Patients who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver are usually treated with resection of the colorectal cancer, followed by chemotherapy and then have another surgery to resect the disease from the liver.
The Society of Surgical Oncology's 60Th Annual Cancer Symposium in Washington, D.C. presented information that this might not be the best approach or strategy for some patients.
Patients with minor liver involvement, resection of the colorectal cancer and the liver cancer can be surgically removed at the same time, involving one surgical procedure, safely.
Dr. Bryan M Clary, from Duke University Medical Center, says "These days, there is a more liberal definition of what is resectable. If all clinically evident disease can be removed, while leaving that person with enough liver tissue that it can function, that in general is the standard definition of resectable for healthy patients."
Dr. Clary estimates that about half of patients with colorectal and liver tumors may be good candidates for simultaneous surgery. however, he cautions, a multidisciplinary center is required that includes medical and surgical oncologists skilled in colorectal surgery, as well as surgeons specialized in liver surgery.
