Liver transplantation for malignancy
1991
Liver Transplantation for Cancer
Editorial
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): N.J. London, G.R. Giles
Primary Institution: University Department of Surgery, St James's University Hospital
Conclusion
Liver transplantation for malignancy shows poor overall prognosis, but certain patients may benefit.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with small hepatocellular carcinomas have a 5-year survival rate of 63.2% after resection.
- Only about one quarter of patients referred to transplant centers are suitable for liver transplantation.
- The prognosis for patients with biliary tract tumors after liver transplantation is poor.
- Accurate staging of tumors is vital before transplantation.
Takeaway
Doctors are trying to help people with liver cancer by replacing their liver, but it doesn't always work well. Some patients do better than others.
Limitations
The prognosis for liver transplantation in cancer patients is generally poor, and many factors affecting survival are not well understood.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website