Quantitative liver function imaging and whole genome sequencing - Effective modalities for a new era in personalised decision-making for operable colorectal liver metastases?

Background: The optimal strategy for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is unclear. The Precision1 prospective, observational trial assessed whether pre-operative functional imaging and whole genome sequencing (WGS), could enhance individualized decision-making.

Methods: Patients with CRLM considered for hepatectomy were recruited. In addition to standard staging, patients underwent a quantitative multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) scan, to assess liver function. Use of mpMRI to aid surgical decision-making, was prospectively recorded, as were short-term clinical outcomes in patients who underwent hepatectomy. In the first 45 patients, WGS was performed on blood and liver tumour samples collected per-operatively.

Results: 95 mpMRI scans were performed in 84 patients, who underwent 87 resections. The mpMRI scan affected surgical decision-making in 41 % (39/95) of scans, with 11 undergoing dual-vein embolization, 16 undergoing more conservative parenchymal-sparing surgery, 11 having more extensive surgery, and one patient following a low calorie diet pre-operatively. There were significant (Clavien-Dindo grades 3/4) complications in 5 % of patients, no Grade C post-hepatectomy liver failure, and zero 90-day mortality. WGS suggested additional therapeutic options and prognostic factors for 22 of 35 (63 %) evaluable patients.

Conclusion: Precision1 shows mpMRI can aid surgical decision-making, and optimise clinical outcomes. WGS provides additional information, to further enhance personalised decision-making.