Detection of disseminated tumour cells in the liver of cancer patients

Aims The liver is a common site of metastasis from a variety of solid malignancies. This is due to disseminated tumour cells (DTC) that have spread prior to or during surgery from the primary carcinoma. This article gives a short overview of the data published on the detection of DTC in the liver and describes the commonly used detection methods and respective markers. Methods A literature survey was performed in public medical databases comprising the last 15 years with focus on DTC detection in liver tissue of cancer patients. Key findings Although the liver is a preferred site of metastasis, only a few studies have analysed the DTC incidence in inconspicuous liver tissue. The available reports include only patients with pancreatic and colorectal carcinomas. In patients with pancreatic cancer the DTC incidence varied from 5 to 76%. No follow-up data has been reported so far. In patients with colorectal carcinoma hepatic DTC were found in 5–69% of cases. A negative prognostic influence of hepatic DTC was reported in all but one studies with follow-up information. Conclusions The detection of DTC in the liver can contribute to identify patients with increased risk who could benefit from an intensified follow-up or new treatment strategies.