Impact of Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Prior to Liver Resection for Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Metastases

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Histologic proof of previous colorectal adenocarcinoma (not carcinoid, squamous cell cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, or lymphoma)
2. Contrast-enhanced spiral CT scan of the thorax, and a tri-phasic CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis performed within 30 days (plus up to 14 days) before randomization demonstrating resectable metastasis(es) that are isolated to the liver
3. Full colonoscopy performed within the preceding 18 months showing no evidence of malignancy (other than a synchronous colorectal primary expected to be removed at time of liver resection)
4. Age over 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Extrahepatic disease including enlarged portal lymph nodes on CT
2. Prior liver resection
3. Previous radiofrequency ablation of malignant liver lesion
4. Systemic chemotherapy within three weeks prior to randomization
5. Radiotherapy within two months prior to randomization
6. Significant concurrent medical problems (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, active cardiac disease, significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) making the patient unfit for surgery
7. Pregnant or lactating female
8. Unable to lie supine for imaging with PET
9. Previously treated cancer other than non-melanocytic skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix, unless disease-free for 5 years or greater
10. Patients who, at the time of the initial evaluation, have already undergone a whole body PET within 6 months prior to randomization