BACKGROUND: Metastases from malignant melanoma to the liver are rare in China, and surgical resection may be of potential benefit. Liver transplantation for this disease has never been reported.
METHODS: We report a case of adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (A-A LDLT) for metastatic melanoma. With a surgical history of ocular melanoma, the recipient presented with emaciation from a large right hepatic mass which also probably had portal vein invasion. A-A LDLT was successfully performed and no postoperative complications were observed in either the donor or the recipient. Postoperative pathology confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic malignant melanoma; however no adjuvant chemotherapy was employed after transplantation. We also reviewed the literature on the surgical treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma to the liver and discussed the LDLT indications.
RESULT: Recurrence occurred 6 months after surgery and the patient died from recurrence of the disease 8 months post-transplant.
CONCLUSIONS: Review of the literature suggested that only a small subset of selected patients may benefit from liver resection. Large metastatic disease in the liver potentially involving a major vessel, as in this case, should be contraindicated for liver transplantation.