) of 376 patients who had hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases underwent simultaneous resection of extrahepatic disease with curative intent. RESULTS: Surgery was considered R0 in 77 patients (69 per cent) and palliative (R1 or R2) in 34 patients (31 per cent). The mortality rate was 4 per cent and the morbidity rate 28 per cent. After a median follow-up of 4.9 years, the overall 3- and 5-year survival rates were 38 and 20 per cent respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate of patients with R0 resection only (n = 75) was 29 per cent. The difference in survival between patients with and without extrahepatic disease discovered incidentally at operation was significant, as was the number of liver metastases. CONCLUSION: Extrahepatic disease in patients with colorectal cancer who also have liver metastases should no longer be considered an absolute contraindication to hepatectomy. However, the presence of more than five liver metastases and the incidental intraoperative discovery of extrahepatic disease remain contraindications to hepatic resection.     

Treatment strategy for patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous irresectable liver metastases

BACKGROUND: The aim of this case-matched study was to determine the best treatment strategy for patients with asymptomatic colorectal cancer and irresectable synchronous liver metastases. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2002, 27 patients with asymptomatic colorectal cancer and irresectable synchronous liver metastases were treated by chemotherapy without initial primary resection (chemotherapy group). These 27 patients were compared with 32 patients matched for age, sex, performance status, primary tumour location, number of liver metastases, nature of irresectable disease and type of chemotherapy, but who were treated initially by resection of primary tumour (resection group). RESULTS: The 2-year actuarial survival rate was 41 per cent in the chemotherapy group and 44 per cent in the resection group (P = 0.753). In the latter group, the mortality and morbidity rates for primary resection were 0 and 19 per cent (six of 32 patients) respectively. In the chemotherapy group, intestinal obstruction related to the primary tumour occurred in four of 27 patients. The mean overall hospital stay was 11 days in the chemotherapy group and 22 days in the resection group (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Systemic chemotherapy without resection of the bowel cancer is the option of choice because, for most patients, it is associated with a shorter hospital stay and avoids surgery without a detrimental effect on survival.     

Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Although liver resection is now a safe procedure, its role for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis remains controversial. METHODS: This study compared the results of liver resection for HCC in patients with cirrhosis over two time intervals. One hundred and sixty-one patients had resection during period 1 (1991-1996) and 265 in period 2 (1997-2002). Early and long-term results after liver resection in the two periods were compared, and clinicopathological characteristics that influenced survival were identified. RESULTS: Tumour size was smaller, indocyanine green retention rate was higher, patients were older and a greater proportion of patients were asymptomatic in period 2 than period 1. Operative blood loss, need for blood transfusion, operative mortality rate, postoperative hospital stay and total hospital costs were significantly reduced in period 2. The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 28.2 and 33.9 per cent in periods 1 and 2 respectively (P = 0.042), and 5-year overall survival rates were 45.9 and 61.2 per cent (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified serum alpha-fetoprotein level, need for blood transfusion and Union Internacional Contra la Cancrum tumour node metastasis stage as independent determinants of disease-free and overall survival. CONCLUSION: The results of liver resection for HCC in patients with cirrhosis improved over time. Liver resection remains a good treatment option in selected patients with HCC arising from a cirrhotic liver.     

Treatment strategy for patients with middle and lower third bile duct cancer

BACKGROUND: The prognosis for patients with middle and lower third bile duct carcinoma remains poor. This study was conducted to identify independent predictors for survival, as well as the patterns of recurrence after curative resection. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with pathologically verified middle and/or lower third bile duct carcinoma were analysed retrospectively by Cox regression analysis for predictors of survival. RESULTS: The overall 5-year survival rate after resection was 39 per cent, and 0 per cent for patients who did not undergo resection. The 5-year survival rate was 63 per cent in 26 patients without microscopic residual disease (R0), 16 per cent in 25 patients with microscopic residual tumour (R1) and 0 per cent in six patients with macroscopic residual tumour (R2); ten patients did not undergo resection. Radiotherapy improved the 5-year survival rate in eight patients who had R1 resection compared with the rate in 17 patients who underwent resection alone (8 versus 0), but not significantly so (P = 0.137); however, median survival was significantly longer (P = 0.004) in six patients who had R2 resection compared with that in ten inoperable patients (11.4 versus 3.5 months). Multivariate analysis revealed that the primary tumour and tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage were independent predictors of survival; 13 clinicopathological factors were not independent prognostic factors. Of 26 patients having R0 resection, one had a locoregional relapse only, six had distant metastases only, and five had both types of recurrence. The liver was the most frequent site for metastasis, and microscopic venous invasion (MVI) in the primary tumour was a significant predictor of liver metastasis. CONCLUSION: Curative (R0) resection is only one step in curing cancer, and radiotherapy may play a beneficial role in controlling locoregional residual tumour. MVI could be a useful indicator of when systemic adjuvant therapy should be implemented to prevent liver metastasis after R0 resection, although no effective systemic treatment has yet been developed.     

Liver Surgery for Colorectal Metastases: Results after 10 Years of Follow-Up. Long-Term Survivors,Late Recurrences,and Prognostic Role of Morbidity

Background  Liver surgery is the gold-standard treatment of colorectal liver metastases. Five-year survival rates may be inadequate to evaluate surgical outcomes because some patients are alive with recurrence and late recurrences are possible. The aim of this study was to analyze 10-year survival outcome in terms of late recurrence rate and prognostic factors of survival. Methods  One hundred twenty-five patients underwent liver resection for colorectal liver metastases between 1985 and 1996. Four patients who experienced postoperative mortality were excluded. The analysis was performed on 121 patients. Results  Five- and 10-year survival rates were 23.1% and 15.7%, respectively. Nineteen patients were alive 10 years after liver resection and 17 were disease-free (5 after re-resection). Five- and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 17.4% and 14.8%, respectively. In patients with recurrence, re-resection significantly improved survival (P < 0.001); 98% of recurrences occurred within the first 5 years, but 15% of patients disease-free at 5 years developed later recurrence. Multivariate analysis evidenced five independent negative prognostic factors of survival: male sex (P = 0.029), synchronous metastases (P = 0.011), >3 metastases (P < 0.001), metastatic infiltration of nearby structures (P < 0.001), and postoperative morbidity (P < 0.001). In 17 patients without negative prognostic factors the 10-year survival rate was 35.3%. Conclusion  Liver resection for colorectal liver metastases may be curative in more than one-third of patients without negative prognostic factors. Postoperative morbidity significantly worsens long-term outcomes. The risk of recurrence after liver resection is high even after 5 years of follow-up, but re-resection can improve the outcome.     

Biopsy of resectable colorectal liver metastases causes tumour dissemination and adversely affects survival after liver resection

BACKGROUND: Liver resection is increasingly being performed for metastatic colorectal cancer. This study assessed the need for preoperative biopsy of suspected metastases and whether biopsy has any effect on long-term survival. METHODS: Prospectively collected data on patients who underwent liver resection for colorectal metastases between 1986 and 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. The endpoints of morbidity, operative mortality and long-term survival were compared between patients who had biopsy before referral (group 1) and those who did not (group 2). RESULTS: Patient demographics and disease distribution were similar for 90 patients in group 1 and 508 in group 2. Seventeen patients (19 per cent) who had undergone biopsy either at the time of colorectal resection or radiologically had evidence of needle-track deposits. Operative mortality and morbidity rates in the two groups were similar. The 4-year survival rate after liver resection was 32.5 (s.e. 5.5) per cent in group 1, compared with 46.7 (2.8) per cent in group 2 (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Needle-track deposits are common after biopsy of suspected colorectal liver metastases. Biopsy of metastases confers poorer long-term survival on patients after liver resection and cannot be justified in patients with potentially resectable disease.     

Long-term results of treating hepatic colorectal metastases with cryosurgery

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term efficacy of cryosurgery as an adjunct to hepatic resection in patients with colorectal liver metastases not amenable to resection alone. METHODS: Thirty patients met the following inclusion criteria: metastases confined to the liver and judged irresectable, ten or fewer metastases, cryosurgery alone or in combination with hepatic resection allowed tumour clearance. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 26 (range 9--73) months. Overall 1- and 2-year survival rates were 76 and 61 per cent respectively. Median survival was 32 months. Disease-free survival at 1 year was 35 per cent, at 2 years 7 per cent. Six patients developed recurrence at the site of cryosurgery; given that the total number of cryosurgery-treated lesions was 69 the local recurrence rate was 9 per cent. CONCLUSION: In patients with colorectal liver metastases, local ablative techniques can be used as an effective adjunct to hepatic resection to obtain tumour clearance.     

Incidence and prognostic significance of lateral lymph node metastasis in patients with advanced low rectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Lateral lymph node metastases occur in some patients with low rectal cancer and may cause local recurrence after total mesorectal excision. The aims of this study were to identify risk factors for lateral node metastases in patients with pathological tumour (pT) stage 3 or pT4 low rectal adenocarcinoma, and to evaluate the prognostic significance of lateral node metastases. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of the outcome of 237 patients with pT3 or pT4 low rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent R0 resection with systematic lateral node dissection. RESULTS: Lateral lymph node metastases were found in 41 patients (17.3 per cent). Increased risk of lateral lymph node metastases was associated with a distal tumour margin close to the anal margin, histological type other than well or moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, and the presence of mesenteric lymph node metastases. Patients with lateral node metastases had a significantly shorter postoperative survival (5-year survival rate 42 versus 71.6 per cent; P < 0.001) and an increased risk of local recurrence (44 versus 11.7 per cent; P < 0.001) compared with those without lateral node metastases. CONCLUSION: Tumour site, histological type and the presence of mesenteric lymph node metastasis are factors predicting the risk of lateral node metastasis. The poor prognosis of patients with lateral lymph node metastases after systematic lateral dissection suggests the need for adjuvant therapy.     

Comparison of resection and radiofrequency ablation for treatment of solitary colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND: Liver resection is the treatment of choice for patients with solitary colorectal liver metastases. In recent years, however, radiofrequency ablation has been used increasingly in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases. In the absence of randomized clinical trials, this study aimed to compare outcome in patients with solitary colorectal liver metastases treated by surgery or by radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: Solitary colorectal liver metastases were treated by radiofrequency destruction in 25 patients. The indications were extrahepatic disease in seven, vessel contiguity in nine and co-morbidity in nine patients. Outcome was compared with that of 20 patients who were treated by liver resection for solitary metastases and had no evidence of extrahepatic disease. Most patients in both groups also received systemic chemotherapy. RESULTS: Median survival after liver resection was 41 (range 0-97) months with a 3-year survival rate of 55.4 per cent. There was one postoperative death and morbidity was minimal. Median survival after radiofrequency ablation was 37 (range 9-67) months with a 3-year survival rate of 52.6 per cent. CONCLUSION: Survival after resection and radiofrequency ablation of solitary colorectal liver metastases was comparable. The latter is less invasive and requires either an overnight stay or day-case facilities only.     

Factors influencing survival after resection of pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Selection of patients for resection of lung metastases from colorectal cancer is problematic. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically relevant prognostic factors and to define a subgroup of patients who would most benefit from such surgery. PATIENTS: Seventy-five patients (median age 58 (range 33-82) years) with pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer underwent 104 R0 lung resections. Median follow-up was 33 (range 4-116) months. Patients who had no evidence of recurrent extrathoracic disease, no more than three metastases on either side, lobectomy as the maximal surgical procedure, and adequate cardiorespiratory function were eligible for surgery. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and classification and regression tree subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: Overall median survival was 33 months, with 3- and 5-year survival rates of 47 and 27 per cent respectively. Size of metastases (relative risk (RR) 2.6) and extent of resection (RR 0.4) were identified as independent prognostic factors. Primary tumour stage was significant in univariate analysis. Subgroup analysis defined two statistically relevant prognostic groups: patients with a maximum metastasis size of 3.75 cm or less with a disease-free interval of more than 10 months and patients with larger metastases and a shorter disease-free interval. Median survival and 5-year survival were 45 months and 39 per cent in the former group, and 24 months and less than 11 per cent in the latter. CONCLUSION: Subgroup analysis provided criteria for the selection of patients for R0 resection of lung metastases from colorectal cancer and differentiated between those at high or low risk of early tumour progression; the latter patients would benefit most from surgery.     

Prognostic factors for long-term outcome of hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases

The aim of the study was to analyse the prognostic factors for long-term outcome of liver resections for metastases from colorectal cancer. The retrospective analysis included 297 liver resections for colorectal carcinoma liver metastases. The following prognostic factors were considered: age, gender, stage and grade of differentiation of the primary tumour, node metastases, site of the primary colorectal cancer, number and diameter of the hepatic lesions, time interval from primary cancer to liver metastases, preoperative CEA level, adjuvant chemotherapy after hepatic resection, type of hepatic resection, use of intraoperative ultrasound and portal triad clamping, blood loss and transfusions, postoperative complications and hospital stay, tumour-free surgical margins, clinical risk score (as defined by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre group, MSKCC-CRS). Overall survival rates were estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and were compared at univariate analysis using the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed including significant variables at univariate analysis using the Cox regression model. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. The 1, 3, 5 and 10-year overall survival rates were 90.6%, 51%, 27.5%, and 16.9%, respectively. The univariate analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in overall survival in relation to: grade of differentiation of the primary cancer (5-year survival of grades G1-G2 vs grades G3-G4: 30.7% vs 14.4%, p = 0.0016), preoperative CEA level > 5 and > 200 ng/ml (5-year survival of CEA < 5 ng/ml vs CEA > 5 ng/ml: 51.1% vs 15.5%, p = 0.0016; 5-year survival of CEA < 200 ng/ml vs CEA > 200 ng/ml: 27.9% vs 17.4%, p = 0.0001), diameter of major lesions > 5 cm (5-year survival of diameter < or = 5 cm vs > 5 cm: 30.0% vs 18.8%, p = 0.0074), disease-free interval between primary tumour and liver metastases longer than 12 months (5-year survival of patients with disease-free interval < or = 12 months vs > 12 months: 23.0% vs 36.1%, p = 0.042), high MSKCC-CRS (5-year survival of MKSCC-CRS 0-1-2 vs 3-4-5: 36.4% vs 1 6.3%, p = 0.017). The multivariate analysis showed three independent negative prognostic factors: G3-G4 primary cancer, CEA level > 5 ng/ml, and high MSKCC-CRS class. No single prognostic factor turned out to be associated with such disappointing outcomes after hepatic surgery for colorectal liver metastases as to permit the identification of specific subgroups of patients to be excluded on principle from undergoing liver resection. However, in the presence of a number of specific prognostic factors (G3-G4 grade of differentiation of the primary tumour, preoperative CEA level > 5 ng/ml, high MSKCC-CRS) enrolment of the patient in trials exploring new diagnostic tools or new adjuvant treatments may be suggested to improve the preoperative staging of the disease and reduce the incidence of tumour recurrence after liver resection.     

Improvement in survival following surgery for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Recent reports based on registry data have shown that survival after surgery for colorectal cancer is improving in the UK. It is not clear whether these improvements are due to earlier presentation or more effective treatment. METHODS: Outcome for 645 patients with colorectal cancer admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary between 1974 and 1979 was compared with that for 354 patients admitted between 1991 and 1994. RESULTS: More patients in the later period had Dukes' A or B tumours and fewer had evidence of metastatic spread (P < 0.001); more underwent potentially curative resection (57.6 versus 49.9 per cent; P < 0.001) and fewer underwent palliative diversion. The overall postoperative mortality rate fell from 14.1 to 8.5 per cent (P = 0.017). Overall and cancer-specific 5-year survival after potentially curative resection increased from 40.1 to 60.5 per cent and from 47.3 to 71.7 per cent respectively (both P < 0.001). Compared with the earlier period, the adjusted hazard ratio for cancer-specific survival following potentially curative resection was 0.452 (95 per cent confidence interval 0.329 to 0.622; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The observed improvement in survival was mainly due to improvements in the quality of surgery and in perioperative care rather than earlier presentation.     

Role of repeated hepatectomy in the multimodal treatment of hepatic colorectal metastases

HYPOTHESIS: Multimodal treatment consisting of repeated hepatectomy and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy for liver-confined recurrence of colorectal cancer can yield long-term survival comparable with that associated with primary hepatectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: A prospective database at a tertiary referral cancer center. PATIENTS: Review of 274 consecutive liver resections identified 64 patients who underwent resection of hepatic colorectal metastases without ablation followed by adjuvant irinotecan hydrochloride- or oxaliplatin-based systemic chemotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Median and 5-year overall and disease-free survival after primary and repeated hepatectomy. RESULTS: At median follow-up of 40 months, median and 5-year overall survival after hepatectomy were 60 months and 53%, respectively; median and 5-year disease-free survival were 33 months and 25%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that less than 1 year between colectomy and liver resection (P = .001), more than 3 metastases (P = .001), no repeated hepatectomy (P = .01), and lymph node-positive primary colon cancer (P = .02) were independently predictive of worse survival. Of 28 patients (44%) with liver-confined recurrence, 19 (30%) underwent repeated hepatectomy; at median follow-up of 38 months, median and 5-year overall survival after repeated hepatectomy were 48 months and 44%, respectively. No risk factors were identified in multivariate analysis. In patients with recurrence, median and 5-year overall survival measured from primary hepatectomy were 70 months and 73%, respectively, with repeated hepatectomy vs 43 months and 43%, respectively, without repeated hepatectomy (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Multimodal treatment of recurrent colorectal cancer confined to the liver should begin with consideration of repeated hepatectomy.     

Sequential resection of lung metastasis following partial hepatectomy for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Multiple organ metastases from colorectal carcinoma may be considered incurable, but long survival after both liver and lung resection for metastases has been reported. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 48 patients who underwent lung resection for metastatic colorectal cancer between 1992 and 1999 was undertaken. Twenty-seven patients had lung metastasis alone, 15 had previous partial hepatectomy, and six had previous resection of local or lymph node recurrence. The relationship of clinical variables to survival was assessed. Survival was calculated from the time of first pulmonary resection. RESULTS: Five-year survival rates after resection of lung metastasis were 73 per cent in patients without preceding recurrence, 50 per cent following previous partial hepatectomy and zero after resection of previous local recurrence. Independent prognostic variables that significantly affected survival after thoracotomy were primary tumour histology and type of preceding recurrence. There was no significant difference in survival after lung resection between patients who had sequential liver and lung resection versus those who had lung resection alone. CONCLUSION: Sequential lung resection after partial hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer may lead to long-term survival.