Study: Liver Transplants May Cure Some After Spread of Colorectal Cancer

Belgian researchers report that a patient whose colorectal cancer had spread to the liver has had 10-years of cancer free survival after undergoing a liver transplant.

For the most part, because of dismal mid-term and long-term results, colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver is considered "an absolute contra-indication" to liver transplantation, the researchers note.

But reporting in the journal Transplant International, the researchers describe the case of a patient who has "been enjoying 10 years of cancer-free survival after liver transplantation" undertaken as therapy for acute liver failure after efforts to surgically remove the cancer from the patient's own liver failed.

"This case shows that in some highly selected cases, liver transplantation may be curative in patients" with colon cancer that has spread to the liver, the researchers conclude.

Other sources: Transplant International