The impact of primary tumour location and molecular profile on recurrence patterns following liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM): a multicentre cohort study (BIO-CRLM Study)

Large bowel cancer that has spread to liver called as Colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) do well with liver sugery (resection). Liver surgery helps these patients live longer, sometimes up to 5 years or more, but unfortunately, the cancer often comes back, in half of these patients, usually within 2 years of surgery. Present study analyses the molecular characteristics and anatomical location of primary tumor in large bowel (right vs left vs rectum). Early findings show that bowel cancers from the right side may behave more aggressively, especially when they carry certain mutations like BRAF. These patients tend to have widespread cancer after surgery. On the other hand, people with left-sided cancers that lack these mutations may have slower-growing disease and better chances of avoiding recurrence.

To explore this further, researchers are reviewing data from many hospitals to see how tumour location and genetics together impact cancer comeback and survival. The goal is to help doctors better predict risk and choose the best treatment plan for each patient—including who will benefit most from surgery or chemotherapy.

In this study, the coordinating centre will only analyse anonymized data shared by the participating centres. No additional tests or interventions will be performed on patients. Strict confidentiality measures will be in place, ensuring that personal information remains protected and is only accessible to the research team.

The collected data will be securely transferred to the coordinating center through a secure electronic system known as REDCap, where it will be analyzed and used to generate results for publication, contributing to improved surgical strategies for colorectal cancer with liver metastases.