Volumetric Modifications of Metastatic Liver Volumes after Dramatic Responses under Chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the volumetric modifications of the non tumourous part of the liver when liver metastases (LM) decrease under chemotherapy. Methods: Patients were highly selected based on the following criteria: multiple bilateral large colorectal LM, response of LM attaining at least 85% under chemotherapy. The volumes and ratios of the whole liver, of the LM, and mainly of the non tumourous (normal) part of the liver, were measured on CT scan before and after chemotherapy. Results: Only ten (5%) among 198 treated patients were eligible. Nine of them had received intra-arterial chemotherapy. Metastatic involvement was initially 34% before chemotherapy (range: 13% - 75%), and was 5% (range: 1% - 25%) after chemotherapy. The whole liver volume decreased by 41% (range: 23% - 68%) after chemotherapy. The non metastatic liver (volume and ratio) decreased after chemotherapy in 6 patients and increased in 4 patients. The volume and ratio increased in the 4 patients whose disease initially exhibited the highest metastatic involvement (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The volume of the non metastatic part of the liver varied slightly under standard chemotherapy. Intra-arterial chemotherapy induces dramatic responses, but also liver injury which impairs liver regeneration. However increasing volumes were observed when initial tumour involvement was major.