Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumours of liver- a rarity: Single centre analysis of 13 patients

Abstract

Backgrounds/Aims Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumours (PHNETs) are a rarity and this rarity imparts management complexities. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained liver database from 2009 to 2018 was performed and patients with PHNETs were identified and studied for clinical, imaging and pathological features, surgical outcomes, disease free and overall survival. Results Thirteen patients of PHNET were identified following rigorous investigational protocols, which constituted 0.6% of all liver tumours (2095) in our series. The median age of patients was 50 years (14-65), with male to female ratio of 9:4. Eight patients (62%) underwent hepatic resections as primary treatment, while 5 (38%) patients received peptide receptor radiotherapy, trans-arterial chemotherapy, trans-arterial radiotherapy or a combination of these. In the surgical group at a median follow up of 36 months (range 5-114 months), 4 (50%) patients were alive without disease and disease free survival was 20 months. Median OS in surgical group was 47 months (40-53, 95% confidence interval) that was better but not statistically significant from that of non-surgical treatment group (36 months). Conclusions PHNETs are rare tumours that require multidisciplinary treatment approach. Liver directed surgery centred management leads to better clinical outcomes in these selected patients.