Early Recurrence After Initial Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases

Abstract

Objective This study investigated the frequency of early recurrence in patients who had undergone hepatectomy for colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) and assessed the indications for adjuvant chemotherapy in these patients. Methods This retrospective analysis included 133 consecutive patients who underwent initial hepatectomy for CRLM between April 2000 and May 2010 and have been followed more than 5 years. Results Of the 133 patients, 83 (62%) experienced tumor recurrence, with 14 of the 83 recurrences within 6 months after initial hepatectomy. Overall survival was significantly poorer in patients with recurrences within 6 months than those without any recurrence (P = 0.015). The frequency of adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly lower in patients with recurrences within 6 months than those without recurrences within 6 months. Multivariate analysis showed that H-2 classification was the only independent risk factor for recurrence within 6 months after hepatectomy (P = 0.002). Adjuvant chemotherapy improved prognosis in patients classified as H2. Conclusions Patients who experienced tumor recurrence within 6 months after initial hepatectomy for CRLM had a poorer prognosis than patients who experienced recurrence after 6 months. Patients with H2-classification of CRLM should receive preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.