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Adjuvant Chemotherapy for CRLM: Indications and Results

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Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent malignant neoplasia in the world. Liver metastases are frequent and complicating events in colorectal cancer population. Surgical approach is the treatment of choice allowing for a real curative possibility. Unfortunately, 60% of patients will have a liver or systemic relapse after a complete resection. Combined chemotherapy regimens have been successful in improving survival rates of patients with widespread disease and reducing relapses after resection of the primary colorectal tumor. In order to reduce the relapse rate after a complete resection of colorectal liver metastasis, systemic chemotherapy has been tried pre-, peri-, or postoperatively. Despite many clinical trials, there are controversies about the overall survival benefits. Although adjuvant chemotherapy has been widely employed after complete resection of colorectal liver metastasis, hard evidence has been lacking. This chapter critically summarizes the available evidence of clinical trials, aiming at the attainment of a rational use of chemotherapy in this setting.

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de Andrade, C.J.C. (2020). Adjuvant Chemotherapy for CRLM: Indications and Results. In: Correia, M., Choti, M., Rocha, F., Wakabayashi, G. (eds) Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25486-5_19

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