Role of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases

ABSTRACT

Surgical resection is the standard of care for colorectal metastases isolated to the liver. However, only 10-25% are eligible for resection because of extent and location of the disease in the liver or concurrent medical conditions. Severe series have shown that radiofrequency ablation [RFA] can result in tumor eradication in properly selected candidates. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of RFA for treatment of such lesions. Thirty patients with documented colorectal liver metastases who met the following criteria were considered for RFA metastases confined to the liver; judged irresectable due to technical considerations or co-morbidity, number of metastatic deposits no greater than 5; and size less than 10 cm. Median follow-up was 26 [range 9-63] months. Overall 1-and 2-year survival rates were 76 and 61% respectively. Median survival was 32 months. Disease-free survival at 1 year was 35% at 2 years 7%. Six patients developed recurrence at the site of RFA; given that the total number of RFA-treated lesions was 69 the local recurrence rate was 9%. RFA can achieve effective local treatment for patients with colorectal liver metastases who were considered unsuitable for surgical treatment