Current role of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases

Background and method. This paper reviews the current status of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases. Relevant studies with at least ten patients that reported rates of complete tumour ablation, local recurrence, or survival from 1 to 5 years after treatment were included in the review. Results and conclusion: Only six studies that reported at least 3-year survival were identified, with results ranging from 37 to 58 per cent. Some of these figures are promising, given that the patients were considered to have unresectable disease. However, available evidence is limited and hepatic resection remains the standard of care when feasible; radiofrequency ablation cannot be considered an equivalent. Radiofrequency ablation does, however, appear to have a role in treating unresectable disease, and may also be used in conjunction with resection to extend its limits.