Predictive factors and timing for liver recurrence after curative resection of gastric carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Advanced and reliable diagnostic methods in order to identify the site of recurrence of gastric cancer in an early stage are needed. METHODS: One hundred twenty patients whose recurrence was confirmed after curative resection for gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Liver recurrence was evident in 41 patients. Advanced age, tumor invasion into subserosa, intestinal and mixed type of histology, Borrmann type 0 to 2, tumor diameter (<6.5 cm), and tumor marker (carcinoembryonic antigen and alpha-fetoprotein) elevation were related to liver recurrence. By logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for liver recurrence included Borrmann's classification, histology, and tumor marker elevation. The median time from the primary operation to liver recurrence was shortest in the tumor marker elevation group when compared with other independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS: This information may help to design a better follow-up program and appropriate treatment strategy for gastric cancer patients with liver metastasis.