Epidemiology of liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer represent a serious complication, often at the origin of death. Very few studies allow to know their epidemiological characteristics. From available data the proportion of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases is 15% and the 5 year cumulative risk of metachronous metastases is 16%. According to Cote-d'Or data, it was 4.6% for TNM stage I cancer, 14.1% for stage 2 and 32.0% for stage 3. Taking into account incidence and prevalence of colorectal cancer it can be estimated that the number of synchronous hepatic metastases is 5 400 per year and the number of metachronous hepatic metastases 9 000 per year. In the Cote-d'Or area 6.5% of synchronous hepatic metastases, were resected for cure and 21% of metachronous hepatic metastases. The survival rates for synchronous hepatic metastases were 31% at I year and 2% at 5 year The corresponding rates for metachronous metastases were 31% and 4%. After surgery for cure the 5 year survival rate was 11% for synchronous metastases and 16% for metachronous metastases. Population based data indicates that liver metastases from colorectal cancer represent a frequent problem and are more frequent that suggested by hospital-based data.