Colorectal liver metastases: an update on palliative treatment options

Only approximately 30% of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis qualify for curative therapy, which is in most cases liver lesion resection. Due primarily to the extent of the tumors and patient comorbidities, palliative therapy remains the only option in non-resection cases. Palliation enables local, symptomatic control and prolonged survival in some cases. As established methods are continuously improved, new palliative therapy methods are tested in clinical trials and subsequently introduced into clinical practice. The present review provides an overview of current colorectal liver metastasis treatment when resection is not an option. This review gives the basis for an interdisciplinary decision making process for the treatment of liver metastasis.