Transplantation for colorectal liver metastasis

Abstract

Purpose of review Liver transplantation has emerged as a possible treatment for selected patients with nonresectable colorectal liver metastasis, but controversy still exists regarding optimal selection criteria and acceptable outcomes. Recent findings Univariate analysis in the largest cohorts confirms that metachronous disease, Oslo score = 0–1, metabolic tumor volume (MTV) less than 70 cm3, and tumor burden score less than 9 are positive predictive factors for good overall survival outcomes. Some recent trials might suggest that technical resectability is not a valid exclusion criterion for patients with high tumor load and favorable prognostic scores in the transplant evaluation. Recent developments in circulation DNA technology and liquid biopsy may play a future role in the selection and monitoring of patients. Summary Evaluation for transplant needs multidisciplinary involvement and should not be delayed until the failure of conventional oncological therapy. Larger data sets are needed to refine the selection criteria for liver transplantation in colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).