Impact of homogeneous pathologic response to preoperative chemotherapy in patients with multiple colorectal liver metastases

AIM To analyze the homogeneity of pathologic response to preoperative chemotherapy (PRPC) after chemotherapy in patients with multiple liver metastases (LM). METHODS From September 2011 to August 2014, patients with at least two LM undergoing preoperative chemotherapy prior to resection were included in this retrospective, single-center study. The endpoints were PRPC homogeneity (according to both the Rubbia-Brandt and MD Anderson classifications), the impact of PRPC on the MDT decision, factors associated with homogeneous PRPC and overall survival of patients with vs. without homogeneous PRPC. RESULTS seventy-three patients with a total of 88 liver resections (including 15 two-stage procedures) were included in the study. The homogeneous PRPC rate was 55% according to the Rubbia-Brandt classification and 53% according to the MD Anderson classification. The MDT decision was modified by the PRPC in only 2.7% of patients (n = 2). CONCLUSION The PRPC was homogeneous in only one half of patients and had very little influence on the MDT decision.