Liver regeneration stimulates tumor metastases.
BACKGROUND
Partial hepatectomy for patients with colorectal liver metastases is associated with a tumor recurrence rate approaching 80% post-resection. Different factors and phases associated with regeneration of the liver are implicated in tumor recurrence. This study investigates the effects of the early and late phases of liver regeneration and the impact of the degree of liver resection on stimulating tumor growth and metastasis.


METHODS
Groups of mice underwent partial hepatectomy (37% or 70%) and were then challenged with colorectal liver carcinoma (CRC) tumors immediately after liver resection (early and late phase effect) or 6 days post liver resection (late phase effect). Tumor growth, degree of proliferation, tumor morphology, and the presence of extrahepatic metastases were investigated 21 days post-tumor induction.


RESULTS
The late phase of liver regeneration plays a significant role in tumor stimulation and metastasis. The degree of hepatectomy also appears to be an important factor. The degree of hepatic resection significantly influences tumor growth and the extent of extrahepatic metastases, particularly in the lungs.


CONCLUSIONS
Elucidation of the processes involved in the late phase of liver regeneration may assist in the development and timing of adjuvant agents to minimize tumor recurrence during this phase.
Harun
Nadia
N
Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. n.harun1@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au
Nikfarjam
Mehrdad
M
Muralidharan
Vijayaragavan
V
Christophi
Christopher
C
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006498:Hepatectomy; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*; D008115:Liver Regeneration; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology