[Treatment of hepatic metastases]

Liver metastases usually result in death within 6 months, and excision is the only means of ensuring prolonged survival. Excision is justified in metastases, even multiple, localized in one lobe and arising from cancers of the colon or rectum, provided the cancer has apparently been adequately treated. Excision of metastases of other origins is disappointing. Among palliative treatments, infusion of antimitotic agents into the hepatic artery seems to give better results than dearterialization; implantable micropumps facilitate the infusion and prolong its duration. Embolization and radiotherapy mostly have an analgesic effect. Intravenous chemotherapy is much less effective.