Treatment of liver and lung metastases from colorectal cancer

Metastases from colorectal cancer are most often confined to the liver or lungs, in which 20-25% may be resected with curative intent. Without treatment, no patients are alive after four years, whereas 30% are alive four years after radical resection. Early use of chemotherapy increases survival, and about 20% of patients may thus become suited for local therapy. After the primary operation, surveillance is recommended, with measurement of carcinoembryonal antigene every 3-6 months for 3 years, then every 6-12 months from years 3 to 5, plus ultrasound or CT scan every 6 months for 3 years, then yearly for up to 5 years.