Systematic review of resecting primary tumor in MNETs patients with unresectable liver metastases

Background: Treatment for midgut neuroendocrine tumor patients with unresectable liver metastasis has long been a controversial issue. This system review aims to summarize existing evidence concerning the value of primary tumor resection in this group of patients. Results: 8 cohort studies were identified for qualitative analysis. None of them strictly met with the inclusion criteria and meta-analysis was impossible. There was a tendency towards better overall survival for the primary tumor resected group in all 8 studies, in which 6 demonstrated significant difference. Progression free survival to liver disease was prolonged and less patients died of liver failure in the resected group. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched until 2016/7/4 for relevant studies, with primary outcome being overall survival, and secondary outcome being progression free survival, cause of death and symptom relief. Conclusions: Current evidence supports resection of primary tumor for midgut neuroendocrine tumor patients with liver metastases, but randomized controlled trials are required to reach a final conclusion.