Evaluation of the efficacy and prognostic factors for colorectal liver metastases treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and to determine the prognostic factors of TACE in patients with colorectal liver metastases （CRLM）. Methods The clinical data of 183 patients with unresectable CRLM treated with TACE from Jan. 2002 to Dec. 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Log-rank method was used for univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis of the prognostic factors. Results The median survival time was 22 months, and the 0.5-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 93.9% , 81.1% , 39.8% , 18.2% , and 3.9% , respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor involved more than one lobe of the liver, and elevated CEA and CA19-9 levels were independent risk factors for the overall survival （P 〈 0.01 ）. Females, more times of TACE, combination with regional therapy and received phase Ⅱ resection were related with a good survival （ P 〈 0. 01 ） in CRLM patients after TACE treatment. Conclusions Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is an effective therapy for unresectable colorectal liver metastases. Patients with tumor spread more than one lobe of the liver, high CEA and CA19-9 levels are independent poor prognostic factors. Females, patients received more times of TACE, combined with regional therapy and received phase Ⅱ resection may have a good survival. Key words: Colorectal neoplasms ;  Neoplasms metastases, liver ;  Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization ;  Prognosis