Hepatic Local Recurrence Research Articles

The impact of additional margin coagulation with radiofrequency in liver resections with subcentimetric margin: can we improve the oncological results? A propensity score matching study

BackgroundWhereas the usefulness of radiofrequency (RF) energy as haemostatic method in liver surgery has become well established in the last decades, its intentional application on resection margins with the aim of reducing local recurrence is still debatable. Our goal was to compare the impact of an additional application of RF energy on the top of the resection surface, namely additional margin coagulation (AMC), on local recurrence (LR) when subjected to a subcentimeter margin. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 185 patients out of a whole cohort of 283 patients who underwent radical hepatic resection with subcentimetric margin. After propensity score adjustment, patients were classified into two balanced groups according to whether RF was applied or not. ResultsNo significant differences were observed within groups in baseline characteristics after PSM adjustment. The LR rate was significantly higher in the Control than AMC Group: 12 patients (14.5%) vs. 4 patients (4.8%) (p = 0.039). The estimated 1, 3, and 5-year LR-free survival rates of patients in the Control and AMC Group were: 93.5%, 86.0%, 81.0% and 98.8%, 97.2%, 91.9%, respectively (p = 0.049). Univariate Cox analyses indicated that the use of the RF applicator was significantly associated with lower LR (HR = 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.093–0.906, p = 0.033). The Control Group showed smaller coagulation widths than the AMC group (p < 0.001). ConclusionsAn additional application of RF on the top of the resection surface is associated with less local hepatic recurrence than the use of conventional techniques.

Recurrence at surgical margin following hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases is not associated with R1 resection and does not impact survival

BackgroundResection margin status has traditionally been associated with tumor recurrence and oncological outcome following liver resection for colorectal liver metastases. Previous studies, however, did not address the impact of resection margin on the site of tumor recurrence and did not differentiate between true local recurrence at the resection margin and recurrence elsewhere in the liver. This study aimed to determine whether positive resection margins determine local recurrence and whether recurrence at the surgical margin influences long-term survival. MethodsClinicopathological data and oncological outcomes of patients who underwent curative resection for colorectal liver metastases between 2012 and 2017 at 2 major hepatobiliary centers (Bern, Switzerland, and Berlin, Germany) were assessed. Cross-sectional imaging following hepatectomy was reviewed by radiologists in both centers to distinguish between recurrence at the resection margin, defined as hepatic local recurrence, and intrahepatic recurrence elsewhere. The association between surgical margin status and location of tumor recurrence was evaluated, and the impact on overall survival was determined. ResultsDuring the study period, 345 consecutive patients underwent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases. Histologic surgical margins were positive for tumor cells (R1) in 63 patients (18%). After a median follow-up time of 34 months, tumor recurrence was identified in 154 patients (45%). Hepatic local recurrence was not detected more frequently after R1 than after R0 resection (P = .555). Hepatic local recurrence was not associated with worse overall survival (P = .436), while R1 status significantly impaired overall survival (P = .025). Additionally, overall survival was equivalent between patients with hepatic local recurrence and patients with any intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic recurrence. In patients with intrahepatic recurrence only, oncological outcomes improved if local hepatic therapy was possible (resection or ablation) in comparison to patients treated only with chemotherapy or best supportive care (3-year overall survival: 85% vs 39%; P < .0001). ConclusionThe incidence of hepatic local recurrence after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases is independent of R1 resection margin status. Additionally, hepatic local recurrence at the resection margin is not associated with worse overall survival compared with any other intra- or extrahepatic recurrence. Therefore, R1 status at hepatectomy seems to be a surrogate factor for advanced disease without influencing location of recurrence and thereby oncological outcome. This finding may support decision-making when extending the indication for surgery in borderline resectable colorectal liver metastases.

The impact of radiofrequency-assisted transection on local hepatic recurrence after resection of colorectal liver metastases

Background: After resection of colorectal liver metastasis, the incidence of local hepatic recurrence (LHER) ranges from 7 to 17% or even higher in some laparoscopic non-anatomical laparoscopic resections in some series. The aim of this study is to determinate if a RF-assisted transection device (RFAT) has any effect on (LHER) compared to conventional technologies. Methods: A study population of 103 patients who had undergone a hepatic surgical resection was analysed. Two groups were considered: RFAT group (n=45) and conventional technique group (n=58). LHER was defined as any growing or enhancing tumour in the margin of hepatic resection during follow-up. Cox proportional models were constructed and variables were eliminated only if p>0.20 to protect against residual confounding. To assess the stability of Cox’s regression model and its internal validity, a bootstrap investigation was also performed. Results: Baseline and operative characteristics were similar in both groups. In patients with positive margins, we demonstrated 0% of LHER in RFAT vs 27% in control group (p=0.03). In the multivariate analysis, factors with significant influence on LHER were: RFAT group, size of the largest metastases, number of resected metastases, positive margin and usage of Pringle-manoeuvre. Conclusion: Parenchymal transection using a RFAT able to create deep thermal lesions may reduce LHER especially in case of margin invasion during transection. This could be especially relevant in some difficult laparoscopic non-anatomical resections.

The impact of radiofrequency-assisted transection on local hepatic recurrence after resection of colorectal liver metastases

Background: After resection of colorectal liver metastasis, the incidence of local hepatic recurrence (LHER) ranges from 7 to 17% or even higher in some laparoscopic non-anatomical laparoscopic resections in some series. The aim of this study is to determinate if a RF-assisted transection device (RFAT) has any effect on (LHER) compared to conventional technologies Methods: A study population of 103 patients who had undergone a hepatic surgical resection was analysed. Two groups were considered: RFAT group (n=45) and conventional technique group (n=58). LHER was defined as any growing or enhancing tumour in the margin of hepatic resection during follow-up. Cox proportional models were constructed and variables were eliminated only if p>0.20 to protect against residual confounding. To assess the stability of Cox’s regression model and its internal validity, a bootstrap investigation was also performed Results: Baseline and operative characteristics were similar in both groups. In patients with positive margins, we demonstrated 0% of LHER in RFAT vs 27% in control group (p=0.03). In the multivariate analysis, factors with significant influence on LHER were: RFAT group, size of the largest metastases, number of resected metastases, positive margin and usage of Pringle-manoeuvre Conclusion: Parenchymal transection using a RFAT able to create deep thermal lesions may reduce LHER especially in case of margin invasion during transection. This could be especially relevant in some difficult laparoscopic non-anatomical resections

Impact of radiofrequency-assisted transection on local hepatic recurrence after resection of colorectal liver metastases

Impact of radiofrequency-assisted transection on local hepatic recurrence after resection of colorectal liver metastases

The impact of radiofrequency-assisted transection on local hepatic recurrence after resection of colorectal liver metastases

Resection is the gold standard in the treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer. An internal cooled radiofrequency electrode was described to achieve tissue coagulation to a greater margin width. The aim of this study is to determinate if a RF-assisted transection device (RFAT) has any effect on local hepatic recurrence (LHER) compared to conventional technologies.A study population of 103 patients who had undergone a hepatic surgical resection was retrospectively analysed. Patients were classified into two groups according to the device used: a RF-assisted device (RFAT group; n = 45) and standard conventional devices (control group; n = 58). LHER was defined as any growing or enhancing tumour in the margin of hepatic resection during follow-up. Cox proportional models were constructed and variables were eliminated only if p > 0.20 to protect against residual confounding. To assess the stability of Cox's regression model and its internal validity, a bootstrap investigation was also performed.Baseline and operative characteristics were similar in both groups. With a mean follow-up of 28.5 months (range 2–106), in patients with positive margins, we demonstrated 0% of LHER in RFAT vs. 27% in control group (p = 0.032). In the multivariate analysis five factors demonstrated significant influence on the final model of LHER: RFAT group, size of the largest metastases, number of resected metastases, positive margin and usage of Pringle-manoeuvre.This study suggests that parenchymal transection using a RFAT able to create deep thermal lesions may reduce LHER especially in case of margin invasion during transection.

In brief

Resection margin status has traditionally been associated with tumor recurrence and oncological outcome following liver resection for colorectal liver metastases. Previous studies, however, did not address the impact of resection margin on the site of tumor recurrence and did not differentiate between true local recurrence at the resection margin and recurrence elsewhere in the liver. This study aimed to determine whether positive resection margins determine local recurrence and whether recurrence at the surgical margin influences long-term survival.Clinicopathological data and oncological outcomes of patients who underwent curative resection for colorectal liver metastases between 2012 and 2017 at 2 major hepatobiliary centers (Bern, Switzerland, and Berlin, Germany) were assessed. Cross-sectional imaging following hepatectomy was reviewed by radiologists in both centers to distinguish between recurrence at the resection margin, defined as hepatic local recurrence, and intrahepatic recurrence elsewhere. The association between surgical margin status and location of tumor recurrence was evaluated, and the impact on overall survival was determined.During the study period, 345 consecutive patients underwent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases. Histologic surgical margins were positive for tumor cells (R1) in 63 patients (18%). After a median follow-up time of 34 months, tumor recurrence was identified in 154 patients (45%). Hepatic local recurrence was not detected more frequently after R1 than after R0 resection (P = .555). Hepatic local recurrence was not associated with worse overall survival (P = .436), while R1 status significantly impaired overall survival (P = .025). Additionally, overall survival was equivalent between patients with hepatic local recurrence and patients with any intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic recurrence. In patients with intrahepatic recurrence only, oncological outcomes improved if local hepatic therapy was possible (resection or ablation) in comparison to patients treated only with chemotherapy or best supportive care (3-year overall survival: 85% vs 39%; P < .0001).The incidence of hepatic local recurrence after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases is independent of R1 resection margin status. Additionally, hepatic local recurrence at the resection margin is not associated with worse overall survival compared with any other intra- or extrahepatic recurrence. Therefore, R1 status at hepatectomy seems to be a surrogate factor for advanced disease without influencing location of recurrence and thereby oncological outcome. This finding may support decision-making when extending the indication for surgery in borderline resectable colorectal liver metastases.

Fatty liver disease as a predictor of local recurrence following resection of colorectal liver metastases

Obesity and tissue adiposity constitute a risk factor for several cancers. Whether tissue adiposity increases the risk of cancer recurrence after curative resection is not clear. The present study analysed the influence of hepatic steatosis on recurrence following resection of colorectal liver metastases. A prospective cohort of patients who had primary resection of colorectal liver metastases in two major hepatobiliary units between 1987 and 2010 was studied. Hepatic steatosis was assessed in non-cancerous resected liver tissue. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of hepatic steatosis. The association between hepatic steatosis and local recurrence was analysed, adjusting for relevant patient, pathological and surgical factors using Cox regression and propensity score case-match analysis. A total of 2715 patients were included. The cumulative local (liver) disease-free survival rate was significantly better in the group without steatosis (hazard ratio (HR) 1·32, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·16 to 1·51; P < 0·001). On multivariable analysis, hepatic steatosis was an independent risk factor for local liver recurrence (HR 1·28, 1·11 to 1·47; P = 0·005). After one-to-one matching of cases (steatotic, 902) with controls (non-steatotic, 902), local (liver) disease-free survival remained significantly better in the group without steatosis (HR 1·27, 1·09 to 1·48; P = 0·002). Patients with steatosis had a greater risk of developing postoperative liver failure (P = 0·001). Hepatic steatosis was an independent predictor of local hepatic recurrence following resection with curative intent of colorectal liver metastases.

The role of peri-operative treatment in resectable liver metastases of colorectal cancer

Synchronous or metachronous colorectal liver metastases (CLMs), although being the expression of systemic disease, allow a curative approach for about 25-35% of patients. Patients presenting with CLMs should receive a multimodal management in order to increase the number of patients undergoing R0 surgery and to decrease the rate of recurrence. Postoperative and/or pre-operative systemic chemotherapy shows beneficial impact regarding progression-free and overall survival, without increasing postoperative complication rates. Concerning the complex definition of resectability and the number of patients with 'borderline' resectable CLMs, pre-operative chemotherapy plays an important role in both the improvement of prognosis and 'conversion' to resectability. Duration of chemotherapy in the peri-operative setting should not exceed 6 months. Current data do not recommend the use of locally applied chemotherapy using hepatic artery infusion after resection of CLMs. Liver surgery has made several advances extending resectability to a larger group of patients and decreasing local hepatic recurrence. Moreover, locally ablative procedures such as radiofrequency and selective internal radiation therapy have joined the armamentarium in the case of positive resection margins or unresectable disease. Future research will help in defining treatment regimens and approaches in this setting.