Treatment of liver-limited metastatic colorectal cancer

Cancer J. 2010 May-Jun;16(3):235-40. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0b013e3181e075e9.

Abstract

Although liver metastases from colorectal cancer previously conferred a very dismal prognosis, advances in systemic therapy combined with surgical techniques now gives these patients a reasonable chance for cure. Traditional cytoxic chemotherapy combined with biologic agents result in impressive response rates, allowing a portion of patients who were considered unresectable to undergo hepatectomy with curative intent. This review discusses the role of systemic therapy in patients with liver-limited metastatic disease for patients with resectable, potentially resectable and unresectable disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biological Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biological Factors