The state of regional therapy in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2016;16(2):229-45. doi: 10.1586/14737140.2016.1129277. Epub 2016 Jan 13.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Most colorectal cancer patients die from advanced disease, and two-thirds of CRC deaths are due to liver metastases. Liver resection provides the best curative option for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), yet only 20% of those patients are eligible for liver metastases resection for curative intent. Loco-regional treatment of CRLM may provide additional benefits in terms of down-staging for resection and prolonged hepatic disease control. This review focusses on hepatic arterial infusion, radioembolization and chemoembolization.

Keywords: Regional therapy; chemoembolization; hepatic artery infusion; liver metastases; radioembolization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / methods
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Hepatectomy / methods
  • Hepatic Artery
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intra-Arterial
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents