Chemotherapy-Associated Liver Injuries: Unmet Needs and New Insights for Surgical Oncologists

26/2021

Chemotherapy-Associated Liver Injuries: Unmet Needs and New Insights for Surgical Oncologists

Friday 14th May 2021

Vigano, L.; Sollini, M.; Ieva, F.; Fiz, F.; Torzilli, G.

Chemotherapy-associated liver injuries (CALI) were the focus of several research studies some years ago when they were associated with modern treatments for colorectal metastases and operative outcomes of liver resection. An intensive, multidisciplinary commitment was designed to elucidate their pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical impact, diagnosis, and prevention. CALI are still part of our clinical practice and clinicians have further reasons to pursue CALI diagnosis. This is mandatory to assess the effectiveness of any measure to reduce or prevent liver injuries. Second, diagnosis is needed in case of recurrent disease when patients require new chemotherapy lines and repeated surgery. CALI are crucial to predict tolerance to treatment and operative risks. Finally, the identification of CALI is needed as long as they have some oncological impact. Even if not associated with prognosis, some studies highlighted an inverse relationship between CALI and response to chemotherapy (tumor regression is less evident in patients with severe injuries).

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Annals of Surgical Oncology