Liver resection for metastases from breast cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The value of liver resection for metastases from breast cancer is still controversial. This study was conducted to clarify safety and effectiveness of hepatectomy in this conditions and to identify selection criteria for patients suitable for liver resection.

METHODS

From January 1988 to December 2006, 39 patients underwent liver resection for metastases from breast cancer. The outcome of these 39 patients was retrospectively reviewed using a prospective database. Prognostic factors for patient survival were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

None of the patients died perioperatively and the morbidity rate was 13% (n = 5). The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 77%, 50%, and 42%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, metastatic manifestation prior to hepatectomy, vascular invasion and resection margin revealed statistically significant influence on survival. The multivariate analysis identified only resection margin as an independent prognostic factor for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection should be considered in the multimodal treatment approach of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Hepatic resection can be performed with low risk and offers a chance of long-term survival. Achievement of a curative resection and less important absence of previous metastatic manifestation represent suitable criteria to select patients for liver resection.