Assessment and treatment considerations for patients with colorectal liver metastases: AHPBA consensus guideline and update for surgeons

Background

Colorectal cancer most commonly metastasizes to the liver. While various treatment strategies have been developed, surgical management of these patients has vital implications on the prognosis and survival of this group of patients. There remains a need for a consensus guideline regarding the surgical evaluation and management of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

Methods

This review article is a consensus guideline established by the members of the AHPBA Professional Standards Committee, as an amalgamation of existent literature and a guide to surgeons managing this complex disease.

Results

These guidelines reports the benefits and shortcomings of various diagnostic modalities including imaging and next-generation sequencing in the management of patients with CRLM. While surgery has established survival benefits in patients with resectable disease, this report notes the importance of treatment sequencing with non-surgical modalities as well as between colon and liver resection. Finally, the guidelines address the various treatment modalities for patients with unresectable disease, that may have significant impact on survival.

Conclusion

CRLM is a complex diagnosis which warrants multidisciplinary approach with early surgical involvement in both assessment and management of the disease, to optimize patient outcomes and survival.