Prognostic significance of entrapped liver cells in hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

To correlate the microscopic finding of entrapped liver cells in hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer with outcome after hepatectomy. Reliable histopathologic prognostic factors in resected liver metastases from colorectal cancer have not been identified. Seventy-one patients undergoing radical hepatectomy for liver metastases were assigned to rare (n = 36) or frequent (n = 35) groups according to the microscopically observed frequency of hepatocyte entrapment in the tumor. Five-year survival rates after hepatectomy were 44. 4% for the rare group and 27.2% for the frequent group. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model by a stepwise method identified this morphologic variable as a significant independent prognostic factor. The finding of entrapped liver cells in metastases from colorectal cancer reflects the biologic activity of the tumor and may be a useful prognostic indicator.