Salvage and palliation of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

The natural history of colorectal cancer is briefly discussed. A review of the literature shows that survival figures have not improved significantly in the past three decades. The results of chemotherapy and surgery in advanced disease are presented. It is concluded from these data that hepatic artery ligation and infusion chemotherapy or, in selected cases, resection with adjuvant chemotherapy may improve palliation and survival in patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.