New neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable liver metastases of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Surgical resection is the only method for treating colorectal liver metastases, because it can ensure long-term survival and cure in some patients. Only approximately 20 % of colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases can undergo liver resection at the time of diagnosis. Modern chemotherapy regimens are received by other patients, which could achieve high response rates but are insufficient for cure. Recurrences are observed in the majority of patients who undergo liver resection despite developed surgical technique and improved surgical skills. Many patients with resectable metastases undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy before liver resection. Its benefit in terms of long-term disease control has been recently demonstrated, but neoadjuvant chemotherapy has also potential disadvantages, in particular chemotherapy-associated liver injury.