Role of surgical resection for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases

It is widely accepted that the indications for hepatectomy in colorectal cancer liver metastases and liver metastases of neuro-endocrine tumors result in relatively better prognoses, whereas, the indications and prognoses of hepatectomy for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases(NCNNLM) remain controversial owing to the limited number of cases and the heterogeneity of the primary diseases. There have been many publications on NCNNLM; however, its background heterogeneity makes it difficult to reach a specific conclusion. This heterogeneous disease group should be discussed in the order from its general to specific aspect. The present review paper describes the general prognosis and risk factors associated with NCNNLM while specifically focusing on the liver metastases of each primary disease. A multidisciplinary approach that takes into consideration appropriate timing for hepatectomy combined with chemotherapy may prolong survival and/or contribute to the improvement of the quality of life while giving respite from systemic chemotherapy.

Gastric cancer liver metastasis will reduce the efficacy of immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors augment the antitumor activity of T cells by inhibiting the negative regulatory pathway of T cells,leading to notable efficacy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer,melanoma,and other malignancies through immunotherapy utilization.However,secondary malignant liver tumors not only lower the liver's sensitivity to immunotherapy but also trigger systemic immune suppression,resulting in reduced overall effectiveness of immune therapy.Patients receiving immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma experience reduced response rates,progression-free survival,and overall survival when secondary malignant tumors develop in the liver.Through Liu's retrospective analysis,valuable insights are provided for the future clinical management of these patients.Therefore,in patients with gastric cancer(GC),the occurrence of liver metastasis might be indicative of reduced efficacy of immuno-therapy.Overcoming liver immune tolerance mechanisms and their negative impacts allows for the potential benefits of immunotherapy in patients with GC and liver metastasis.INTRODUCTION Gastric cancer(GC)ranks among the prevalent malignancies affecting the digestive system globally.Based on the latest epidemiological data[1,2],it holds the fifth position for incidence and the fourth position for mortality among all malignant tumors.GC cases and fatalities in China make up roughly half of the worldwide figures.Earlier investigations[3]have demonstrated that the median overall survival(mOS)among advanced GC patients left untreated typically ranges from 3 to 4 months.Systemic chemotherapy recipients often experience a mOS of around one year,accompanied by a marked improvement in the quality of life among patients with advanced GC.The mainstay of treatment for advanced GC patients involves chemotherapeutic medications such as fluoropyrimidines,platinum compounds,and taxanes.However,their efficacy in tumor control is constrained by acquired resistance and primary resistance.The rise of personalized precision therapy has propelled immunotherapy into the spotlight as a crucial component of comprehensive treatment[4].By blocking the negative regulatory pathways of T cells,immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)boost the anti-tumor effect of T cells.Immunotherapy has brought about significant therapeutic benefits for patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer,melanoma,and related illnesses[5,6],instilling newfound hope in those with advanced GC[7].However,phase III clinical trial data[8-12]reveals that the incorporation of immunotherapy into chemotherapy regimens improves overall survival(OS)outcomes for patients with advanced GC.The liver's immune-exempt nature renders it less responsive to immunotherapy when secondary malignant tumors are present,fostering systemic immune suppression and yielding unfavorable outcomes in immune therapy[13-15].In retrospective research[16-20]pertaining to non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma,it has been observed that the presence of secondary liver malignancies may lower the response rate,progression-free survival(PFS),and OS rates in patients treated with immunotherapy,independent of factors such as tumor mutation burden and PD-L1 expression.Despite this,there is a paucity of studies examining whether the existence of secondary malignant liver tumors affects the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients diagnosed with advanced HER-2 negative GC.

Current landscape of preoperative neoadjuvant therapies for initial resectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis

Colorectal cancer liver metastasis(CRLM)presents a clinical challenge,and optimizing treatment strategies is crucial for improving patient outcomes.Surgical resection,a key element in achieving prolonged survival,is often linked to a heightened risk of recurrence.Acknowledging the potential benefits of preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy in managing resectable liver metastases,this approach has gained attention for its role in tumor downsizing,assessing biological behavior,and reducing the risk of postoperative recurrence.However,the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in initially resectable CRLM sparks ongoing debates.The balance between tumor reduction and the risk of hepatic injury,coupled with concerns about delaying surgery,necessitates a nuanced approach.This article explores recent research insights and draws upon the practical experiences at our center to address critical issues regarding considerations for initially resectable cases.Examining the criteria for patient selection and the judicious choice of neoadjuvant regimens are pivotal areas of discussion.Striking the right balance between maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects is imperative.The dynamic landscape of precision medicine is also reflected in the evolving role of gene testing,such as RAS/BRAF and PIK3CA,in tailoring neoadjuvant regimens.Furthermore,the review emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to navigate the comp-lexities of CRLM.Integrating technical expertise and biological insights is crucial in refining neoadjuvant strategies.The management of progression following neoadjuvant chemotherapy requires a tailored approach,acknowledging the diverse biological behaviors that may emerge.In conclusion,this review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the considerations,challenges,and advancements in the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for initially resectable CRLM.By combining evidencebased insights with practical experiences,we aspire to contribute to the ongoing discourse on refining treatment paradigms for improved outcomes in patients with CRLM.

Machine learning prediction model for gray-level co-occurrence matrix features of synchronous liver metastasis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Synchronous liver metastasis(SLM)is a significant contributor to morbidity in colorectal cancer(CRC).There are no effective predictive device integration algorithms to predict adverse SLM events during the diagnosis of CRC.AIM To explore the risk factors for SLM in CRC and construct a visual prediction model based on gray-level co-occurrence matrix(GLCM)features collected from magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS Our study retrospectively enrolled 392 patients with CRC from Yichang Central People’s Hospital from January 2015 to May 2023.Patients were randomly divided into a training and validation group(3:7).The clinical parameters and GLCM features extracted from MRI were included as candidate variables.The prediction model was constructed using a generalized linear regression model,random forest model(RFM),and artificial neural network model.Receiver operating characteristic curves and decision curves were used to evaluate the prediction model.RESULTS Among the 392 patients,48 had SLM(12.24%).We obtained fourteen GLCM imaging data for variable screening of SLM prediction models.Inverse difference,mean sum,sum entropy,sum variance,sum of squares,energy,and difference variance were listed as candidate variables,and the prediction efficiency(area under the curve)of the subsequent RFM in the training set and internal validation set was 0.917[95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.866-0.968]and 0.09(95%CI:0.858-0.960),respectively.CONCLUSION A predictive model combining GLCM image features with machine learning can predict SLM in CRC.This model can assist clinicians in making timely and personalized clinical decisions.

Microbiota in colorectal cancer related to liver metastasis

The prevalence of colorectal cancer(CRC) is increasing annually and metastasis is the principal cause of death in patients with CRC, with the liver being the most frequently affected site. Many studies have shown a strong interplay between the gut flora, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum(F. nucleatum), Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides fragilis, and the development of gut tumors. Some strains can induce gut inflammation and produce toxins that directly harm gut epithelial cells, ultimately accelerating the onset and progression of CRC. However,little clinical evidence exists on the specific interplay between the gut microflora and colorectal cancer liver metastasis(CRLM). Some research showed the existence of viable F. nucleatum in distant metastasis of CRC.Subsequently, gut microbiota products, such as lipopolysaccharides, sodium butyrate, and protein cathepsin K, were also found to affect the development of CRC. This article summarizes the mechanism and research status of the interplay between gut microflora and CRLM, discusses the importance of gut microflora in the treatment of CRLM, and proposes a new approach to understanding the mechanism of CRLM and potential treatments for the microbiome. It is anticipated that the gut microbiota will be a formidable therapeutic and prophylactic tool for treating and preventing CRLM.

Immunotherapy for gastric cancer and liver metastasis: Is it time to bid farewell

Patients with metastatic gastric cancer have a grim prognosis.Palliative che-motherapy offers a limited survival improvement,but recent advancements in immunotherapy have sparked hope.However,the effectiveness of immunothe-rapy in patients with liver metastases remains debated.This article reviews a recent study by Liu et al and evaluates conflicting evidence on the impact of liver metastases on response to immunotherapy in metastatic gastric cancer.While some studies suggest no significant difference in treatment response based on liver involvement,others report varied response rates.The present study,a re-trospective analysis of 48 patients by Liu et al,examines this issue and concludes that immunotherapy is less effective in patients with liver metastases.Despite methodological limitations and a small sample size,the study contributes to the ongoing discourse.The nuanced response to immunotherapy in certain patients underscores the importance of understanding the tumor microenvironment,immune cell infiltration,and the expression of immune checkpoints.Rather than dismissing immunotherapy for patients with gastric cancer and liver metastases,a shift towards personalized treatment strategies and a more profound under-standing of tumor-specific biomarkers is essential.By unraveling the molecular intricacies of individual cases,clinicians may tailor more effective and customized treatments,offering a glimmer of hope for this challenging patient group.

Impact of immunotherapy on liver metastasis

This editorial discusses the article“Analysis of the impact of immunotherapy efficacy and safety in patients with gastric cancer and liver metastasis”published in the latest edition of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.Immunotherapy has achieved outstanding success in tumor treatment.However,the presence of liver metastasis(LM)restrains the efficacy of immunotherapy in various tumors,including lung cancer,colorectal cancer,renal cell carcinoma,melanoma,and gastric cancer.A decrease in CD8+T cells and nature killer cells,along with an increase in macrophages and regulatory T cells,was observed in the microenvironment of LM,leading to immunotherapy resistance.More studies are necessary to determine the best strategy for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with LM.

Impact of liver metastasis on immunotherapy in gastric carcinoma

The editorial discusses the impact of liver metastasis on immunotherapy efficacy in gastric cancer(GC)patients.Liver metastasis can hinder the effectiveness of immunotherapy by altering the immune microenvironment,leading to systemic loss of T-cells and reduced treatment response.Studies suggest that liver meta-stases serve as a negative baseline factor for immunotherapy efficacy,resulting in poorer progression-free survival and objective response rates.Strategies such as liver-mediated radiotherapy may help improve treatment outcomes by reshaping the liver’s immune microenvironment and reducing T-cell depletion.Understand-ing the complex interplay between liver metastasis and immunotherapy response is crucial for optimising patient care in GC.

Immunotherapy in gastric cancer with liver metastasis:Challenges and opportunities

In this editorial,we review the article by Liu et al published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery investigating the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in patients with gastric cancer(GC)and liver metastasis.GC,the fifth most com-monly diagnosed malignancy worldwide,presents a significant challenge due to its multifactorial etiology and a grim prognosis for unresectable or recurrent cases.The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)has revolutionized oncology;yet liver metastasis has been associated with reduced response rates,progression-free survival,and overall survival in various malignancies.The Che-ckMate-649 and KEYNOTE-859 trials demonstrated promising results with ICIs in advanced GC,particularly in patients with liver metastasis.However,a meta-analysis of liver metastatic solid tumors revealed worse outcomes with ICIs,high-lighting the need for further investigation.While combined therapies,including ICIs with local treatments,show promise in improving outcomes,the nuanced landscape of ICIs in liver metastatic GC necessitates continued research for robust conclusions.The current contradictions in the literature underscore the impor-tance of cautious interpretation and the exploration of tailored approaches to enhance clinical efficacy in this challenging patient population.

Prognostic value of a nomogram model for postoperative liver metastasis of colon cancer

BACKGROUND Colon cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system.Liver metastasis after colon cancer surgery is the primary cause of death in patients with colon cancer.AIM To construct a novel nomogram model including various factors to predict liver metastasis after colon cancer surgery.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 242 patients with colon cancer who were admitted and underwent radical resection for colon cancer in Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital from December 2019 to December 2022.Patients were divided into liver metastasis and non-liver metastasis groups.Sex,age,and other general and clinicopathological data(preoperative blood routine and biochemical test indexes)were compared.The risk factors for liver metastasis were analyzed using singlefactor and multifactorial logistic regression.A predictive model was then constructed and evaluated for efficacy.RESULTS Systemic inflammatory index(SII),C-reactive protein/albumin ratio(CAR),red blood cell distribution width(RDW),alanine aminotransferase,preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level,and lymphatic metastasis were different between groups(P<0.05).SII,CAR,and RDW were risk factors for liver metastasis after colon cancer surgery(P<0.05).The area under the curve was 0.93 for the column-line diagram prediction model constructed based on these risk factors to distinguish whether liver metastasis occurred postoperatively.The actual curve of the column-line diagram predicting the risk of postoperative liver metastasis was close to the ideal curve,with good agreement.The prediction model curves in the decision curve analysis showed higher net benefits for a larger threshold range than those in extreme cases,indicating that the model is safer.CONCLUSION Liver metastases after colorectal cancer surgery could be well predicted by a nomogram based on the SII,CAR,and RDW.

Prevention of metastasis to liver by using 5-FU intraperitoneal chemotherapy in nude mice inoculated with human colonic cancer cells

AIMS Using a new approach of regional adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent cancer cells hepatic metasta- sis after radical surgery of large bowel cancer. METHODS A model of liver with metastasis of hu- man colonic cancer (HCC) cells in nude mice was used to observe the effect in prevention of metastasis of HCC cells inoculated via spleen applied with early postoper- ative intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy using large dose of 5-FU. RESULTS The incidence of metastasis to liver was decreased by 40%,the mean number of metastatic liv- er nodules in each animal was reduced by 50.89% and the mean survival times of each animal was prolonged by 48.21% by using 5-FU 40 mg/NS 40 ml/kg IP for two consecutive days as compared with the controls. CONCLUSIONS IP is a new and more effective re- gional adjuvant chemotheraputic approach in the pre- vention of liver metastasis HCC cells after radical surgery of large bowel cancer.

Needle track seeding:A real hazard after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for colorectal liver metastasis

Neoplastic needle track seeding following percutaneous radiofrequency ablation(RFA)of secondary liver tumors is exceedingly rare.Reports on cutaneous tumor seeding after percutaneous RFA for colorectal liver metastasis are even rarer in the literature.Here we report a case of a 46-year-old female who developed an ulcerating skin lesion along the needle track of a previous percutaneous RFA site around 6 mo after the procedure.The previous RFA was performed by the LeVeen needle for a secondary liver tumor from a primary rectal cancer.The diagnosis of secondary skin metastasis was confirmed by fine needle aspiration cytology.The lesion was successfully treated with wide local excision.We believe that tumor seeding after percutaneous RFA in our patient was possibly related to its unfavorable subcapsular location and the use of an expansion-type needle.Hence,prophylactic ablation of the needle track should be performed whenever possible.Otherwise,alternative routes of tumor ablation such as laparoscopic or open RFA should be considered.

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in gastric cancer and its relation to liver metastasis and long-term prognosis

AIM: To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) in gastric cancer and its relation with the liver metastasis and prognosis.METHODS: Expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein was examined in gastric cancer and its paired substantial normal tissue by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.The relation between COX-2 expression and prognosis was investigated in 195 cases.RESULTS: The expression of COX-2 mRNA in gastric cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in normal tissue in 47 cases (w= 792, P＜0.01). The COX-2 mRNA in pT3-4 tissue expressed higher than that in pT1-2tissue (w = 204, P＜0.05). The positive expression rate of COX-2 protein was 57.9% (113/195). The COX-2expression was significantly related to histological type,lymphnode metastasis, venous invasion and liver metastasis (P＜0.05). No relation was found between COX-2 expression and invasion depth, peritoneal metastasis and International Union against Cancer TNMstage. The multiple regression analysis showed that the COX-2 expression and venous invasion were obviously associated with liver metastasis (P＜0.05). However,there was no significant correlation between COX-2immunoreactivity and prognosis.CONCLUSION: COX-2 may play an important role in the development of gastric cancer, and the over-expression of COX-2 protein may be a high risk factor for liver metastasis.

Serological Diagnosis of Liver Metastasis in Patients with Breast Cancer

Objective To diagnose and explore the serological diagnostic factors for liver metastasis in patients with breast cancer before symptoms occur. Methods A total of 430 female in-patients with breast cancer of stages 0 to IIIC who came to Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 2003 to January 2004 were studied and followed up until May 2011. Serum levels of biochemical markers for tumor and liver were measured at the time of diagnosis. Results Liver metastasis was more likely to occur in patients with stage Ill cancer or c-erbB-2-positive expression. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, ~/-glutamyltransferase （GGT）, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehvdrogenase （LDH）, and carbohydrate antigen 1153 （CA153） levels were significantly higher in patients with liver metastasis than those without liver metastasis. Diagnostic indices of LDH, GGT, and CA153 were 174 U/L, 32 U/L, and 26.48 Dg/L, respectively. The areas under the curves of LDH, GGT, and CEA were 0.795, 0.784, and 0.661, respectively, and sensitivities of parallel tests for LDH and CA153 and for GGT and CA153 were 88.6% and 85.7 %, respectively. The specificity of serial tests for both pairs of enzymes was 97.7%. Conclusions Tile sensitivity and specificity of combined tumor and biochemical markers could be used as indicators during screening for breast-liver metastasis.

Magnetic resonance imaging-radiomics evaluation of response to chemotherapy for synchronous liver metastasis of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Synchronous liver metastasis(SLM)is an indicator of poor prognosis for colorectal cancer(CRC).Nearly 50%of CRC patients develop hepatic metastasis,with 15%-25%of them presenting with SLM.The evaluation of SLM in CRC is crucial for precise and personalized treatment.It is beneficial to detect its response to chemotherapy and choose an optimal treatment method.AIM To construct prediction models based on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-radiomics and clinical parameters to evaluate the chemotherapy response in SLM of CRC.METHODS A total of 102 CRC patients with 223 SLM lesions were identified and divided into disease response(DR)and disease non-response(non-DR)to chemotherapy.After standardizing the MRI images,the volume of interest was delineated and radiomics features were calculated.The MRI-radiomics logistic model was constructed after methods of variance/Mann-Whitney U test,correlation analysis,and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator in feature selecting.The radiomics score was calculated.The receiver operating characteristics curves by the DeLong test were analyzed with MedCalc software to compare the validity of all models.Additionally,the area under curves(AUCs)of DWI,T2WI,and portal phase of contrast-enhanced sequences radiomics model(Ra-DWI,Ra-T2WI,and Ra-portal phase of contrast-enhanced sequences)were calculated.The radiomicsclinical nomogram was generated by combining radiomics features and clinical characteristics of CA19-9 and clinical N staging.RESULTS The AUCs of the MRI-radiomics model were 0.733 and 0.753 for the training(156 lesions with 68 non-DR and 88 DR)and the validation(67 lesions with 29 non-DR and 38 DR)set,respectively.Additionally,the AUCs of the training and the validation set of Ra-DWI were higher than those of Ra-T2WI and Ra-portal phase of contrast-enhanced sequences(training set:0.652 vs 0.628 and 0.633,validation set:0.661 vs 0.575 and 0.543).After chemotherapy,the top four of twelve deltaradiomics features of Ra-DWI in the DR group belonged to gray-level run-length matrices radiomics parameters.The radiomics-clinical nomogram containing radiomics score,CA19-9,and clinical N staging was built.This radiomics-clinical nomogram can effectively discriminate the patients with DR from non-DR with a higher AUC of 0.809(95%confidence interval:0.751-0.858).CONCLUSION MRI-radiomics is conducive to predict chemotherapeutic response in SLM patients of CRC.The radiomics-clinical nomogram,involving radiomics score,CA19-9,and clinical N staging is more effective in predicting chemotherapeutic response.

Risk factors for intraocular metastasis of primary liver cancer in diabetic patients:Alpha-fetoprotein and cancer antigen 125

BACKGROUND In rare instances,primary liver cancer can be associated with intraocular metastasis(IOM).AIM To investigate the correlation between a diverse range of clinical characteristics and IOM in diabetic patients with primary liver cancer,and to determine potential risk factors in predicting IOM.METHODS We recruited a total of 722 diabetic patients with primary liver cancer.The differences between the IOM and non-intraocular metastasis(NIOM)groups in these patients were assessed using the chi-squared test and Student’s t-test.Binary logistic regression analysis was subsequently used to determine risk factors.Finally,the diagnostic value of IOM in this cohort with primary liver cancer was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS In all,13 patients had IOM.There were no remarkable intergroup differences with respect to age,sex,histopathological sub-types,or blood biochemical parameters.However,the IOM group had significantly higher alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)and cancer antigen 125(CA125)values than the NIOM group.Binary logistic regression identified AFP and CA125 to be significant risk factors for IOM in diabetic patients with primary liver cancer.ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve values for AFP and CA125 were 0.727 and 0.796,with the cut-off values of 994.20 ng/mL and 120.23 U/mL,respectively.The sensitivity and speci
city for AFP were 92.3%and 59.9%,while those for CA125 were 84.6%and 70.1%,respectively.CONCLUSION Elevated AFP and CA125 represent significant risk factors for IOM in diabetic patients with primary liver cancer.

Is hepatic neoplasm-related pyogenic liver abscess a distinct clinical entity?

AIM: To compare the clinical characteristics of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) in patients with and without hepatic neoplasm (HN). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis involving patients with PLA. The demographic, clinical features, laboratory and imaging findings, management and outcome of patients with and without HN were studied. RESULTS: From January 2000 to December 2009 inclusive, 318 patients (35 with HN) had PLA, and mean age and comorbidity were comparable between the two groups. More patients with HN experienced right upper quadrant pain (68.6% vs 52.7%, P < 0.04), developed jaundice (14.3% vs 5.7%, P < 0.03) and hepatomegaly (17.1% vs 3.9%, P < 0.01), and had higher serum total bilirubin level (43.3 μmol/L vs 30.0 μmol/L, P = 0.05). Most patients in both groups had PLAs in the right hepatic lobe, and biliary tract disorder was the most common underlying cause (71.4% and 61.8%). However, more PLAs in the HN group were associated with thicker abscess wall (37.1% vs 19.4%, P < 0.01), septal lobulation (77.1% vs 58%, P < 0.02), gaseous cavitation (17% vs 7.8%, P = 0.03), portal thrombophlebitis (11.4% vs 1.8%, P < 0.01) and aerobilia (25.9% vs 5.5%, P < 0.01). Mixed bacterial growth (40% vs 15.2%, P < 0.01) and Gram-negative bacilli (22.8% vs 60.4%, P < 0.01) were dominant isolates in PLAs with and without HN, respectively. Although incidence of the complications was comparable between the two groups, patients with HN had a higher mortality rate than those without (71.4% vs 8.8%, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed underlying active malignancy [odds ratio (OR): 40.45, 95% CI: 14.76-111.65], hypoalbuminemia (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14-1.38), disseminated intravascular coagulation (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.19-9.69) and acute coronary syndrome (OR: 4.48, 95% CI: 1.08-17.8) were independent risk factors associated with mortality. However, several HN cases, presented concurrently with PLAs, were found to have curative resectable tumors and had good prognosis after surgery. CONCLUSION: PLA associated with HN tends to form a distinct clinical syndrome with a different extent of clinical manifestations, radiological and microbiological features and complications.

Proposal of a new and simple staging system of colorectal liver metastasis

AIM： To create a new, simple and useful staging system for colorectal liver metastasis analogous to the Tumor Node Metastasis classification system of International Union Against Cancer. METHODS： A retrospective review was undertaken of 81 consecutive patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases （group 1）. Clinical and pathological features of both primary and metastatic liver cancers were entered into a multivariate analysis to determine independent variables helpful in accurately predicting long-term prognosis after hepatectomy. Using selected variables, we created a new staging system like TNM classification. The usefulness of the new staging system was examined in a series of 92 patients from another hospital （group 2）. RESULTS： Multivariate analysis showed that 81 patients in group 1 had significant multiple hepatic tumors with the largest tumor being more than 5 cm in diameter, resectable extrahepatic distant metastases, and independent prognostic factors for poor survival after hepatectomy. Using these three variables, we created a new staging system to classify patients with colorectal liver metastases. Finally, our new staging system classified the patients both in group 1 and in group 2. CONCLUSION： Our new staging system of colorecta liver metastasis is simple and useful for staging patients.

Surgical resection of adrenal metastasis from primary liver tumors:a report of two cases

BACKGROUND:Although the treatment of extrahepatic metastases from primary liver tumors is essentially palliative,solitary metastasis from such tumors offers a possibility of cure by surgical resection.The adrenal gland is an uncommon site for metastasis from primary liver tumors. METHOD:We report two cases of adrenalectomy for solitary adrenal metastasis:one from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and the other from hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS:The patient with intrahepatic cholangiocar- cinoma had a synchronous adrenal metastasis and underwent simultaneous liver resection and adrenalectomy. However,he developed recurrent disease 17 months following surgery for which he is presently on palliative chemotherapy.The other patient underwent adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis 3 months following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.He is presently alive and disease-free 27 months after adrenalectomy. CONCLUSION:Carefully selected patients with solitary metastasis from primary liver tumors may be considered for resection.

Risk factors,prognostic predictors,and nomograms for pancreatic cancer patients with initially diagnosed synchronous liver metastasis

BACKGROUND Liver metastasis(LM)remains a major cause of cancer-related death in patients with pancreatic cancer(PC)and is associated with a poor prognosis.Therefore,identifying the risk and prognostic factors in PC patients with LM(PCLM)is essential as it may aid in providing timely medical interventions to improve the prognosis of these patients.However,there are limited data on risk and prognostic factors in PCLM patients.AIM To investigate the risk and prognostic factors of PCLM and develop corresponding diagnostic and prognostic nomograms.METHODS Patients with primary PC diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and Results Database.Risk factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis to develop the diagnostic mode.The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model was used to determine the prognostic factors needed to develop the prognostic model.The performance of the two nomogram models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,calibration plots,decision curve analysis(DCA),and risk subgroup classification.The Kaplan-Meier method with a logrank test was used for survival analysis.RESULTS We enrolled 33459 patients with PC in this study.Of them,11458(34.2%)patients had LM at initial diagnosis.Age at diagnosis,primary site,lymph node metastasis,pathological type,tumor size,and pathological grade were identified as independent risk factors for LM in patients with PC.Age>70 years,adenocarcinoma,poor or anaplastic differentiation,lung metastases,no surgery,and no chemotherapy were the independently associated risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with PCLM.The C-index of diagnostic and prognostic nomograms were 0.731 and 0.753,respectively.The two nomograms could accurately predict the occurrence and prognosis of patients with PCLM based on the observed analysis results of ROC curves,calibration plots,and DCA curves.The prognostic nomogram could stratify patients into prognostic groups and perform well in internal validation.CONCLUSION Our study identified the risk and prognostic factors in patients with PCLM and developed corresponding diagnostic and prognostic nomograms to help clinicians in subsequent clinical evaluation and intervention.External validation is required to confirm these results.