Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, and the liver is the most common place it spreads to. A liver transplant can be a lifesaving option when that happens. However, when colorectal cancer spreads to the liver, liver transplant options have historically been limited. We’re working relentlessly to change that with the RAPID procedure.

RAPID stands for resection and partial liver transplantation with delayed total hepatectomy.

In RAPID, our surgeons split a liver into two parts. They transplant one part into the intended recipient and the smaller part into a patient with colorectal cancer that has spread to their liver. The smaller part grows inside of the patient for two weeks. Then, the transplant surgeon removes the rest of the cancerous liver, allowing the healthy donated liver to grow to full size.

The CLEAR Program

We offer RAPID for eligible patients who have advanced colorectal cancer that has spread to their liver. We do this through a specialized program called the Northwestern Medicine CLEAR Program. CLEAR stands for colorectal metastasis to liver extraction with auxiliary transplant and delayed resection.

In patients whose cancer is only in their liver, research has shown that a liver transplant increases the percentage of people alive five years after their diagnosis by 70%.

By offering this procedure, the CLEAR Program provides innovative options to patients who might not otherwise have them.