In a nutshell
This review analyzed data from several recent trials, and determined the benefit of liver resection (surgery to remove part or all of the liver) in patients with metastatic melanoma.
Some background
Melanoma is an uncontrolled growth of skin cells, but this cancer may also spread to other organs (referred to as metastatic melanoma). The liver is a common organ involved in metastatic melanoma. Surgery to remove liver metastases is called a metastasectomy. This surgery usually involves a partial liver resection (removal of part of the liver).
This study reviewed the benefit of metastasectomy on disease free survival, or DFS (the amount of time from surgery until the cancer returns or the patient relapses), and on overall survival.
Methods & findings
This review analyzed data from 22 studies, involving a total of 579 patients with metastatic melanoma who underwent liver metastasectomy. The studies reviewed here followed patients from 9 to 59 months after surgery. Overall survival after metastasectomy ranged from 14 to 41 months, and DFS ranged from 8 to 21 months. 56% to 100% of patients survived more than one year after surgery. After 3 years the survival rate varied between 34% and 53%, and after 5 years survival rate varied between 11% and 36%. The estimated survival rates for similar metastatic melanoma patients not undergoing surgery is between 4 to 12 months.
The bottom line
Liver metastasectomy may improve both overall survival, and disease free survival, for metastatic melanoma patients. Liver resection should be considered in patients healthy enough to undergo surgery.
The fine print
Since not all patients are candidates for liver metastasectomy, the results of these studies could have been skewed by the selection of only the healthiest patients as surgical candidates.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician about surgical options in the treatment of liver metastasis.
Published By :
British Journal of Surgery
Date :
Jun 17, 2013
