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Type of response to conversion chemotherapy strongly impacts survival after hepatectomy for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases
Author(s) -
Zimmitti Giuseppe,
Panettieri Elena,
Ardito Francesco,
Rosso Edoardo,
Mele Caterina,
Nuzzo Gennaro,
Giuliante Felice
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/ans.15632
Subject(s) - medicine , hazard ratio , hepatectomy , chemotherapy , overall survival , oncology , gastroenterology , proportional hazards model , colorectal cancer , surgery , confidence interval , resection , cancer
Abstract Background Hepatectomy for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (IU‐CLM) is considered at high risk due to the extensive preoperative chemotherapy (CHT) and complex surgical procedures required, and its results are questioned due to frequent and early post‐operative recurrence. We aim to compare patients with initially resectable CLM (IR‐CLM) and IU‐CLM and identify prognostic factors among IU‐CLM patients. Methods A total of 81 patients with IU‐CLM, undergoing hepatectomy following conversion CHT, were compared to 526 IR‐CLM patients. Predictors of overall (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were identified for IU‐CLM patients. Results Patients resected for IU‐CLM, compared to IR‐CLM, had more and larger CLM and more frequently underwent prolonged CHT and major/extended hepatectomy ( P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Such characteristics paralleled higher rates of overall and major (Clavien‐Dindo ≥3) complications, longer median post‐operative length of stay and lower 5‐year survival rates ( P < 0.001 for all comparisons) among IU‐CLM patients compared to IR‐CLM, with similar mortality (1.2% and nil for IU‐CLM and IR‐CLM, respectively). Among IU‐CLM patients, 62 with partial response to CHT (versus tumour stability according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria) had better DFS (hazard ratio 2.76, P = 0.001) and OS (hazard ratio 2.83, P = 0.002), and their 5‐year survival rates (DFS 19.8%, OS 46.7%) approached those of IR‐CLM patients (DFS 31%, OS 59%, P > 0.05 for both comparisons). Conclusion Resection of IU‐CLM has acceptable perioperative results. Tumour responsiveness to conversion CHT improves IU‐CLM patient selection for hepatectomy.