United Kingdom criteria for liver transplantation in the setting of isolated unresectable colorectal liver metastases

Aim Studies have demonstrated that liver transplantation may be an effective treatment for isolated unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). Published data suggest that 5-year survival may be as high as 80%; however, recurrent disease is commonplace. Consequently, the Liver Transplantation for Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases Fixed Term Working Unit recommended to the NHS Blood and Transplant Liver Advisory Group that while CRCLM is an appropriate indication for transplantation, selection criteria should be conservative and that it should be undertaken within a clinical service evaluation programme. The aim of this work is to outline the proposed UK selection criteria and follow-up process for CRCLM transplantation. Method Consensus statement by colorectal cancer/liver transplantation patient representatives, experts in colorectal cancer surgery/oncology, liver transplantation surgery, hepatology, hepatobiliary radiology, hepatobiliary pathology and nuclear medicine. Results This study provides a comprehensive outline of the inclusion/exclusion criteria for referral in the UK. Furthermore, the referral framework is also explained. Pretransplant assessment criteria for listing/delisting are outlined. Finally, the oncology-specific outcome measures posttransplant are described. Conclusion It is anticipated this service will begin in December 2022. A series of educational events for the referrers and transplant units will be arranged throughout 2023 to highlight CRCLM as a newly accepted UK indication for transplantation. A national audit will be undertaken to identify patients currently on treatment who meet the criteria for transplant. Data will be collected in a national registry and reviewed on an ongoing basis to confirm the safety of this treatment and to determine if the inclusion criteria require revision

Liver transplantation for isolated unresectable colorectal liver metastases - Protocol for a service evaluation in the United Kingdom - UKCoMET study

Background Liver transplantation (LT) for unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRCLM) demonstrates good overall survival for selected patients in contemporary studies, with 5-year survival of 80%. A Fixed Term Working Group (FTWG), set up by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Liver Advisory Group (LAG), advised whether CRCLM should be considered for LT in United Kingdom. Their recommendation was that LT may be undertaken for isolated and unresectable CRCLM using strict selection criteria as a national clinical service evaluation. Methods Opinions were sought from colorectal cancer/LT patient representatives, experts in colorectal cancer surgery/oncology, LT surgery, hepatology, hepatobiliary radiology, pathology, and nuclear medicine, and appropriate patient selection criteria, referral and transplant listing pathways were identified. Results This paper summarises selection criteria for LT in United Kingdom for isolated and unresectable CRCLM patients, and highlights referral framework and pre-transplant assessment criteria. Finally, oncology-specific outcome measures to be utilised for assessing applicability of LT are described. Conclusion This service evaluation represents a significant development for colorectal cancer patients in United Kingdom and a meaningful step forward in the field of transplant oncology. This paper details the protocol for the pilot study, scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022 in United Kingdom