[Prognostic analysis of 220 colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in China. Synchronous liver metastases occur in 10%-25% colorectal cancer patients. This study was to elucidate the prognostic factors and treatment choices for colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases.

METHODS: Records of 220 colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases initially treated at Cancer Center of Sun Yat-sen University from Dec. 1995 to Dec. 2002 were reviewed. Prognostic factors were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model with SPSS12.0 software.

RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival rate was 5.52%, the median survival time of the patients was 12.93 months. Univariate analysis of clinical characteristics revealed that the number, size and distribution of liver metastases, extrahepatic disease, serum CEA level at diagnosis, N status, and histology were prognostic factors. Univariate analysis of clinical treatment factors showed that treatment modality, primary site resection, and chemotherapy regimen were prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis showed that the number and size of liver metastases, extrahepatic disease, serum CEA value at diagnosis, treatment modality, primary tumor resection, and chemotherapy regimen were independent prognostic factors of colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases.

CONCLUSIONS: Liver metastases larger than 5 cm in diameter, bilobar liver metastases, extrahepatic invasion or metastases, and CEA level more than 200 microg/L at diagnosis are adverse prognostic factors. Primary tumor resection and liver resection should be considered for all suitable patients with colorectal metastases to the liver alone. Liver-target intervention and/or systemic chemotherapy might be a good choice for inoperable patients. If possible, systemic chemotherapy containing oxaliplatin is preferred.