Due to the high blood flow, especially blood from the intestinal tract via the portal vein, the liver is a preferred organ for metastases. In case of advanced, irresectable liver metastases liver transplantation (LTX) remains an attractive option. However, due to high recurrence rates or a lack of data, up to date, metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are the only accepted indication for LTX in non-colorectal liver metastases. In this regard, LTX is only justified in patients in which complete tumor resection (R0 resection) of the NET is achievable. A literature review revealed no clear patient selection criteria but transplantation should definitively achieve an R0 resection with complete freedom of tumor. The available data regarding the outcome following LTX for NETs show a comparable short- and long-term outcome for patients transplanted for other malignancies, e.g. hepatocellular carcinoma, or also benign indications in the high MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) era. Thus, most data prove a better post-transplant outcome and a lower recurrence rate in patients with a good differentiation of the tumor, a low proliferation index (Ki67), and a portal drainage of the NET.

Keywords:
Liver metastases, Liver transplantation, Neuroendocrine tumor
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2015 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg
2015
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.