Liver transplantation in colorectal metastases. Is there an indication for this procedure?

Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2024 Feb;116(2):59-62. doi: 10.17235/reed.2023.9873/2023.

Abstract

Almost 25 % of patients with colorectal cancer present metastases at the time of diagnosis and 50 % go on to develop metastases in the course of the disease. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment although only between 20 % and 30 % of patients present resectable lesions. Although liver transplantation is contraindicated in unresectable metastases of colorectal cancer, ever since the publication of the results of a pilot study there has been renewed interest in transplantation in these patients. In two consecutive trials overall and recurrence-free 5-year survival rates of 83 % and 35 % respectively, have been reported, Currently several trials are ongoing which are expected to allow the patient selection criteria for the indication of liver transplantation to be refined.

MeSH terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Hepatectomy
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms*
  • Liver Transplantation* / methods
  • Pilot Projects