Outcomes of liver transplant for colorectal liver metastasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) for nonresectable colorectal liver metastasis (NRCRLM) has become accepted for select patients meeting strict inclusion criteria. Advancements in patient selection and understanding of cancer biology may expand benefits to patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). In this meta-analysis, we sought to assess survival outcomes, recurrence patterns, and quality of life (QoL) after LT for CRLM.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to obtain pooled overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates and to compare QoL from baseline. Continuous data were analyzed, and standardized mean differences were reported.

Results: Overall, 16 studies (403 patients, 58.8% male sex) were included. The pooled 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS after LT for NRCRLM was 96% (95% CI: 92%-99%), 77% (95% CI: 62%-89%), and 53% (95% CI: 45%-61%), respectively. Moreover, the pooled 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS was 58% (95% CI: 43%-72%), 33% (95% CI: 9%-61%), and 13% (95% CI: 4%-27%), respectively. Overall, 201 patients (49.8%) experienced recurrence during the follow-up period with the lungs being the most common site (45.8%). There was no significant differences in physical and emotional functioning, fatigue, and pain components of QoL at 6 months after LT compared with baseline (all P > .05).

Conclusion: LT for NRCRLM demonstrated good OS outcomes with no differences in the QoL at 6 months after transplantation. Transplantation may represent a viable treatment option for NRCRLM.