LIVER TRANSPLANT FOR COLON Ca. WITH INOPERABLE MULTIPLE LIVER METASTASES

Is there anyone having experienced with liver transplant for inoperable liver metastases from CRC? Is this a good idea? Please respond.

Flashback: In Nov 2011, my 27 year old wife was diagnosed with sigmoid colon Ca, multiple metastases to liver which was told inoperable. Gone through 9 cycles of chemo, Xeloda+Oxaliplatin+Avastin. Liver tumors shrunk about half but as per liver surgeons still not operable. Turn to maintenance chemo with Xeloda+Avastin as the side effects of Oxaliplatin was not tolerable. recent PET-CT report after completing 4 cycles of Xeloda+Avastin showed slight increase in the size of few liver tumors comparing previous scan. Our oncologist told us about to re-start chemo with Xeloda+Irinotecan and Erbitux, if KRAS wild type (already sent biopsy specimen for KRAS tests-waiting for results).

Meantime, we just visit a well known liver surgeon. He suggested that, she could never going to be a surgical candidate as the largest tumor in her liver is very near to some important blood vessels. But he opted for a liver transplant as a trial (only when all available chemo drugs are over or they stop work), as he told that his previous attempt in this regard with another patient was a failure due to immuno suppression as he didn’t think the same will happen with her.

Appreciate your comments and feedback.

Thanks

Hi, I am wondering the same. My husband of 53 years has colon cancer and mets to his liver, inoperable. I've ask doctors if there is anyway he can have liver transplant. they said no. he has his colone resectioned last June. only thing I am concern now is his liver. he has been on Avastin and Xeloda for 3 months, his cea did not change much, the large tumor  is 1/2 cm bigger. so the doctor recently put in another drug call CPT 11(Irinotecan), it's alot stronger, his Kras is not good for Eubitux, After using the CPT11, he begins to loss his hair again. we will have his cea check after 3 cycle. god bless you and your family. If any one has liver transplant done. please let us know.

Bao

I didn't think cancer patients were eligible for transplants?  My husband has liver mets and has exhausted all the resources.  

Hi Colbert,

    I am so sorry to heard of your husband's situation. How is he doing know? is he on any medications now? wish you both the very best.

Bao

No medications.  He is miserable.  He itches constantly because of the high liver enzymes.  It breaks my heart.

I was diagnosed with Neuroendicrine cancer in 2002, with tumors removed from my pancreas and liver.  I was approved for a liver transplant in 2005 because at the time, I had no other evidence of disease, other than in the liver.  One surgeon told me no, but another told me yes and started the approval process.  I got a liver a few months later.  Much of it depends on the dr., the patient's health in general, and potential for it providing long-term benefit.  The decision-making process takes much into account, not just whether you have cancer or not. 

My husband still has the tumor in the colon, but they have told us there is no point taking that out.  Of course I am thinking let's take that one out and get signed up for a transplant!  I have no idea where you find a surgeon that would put him on a transplant list.  This man was working full time up until December 31st!  He is only 53 and in excellent health!  Hardest working man I know.  

Hi Colbert,

     My husband is 53 also, don't just believe what the onc. said. if no other medication your husband is receiving, You should try some natural remedies. like herbs and vitamins. I am not going to give up, if I have listen to the doctor, my husband would have been a dead man now. I took him to China when they told me he has 3-6 months to live. right now he is stable and under maintainance. but I am still using the Chinese herbal and japanese health supplement. My husband has colon resection, which doctors here was surprise that he has it done, normally here don't do it. but doctors in China said if the colon cancer is not remove, 90% will come back, that was the best time to do his operation and he will use less medication for the liver when the colon is taken care of. so we listen to them. I've learned that once you are in stage Iv, doctors would not do much for you. they just thinking of prolonging your lives. right now they just give up your husband, without any drug, that is terrible. please don't give up. there is hope. try to make changes on his diet too, my husband is eating 1 avocado, once apple, one tomato, half papaya, some blue berry and  one sweet potato for breafast, his lunch is usually vegie and fruit, little white meat and fish. doing that, he no longer has gout. he is taking 40 minutes of walk morning and 20 minutes of walk in the evening. Good luck. please keep me post it.

Bao

Highly recommend the vitamins and supplements.  I have been seeing a naturopath since 2007 and she has truly saved my life.  The more the drs. tried to medicate, the worse I got.  After I started going the natural route, as well as juicing, my health improved tremendously.  Keep up the good work!  With cancer you have to focus on strengthening the body and mind, not tearing it down. 

Tell me more about your supplements.  I can hardly get my husband to eat anything, but he does love fruits and vegetables.  We do have a gal locally that does Chinese medicine--wonder if I should call her?  Our oncologist told us to call hospice.  Just can't believe this ridiculously healthy, energetic man has cancer.  I am so glad your husband is doing well.