Liver transplantation for neuroendocrine tumors

Liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are often slow growing compared to other common solid tumors. Their successful treatment with a variety of modalities, including transplantation, has been reported widely. Approaches include observation, medical therapy with somatostatin analogues, embolization with or without chemotherapy, resection, and liver transplantation. Each of these options has been advocated, and good short- and medium-term results have been reported. This is more a reflection of the favorable biology of these tumors than of the merits of any particular therapy. Because the likelihood of permanent cure by any treatment is remote, the challenge in this disease is to outline a rational basis for choosing among the various options to provide patients with the best and longest-lasting palliation possible.