Treatment of hepatic metastases from gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: role of liver transplantation.

Abstract

The role of liver transplantation in malignancy has been discussed, but controversially, over the past two decades. This is particularly true for hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumors, which have a wide variety of primary tumor localizations, morphologic types, functional activities, and clinical presentations. Despite generally slow tumor progression, the prognosis is often unpredictable. Total hepatectomy and liver replacement has been offered primarily to patients with nonresectable metastases and symptomatic disease. The results from retrospective single and multicentric analyses show that most liver recipients experience significant palliation despite tumor recurrence, and in some patients long-term cure can be achieved. The existing data emphasize the importance of proper selection and timing for this approach.