Liver metastases are commonly detected in a range of malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic cancer, melanoma, lung cancer and breast cancer, although CRC is the most common primary cancer that metastasizes to the liver. Interactions between tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment play an important part in the engraftment, survival and progression of the metastases. Various cells including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, parenchymal hepatocytes, dendritic cells, resident natural killer cells as well as other immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils are implicated in promoting and sustaining metastases in the liver. Four key phases (microvascular, pre-angiogenic, angiogenic and growth phases) have been identified in the process of liver metastasis. Imaging modalities such as ultrasonography, CT, MRI and PET scans are typically used for the diagnosis of liver metastases. Surgical resection remains the main potentially curative treatment among patients with resectable liver metastases. The role of liver transplantation in the management of liver metastasis remains controversial. Systemic therapies, newer biologic agents (for example, bevacizumab and cetuximab) and immunotherapeutic agents have revolutionized the treatment options for liver metastases. Moving forward, incorporation of genetic tests can provide more accurate information to guide clinical decision-making and predict prognosis among patients with liver metastases.

肝转移通常在一系列恶性肿瘤中检测到，包括结直肠癌 (CRC)、胰腺癌、黑色素瘤、肺癌和乳腺癌，尽管 CRC 是转移到肝脏的最常见的原发性癌症。肿瘤细胞与肿瘤微环境之间的相互作用在转移的植入、存活和进展中起着重要作用。各种细胞，包括肝窦内皮细胞、库普弗细胞、肝星状细胞、实质肝细胞、树突细胞、常驻自然杀伤细胞以及其他免疫细胞，如单核细胞、巨噬细胞和中性粒细胞，都与促进和维持肝脏转移有关。在肝转移过程中已经确定了四个关键阶段（微血管、血管生成前、血管生成和生长阶段）。超声、CT、MRI 和 PET 扫描等成像方式通常用于诊断肝转移。手术切除仍然是可切除肝转移患者的主要潜在治愈性治疗方法。肝移植在肝转移治疗中的作用仍存在争议。全身疗法、新型生物制剂（例如贝伐单抗和西妥昔单抗）和免疫治疗剂彻底改变了肝转移的治疗方案。展望未来，基因检测的结合可以提供更准确的信息，以指导肝转移患者的临床决策和预测预后。手术切除仍然是可切除肝转移患者的主要潜在治愈性治疗方法。肝移植在肝转移治疗中的作用仍存在争议。全身疗法、新型生物制剂（例如贝伐单抗和西妥昔单抗）和免疫治疗剂彻底改变了肝转移的治疗方案。展望未来，基因检测的结合可以提供更准确的信息，以指导肝转移患者的临床决策和预测预后。手术切除仍然是可切除肝转移患者的主要潜在治愈性治疗方法。肝移植在肝转移治疗中的作用仍存在争议。全身疗法、新型生物制剂（例如贝伐单抗和西妥昔单抗）和免疫治疗剂彻底改变了肝转移的治疗方案。展望未来，基因检测的结合可以提供更准确的信息，以指导肝转移患者的临床决策和预测预后。贝伐单抗和西妥昔单抗）和免疫治疗药物彻底改变了肝转移的治疗选择。展望未来，基因检测的结合可以提供更准确的信息，以指导肝转移患者的临床决策和预测预后。贝伐单抗和西妥昔单抗）和免疫治疗药物彻底改变了肝转移的治疗选择。展望未来，基因检测的结合可以提供更准确的信息，以指导肝转移患者的临床决策和预测预后。