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Review
. 2015 Feb 18:13:61.
doi: 10.1186/s12957-014-0420-6.

Unresolved issues and controversies surrounding the management of colorectal cancer liver metastasis

Woubet T Kassahun  1
Affiliations
Review

Unresolved issues and controversies surrounding the management of colorectal cancer liver metastasis

Woubet T Kassahun. World J Surg Oncol. .

Abstract

Ideally, tumors that might cause morbidity and mortality should be treated, preferably early, with proven, convincing, and effective therapy to prevent tumor progression or recurrence, while maintaining a favorable risk-benefit profile for the individual patient. For patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), this diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic precision is currently impossible. Despite significant improvements in diagnostic procedures, a sizable number of patients with CRC have liver metastases either at presentation or will subsequently develop it. And in many parts of the world, most cancer-related deaths are still due to metastases that are resistant to conventional therapy. Metastases to the liver occur in more than 50% of patients with CRC and represent the major determinant of outcome following curative treatment of the primary tumor. Liver resection offers the best chance of cure for metastases confined to the liver. However, due to a paucity of randomized controlled trials, its timing is controversial and a hotly debated topic. This article reviews some of the main controversies surrounding the surgical management of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM).

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of general management strategy for patients with colorectal cancer hepatic metastases. CRLM, colorectal cancer liver metastases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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