VEGF levels and the angiogenic potential of the microenvironment can affect surgical strategy for colorectal liver metastasis

Abstract

The hypotheses emerging from basic research on colorectal liver metastases must be tested in clinical situations for the adaptation of current treatment strategies. Pre-metastatic niches have been shown to exist in human colorectal synchronous metastases, with the liver parenchyma adjacent to the synchronous liver metastases providing a favorable, angiogenic environment for metastatic tumor growth. The role of the VEGF signaling pathway in liver regeneration and tumor growth remains unclear, but the use of antiangiogenic agents in combination with surgical treatment is almost certainly beneficial.