Missing colorectal liver metastases: the surgical challenge

Background New chemotherapy schemes have allowed for a better radiological response of unresectable colorectal liver metastases, leading to an interesting scenario known as a complete radiological response. The aim of this study was to review the current management of missing liver metastases (MLM) from the liver surgeon's point of view. Methods A systematic search was conducted on all publications of PubMed and Embase between 2003 and 2018. Meta-analysis was performed on MLM resected/unresected. Residual tumor or regrowth and relapse-free survival were used as evaluation indices. Results After literature search, 18 original articles were included for analysis. The predictive factors for MLM are type and duration of chemotherapy and size and number of lesions. Magnetic resonance is the most sensitive preoperative technique. Regarding clinical management, liver surgery is deemed the fundamental pillar in the therapeutic strategy of these patients. Meta-analysis due to data heterogeneity was inconclusive. Conclusions Depending on the clinical context, MLM monitoring appears to be a valid therapeutic alternative. Nevertheless, prospective randomized clinical studies are needed.

Automated summary

This study reviewed the current management of missing liver metastases and found that the type and duration of chemotherapy, as well as the size and number of lesions, are predictive factors for MLM. Liver surgery is considered a fundamental pillar in the therapeutic strategy for these patients, although the results of the meta-analysis were inconclusive. Prospective randomized clinical studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of MLM monitoring as a valid therapeutic alternative.