Surgical resection of liver metastases from breast cancer

Surg Oncol. 2010 Dec;19(4):e79-84. doi: 10.1016/j.suronc.2009.06.005. Epub 2009 Jul 9.

Abstract

The aim of this review is to define the relevance of surgical resection for liver metastasis of breast cancer. We report the rationale for hepatic surgery of liver metastasis, the survival prognosis factors for these patients, and the influence of liver resection on overall survival. The aim of this surgery is not only the local control, but also general control of the disease by preventing the selection of resistant tumor cell clones. Adjuvant therapies remain necessary for general control of the disease. While preoperative detection of small intra hepatic lesions remains difficult, MRI and preoperative ultrasound may help.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Prognosis
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome