Patterns of referral and resection among patients with liver-only metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC)

Abstract

Background: Rates of metastatectomy vary among patients with liver-only metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). This study describe predictors of referral to a hepatobiliary surgeon (HBS) and hepatic resection in a population-based setting.

Materials and methods: Patients referred to the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) with synchronous or relapsed MCRC isolated to the liver in 2002-2004 were identified. Classification of tumor burden as "high" or "low" was based on prognostic features defined by LiverMetSurvery registry. Metastases larger than 5 cm, bilobar, or more than 3 metastases were classified as high tumor burden. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of HBS referral and subsequent metastatectomy. Overall survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: Of 618 patients with isolated hepatic metastasis, 148 (24%) were referred to a HBS and 99 (16%) underwent resection. Advanced age was the most common reason for not referring 64 patients (10%) with ECOG performance status 0/1 and low tumor burden. In multivariate analysis, variables associated with referral were younger age (P < .001), ECOG performance status 0/1 (P < .002), chemotherapy for metastatic disease (P = .007), 1-3 metastasis (P < .001), and unilobar disease (P < .001). Median patient survival was 0.99 years (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.89-1.10 years) among nonreferred, 1.83 years (95% CI, 1.37-2.31 years) if referred but not resected, and 3.85 years (95% CI, 2.90-4.80 years) if resected.

Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients are not referred to a HBS because of advanced chronological age. Resection of hepatic metastases was associated with improved overall survival irrespective of initial tumor burden.