The surgical management of neuroendocrine tumour hepatic metastases

S Pathak1, I Dash, M R Taylor

  • 1Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG, United Kingdom.

Insights

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) often spread to the liver. This review summarizes surgical strategies for managing these hepatic neuroendocrine metastases (NLMs), focusing on resection and ablative therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatobiliary Surgery
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumor Management

Background:

  • Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare but have a high prevalence due to long patient survival.
  • Hepatic neuroendocrine metastases (NLMs) are common, necessitating effective management strategies.
  • Current treatments aim for cure or disease control, with surgery being a key modality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive summary of surgical treatment strategies for hepatic neuroendocrine metastases (NLMs).
  • To review the role of various surgical interventions, including resection and ablative therapies, in managing NLMs.
  • To highlight factors influencing the feasibility of complete surgical resection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of surgical management options for hepatic neuroendocrine metastases.
  • Analysis of different surgical approaches: curative resection, palliative cytoreductive resection, and transplantation.
  • Evaluation of ablative therapies as adjuncts or primary treatments.

Main Results:

  • Complete surgical resection of NLMs is achievable in a subset of patients.
  • Surgical options range from curative resection to palliative cytoreductive surgery and liver transplantation.
  • Ablative therapies offer alternative or complementary treatment modalities.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical management is crucial for patients with hepatic neuroendocrine metastases.
  • Treatment strategies must be individualized based on resectability and patient factors.
  • A combination of surgical resection and ablative therapies can optimize outcomes for NLMs.

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