Chemotherapy and molecular-targeted treatment for unresectable hepatic metastases: a Japanese perspective

摘要

Liver metastasis from colorectal cancer has become a common disease associated with the increase of primary colorectal cancer in Japan. The standard treatment for resectable liver metastases is still complete liver resection. Recent advances in systemic chemotherapy have introduced another strategy, i.e., conversion chemotherapy, for patients with initially diagnosed unresectable liver metastases. The conversion rate after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is increasing with multidisciplinary approaches. Long-term clinical data have not been established yet. Indications for liver resection after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy; optimal chemotherapy regimens; and histological changes in the normal liver are important research issues for the future.