| Theme |
Diversified Modalities of Liver Metastasis Treatment |
| Title |
Chemotherapyfor Unresectable Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer |
| Author |
Satoru Hirokawa |
Medical Oncology Division, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Hiroshi Kitamura |
Medical Oncology Division, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Fumio Nagashima |
Medical Oncology Division, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Junji Furuse |
Medical Oncology Division, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Chemotherapy has progressed greatly for cancer treatment in recent years. Especially, molecular targeted therapy definitely improves survival rate for cancer patients. Furthermore, some patients with liver metastases who experience tumor reduction due to chemotherapy can undergo complete resection. In patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, it is recommended in the treatment guidelines that surgery should be considered first. On the other hand, chemotherapy is the standard treatment for unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer. In these days, 5-FU, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan are recognized as key drugs. It is required that we use them efficiently in relation to individual patient conditions. Furthermore, the addition of bevacizumab is confirmed to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. Anti-EGFR antibodies of cetuximab or panitumumab administration achieve to improve survival rates for patients with k-ras wild type tumors. Based on evidence related to individual therapies, chemotherapy should be appropriately applied for patients with liver metastases. |