Without oncological treatment
Median survival is 3 to 6 months. Without any treatment, hepatic progression rapidly compromises the function of the organ.
Reviewed by Prof. Fabrizio Panaro — Updated: April 30, 2026
Prognosis
Life expectancy with liver metastases
Liver metastases are not always synonymous with incurable disease. Specialized surgery can significantly improve the prognosis, with 5-year survival rates of more than 40% in selected cases.
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Team track record
World leaders in high-complexity abdominal oncological surgery
The Quenet Torrent Institute team brings together decades of international experience in high-complexity surgical oncology, with results published in leading scientific journals and recognition from European surgical oncology societies.
+20,000
Oncological surgeries performed
+500
Cytoreduction + HIPEC procedures
30+
Years of international experience
Top
European reference center in carcinomatosis
Clinical summary
Life expectancy with liver metastases improves dramatically with surgical resection: 5-year survival rates of 40-50% in operable patients, compared to 5-10% without surgery. At Quenet-Torrent Institute (Teknon Barcelona · Memorial Publio Cordón Madrid), the team of Dr. Quenet and Dr. Torrent, supervised by Prof. Panaro, re-evaluates cases considered unresectable using combined techniques.
What determines life expectancy in liver metastases?
Life expectancy with liver metastases depends on multiple factors: the primary tumor of origin, the number and size of liver lesions, the presence of extrahepatic disease and, above all, whether the patient can undergo curative-intent surgery.
Surgical treatment is the only one with curative potential for liver metastases. Without surgery, median survival ranges from 6 to 24 months depending on systemic treatment. With surgery, 5-year survival rates exceed 40% in metastases of colorectal origin.
Life expectancy in liver metastases without surgery
When surgery is not possible, prognosis depends fundamentally on the response to systemic treatment.
With systemic chemotherapy
Modern regimens (FOLFOX, FOLFIRI + bevacizumab or cetuximab) achieve median survivals of 18 to 30 months in colorectal metastases.
With local ablation (without surgery)
In small tumors (<3 cm), radiofrequency or microwave ablation can achieve prolonged local control, although with lower efficacy than resection.
With immunotherapy (MSI-H cases)
In tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI-H), checkpoint inhibitors can achieve very prolonged responses, with survivals over 3-4 years.
Life expectancy in liver metastases with surgery
Surgical resection of liver metastases is the treatment that offers the highest long-term survival rates and even cure in selected cases.
Resected colorectal metastases
5-year survival of 40-58%. In very selected cases (few lesions, no extrahepatic disease), rates may exceed 60%.
Neuroendocrine tumor metastases
5-year survival of 60-80% after complete resection, since these tumors usually have a more favorable biology.
Breast cancer metastases
5-year survival of 35-45% in selected patients with disease limited to the liver and good control of the primary tumor.
Conversion strategies
In initially unresectable tumors, conversion chemotherapy may make the tumor resectable, with survival similar to upfront resectable cases (25-40% at 5 years).
The key point is that many cases considered unresectable can be operated on with high-complexity techniques such as ALPPS, two-stage surgery or portal vein embolization.
Prognosis
Factors that determine life expectancy in liver metastases
Not all liver metastases have the same prognosis. These are the main factors that condition it.
Origin of the primary tumor
Colorectal metastases have a better surgical prognosis than those from pancreas, stomach or lung.
Number and size of lesions
Fewer and smaller lesions mean greater chance of complete resection and a better prognosis.
Extrahepatic disease
The presence of metastases outside the liver reduces the chances of surgical cure, although it is not always an absolute contraindication.
Disease-free interval
A long interval between the primary tumor and the appearance of metastases is associated with a better prognosis.
Response to chemotherapy
A good response to previous systemic treatment is an independent favorable prognostic factor.
State of the remnant liver
It is essential that enough functional liver parenchyma remains after resection to avoid post-operative liver failure.
Can the life expectancy of liver metastases be improved?
Yes. Advances in surgical techniques and multimodal treatments have significantly improved the prognosis of patients with liver metastases over the last two decades.
Strategies such as two-stage surgery, the ALPPS technique, preoperative portal vein embolization or the combination of resection with ablation have made it possible to operate on patients who were previously considered unresectable, thus expanding the possibilities of long-term survival.
Evaluation at a specialized high-volume center is decisive: access to complex techniques and expert multidisciplinary teams can make the difference between palliative treatment and curative-intent treatment.
Why Quenet-Torrent Institute?
Specialists in complex liver metastases cases
Many patients come to Quenet-Torrent Institute after being ruled out for surgery at other centers. Our experience allows us to reassess each case from a different perspective.
Reassessment of unresectable cases
We review cases considered inoperable looking for surgical strategies that allow for resection with curative intent.
State-of-the-art techniques
ALPPS, two-stage surgery, portal vein embolization, combined ablation and complex laparoscopic or robotic hepatectomies.
Multidisciplinary team
Surgeons, oncologists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists work in a coordinated way for each patient.
More than 20,000 surgeries
The accumulated experience allows us to address high-complexity situations with greater safety and better results.
Our team
Surgeons specialized in liver metastases
Experts with international training and extensive experience in high-complexity oncological liver surgery.
Dr. François Quenet
Oncological surgeon
View doctor"Internationally renowned surgeon, expert in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumors. Recognized for his precision in high-difficulty surgeries."
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological surgeon
View doctor"Specialist in hepatobiliary tumors and complex surgical oncology. Reference in surgical treatment of liver metastases of high difficulty."
Where to treat
Where to treat liver metastases?
The Quenet-Torrent team consults and operates in two leading private hospitals in Spain, and welcomes international patients with prior remote case assessment.
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Carrer de Vilana, 12 · 08022 Barcelona, Spain
- Consultations with the Quenet-Torrent team
- High-complexity surgical theatre and HIPEC
- Reference private hospital in Catalonia
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Paseo de la Casa de Campo, 5 · 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
- Surgical oncology unit of the Quenet-Torrent team
- Cytoreductive surgery, HIPEC, PIPAC and robotics
- High-tech private hospital (2026)
International
Patients from around the world
We receive patients with liver metastases referred from Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
- Remote case assessment by our committee
- Travel and stay coordination in Spain
- Care in Spanish, English and French
Frequently asked questions about life expectancy in liver metastases
The most common doubts about prognosis and survival in liver metastases.
How long can you live with liver metastases?
It depends on the treatment. Without surgery, median survival with modern chemotherapy is 18-30 months in colorectal metastases. With curative surgery, 5-year survival can exceed 40%.
Can liver metastases be cured?
Yes, in selected cases. Complete surgical resection can achieve cure in colorectal metastases, with 10-year survival of 20-25% in published series.
Which liver metastases have the best prognosis?
Those of colorectal origin and from neuroendocrine tumors respond best to surgery. Pancreatic, gastric or lung metastases have a worse prognosis in general.
Does chemotherapy improve life expectancy?
Yes, significantly compared to no treatment. Modern regimens have doubled survival compared to previous decades, and in some cases allow tumors to be downstaged to operable.
What happens if I am told my metastases are inoperable?
It is essential to seek a second opinion at a specialized center. Many "inoperable" cases can be managed with high-complexity techniques such as ALPPS, two-stage hepatectomy or portal vein embolization.
Is ablation as effective as surgery?
In small tumors (<2-3 cm) in favorable locations, ablation may be comparable. But in general, surgery with complete resection offers better long-term survival rates.
Can I be reoperated if metastases recur?
Yes, in many cases. Repeat hepatectomy for hepatic recurrence is a valid strategy with results similar to first surgery in selected patients.
Where to treat liver metastases?
We operate in two private hospitals of reference in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological standards.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology and cutting-edge surgical technology.
View hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Leading private hospital in Barcelona where the team carries out its high-complexity surgical oncology activity.
Page coming soon
Real cases
Patient testimonies and surgery explanations
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology. Excellent survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseLaura's case
Rare abdominal tumor treated with complex cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC and systemic chemotherapy. Disease-free after almost 2 years.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of hope and survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
See on Google
★★★★★
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
★★★★★
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The human treatment is great and the results are too. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
★★★★★
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
★★★★★
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
★★★★★
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
★★★★★
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
★★★★★
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
★★★★★
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. Sending my diagnosis to every center, practically all agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time since I had very aggressive cell types. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life — at surgery the harmful cells everyone diagnosed (and used to refuse to operate) were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
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Verified reviews
See on Google
★★★★★
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
★★★★★
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The human treatment is great and the results are too. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
★★★★★
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
★★★★★
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
★★★★★
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
★★★★★
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
★★★★★
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
★★★★★
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. Sending my diagnosis to every center, practically all agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time since I had very aggressive cell types. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life — at surgery the harmful cells everyone diagnosed (and used to refuse to operate) were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.