Treatment strategies for patients with colorectal carcinoma and synchronous liver metastases

Abstract

Multimodal approach in the management of patients with colorectal carcinoma and synchronous liver metastases allows for the application of various combinations of treatment modalities (colorectal resection, liver resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy). The primary-first approach and simultaneous resection represent traditional strategies used because the primary tumor is thought to be the main source of subsequent metastases as well as the source of symptoms associated with local tumor progression (obstruction, perforation, colorectal bleeding).
Poor long-term outcomes of traditional strategies have led to the proposal of reverse strategies (the liver-first approach and up-front hepatectomy approach). The idea behind reverse strategies is to give preference to liver resection over colorectal resection (prognosis of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer is determined mainly by the curability of liver metastases). According to available literature, reverse strategies are suitable mainly for patients with asymptomatic primary tumor.
Treatment strategy for each patient should be individualized depending on the patient’s performance status, comorbidities, and tumor stage. In this paper, the authors offer an up-to-date review of treatment strategies for patients with colorectal carcinoma and synchronous liver metastases focusing on available data of evidence-based medicine.