Inclusion Criteria:

- stage IV colorectal cancer isolated to the liver

- one measurable lesion

- metastases are completely resectable or amenable to ablation

- Karnofsky >70

- Adequate bone marrow function

- adequate hepatic function

- adequate renal function

- informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

- primary tumor not controlled by locoregional treatments

- bilateral portal vein and/or hepatic artery involvement

- previous chemotherapy directed at treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

- underlying acute or chronic liver disease

- Gilbert's disease

- patients receiving phenytoin or phenobarbital prophylaxis

- presence of any concurrent medical or psychiatric condition that serves as a
contraindication to surgery or chemotherapy

- pregnancy

- malignancy other than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin within the
preceding 5 years

- use of another investigational medication concurrently or within 4 months of
enrollment