Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically confirmed primary colorectal adenocarcinoma with metastases to the
liver being considered for hepatic resection

- Requirement for removal of at least 60% of functional liver parenchyma based on CT
scan

- No extrahepatic disease by laparoscopy

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

- Over 18

Performance status:

- ECOG 0-2

Life expectancy:

- Not specified

Hematopoietic:

- WBC at least 2,000/mm3

- Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3

Hepatic:

- Bilirubin no greater than 1.8 mg/dL

- AST and ALT no greater than 80 IU/L

Renal:

- Creatinine no greater than 1.8 mg/dL

Cardiovascular:

- No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease

Other:

- Not pregnant or nursing

- Negative pregnancy test

- Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

- Not specified

Chemotherapy:

- At least 1 month since prior systemic chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy:

- Not specified

Radiotherapy:

- Not specified

Surgery:

- See Disease Characteristics

Other:

- At least 2 months since prior investigational treatment