The treatment of hepatic metastases in colorectal carcinoma
Lewis, A.M.; Martin, R.C.G.
American Surgeon 72(6): 466-473
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1348 PMID: 16808196 Document Number: 597770
Colorectal carcinoma is the third most common cause of cancer death in the United States, with 135,000 new cases and 55,000 deaths annually. Ultimately, two-thirds (99,000) of all patients with colorectal cancer will develop metastasis to the liver and other organs in their life span, making metastatic colorectal cancer the second leading cause of cancer-related death in North America. The optimal management of these patients has become increasingly complex with the myriad of treatment options that are available. Because the timing of any therapy (surgery, chemotherapy, or others) has become integral to the success of the treatment, a collaborative approach involving multiple specialties is needed for the best patient outcome. Defined clinical and pathologic determinants of outcome have been demonstrated to effect the overall and disease-free survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Understanding of these determinants remains essential to any treating physician and has lead to significant paradigm shifts in the management of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.