OBJECTIVES:
Primary
* Describe the kinetics of postoperative changes of serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9) and their inhibitors (TIMP) (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) as a function of surgical technique.
Secondary
* Determine the predictive value of postoperative risk of recurrence.
* Correlate the risk of recurrence with surgical technique.
* Determine whether elevated serum levels of MMP are a better marker than the carcinoembryonic antigen of hepatic or extrahepatic recurrence.
* Determine whether the postoperative serum of HGF/SF is correlated to changes in plasma levels of MMPs.
OUTLINE: Blood samples are collected periodically before and after treatment to analyze for metalloproteinases and their inhibitors.
After completion of study treatment, patients are followed at day 45 and then every 3 months for 2 years.
