Evidence on percutaneous radiofrequency and microwave ablation for liver metastases over the last decade

Abstract

Purpose This review aimed to summarize the treatment outcomes of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) for metastatic liver tumors based on the findings of published studies over the last decade. Materials and methods Literature describing the survival outcomes of ablation therapy for liver metastases was explored using the PubMed database on April 26, 2022, and articles published in 2012 or later were selected. The included studies met the following criteria: (i) English literature, (ii) original clinical studies, and (iii) literature describing overall survival (OS) of thermal ablation for metastatic liver tumors. All case reports and cohort studies with fewer than 20 patients and those that evaluated ablation for palliative purposes were excluded. Results RFA was the most commonly used method for ablation, while MWA was used in several recent studies. RFA and MWA for liver metastases from various primary tumors have been reported; however, majority of the studies focused on colorectal cancer. The local control rate by RFA and MWA varied widely among the studies, ranging approximately 50–90%. Five-year survival rates of 20–60% have been reported following ablation for colorectal liver metastases by a number of studies, and several reports of 10-year survival rates were also noted. Conclusion Comparative studies of local therapies for colorectal liver metastases demonstrated that RFA provides comparable survival outcomes to surgical metastasectomy and stereotactic body radiation therapy.

The significance of countable and treatable metastatic liver disease in patients with gallbladder carcinoma after curative‐intent surgery: A 10‐year experience in China

“…However, we cannot deny the fact that for some experienced and aggressive centers, the curative surgery has been attempted to be applied in a small portion of patients with liver metastasis, especially among those with CTMLD. With the development of intraoperative ultrasound technique and the prevalence of RFA, partial hepatectomy combined with intraoperative ultrasound‐guided RFA has been extensively applied in various primary or secondary metastatic liver malignancies 12–15 . Our final results indicated that although GBC patients with CTMLD seemed to be operable, significantly worse OS and DFS were detected even patients were actively treated.…”

Radiofrequency ablation for the management of pancreatic mass lesions

“…For example, a combination of microwave ablation with Camrelizumab (PD-1 inhibitor) in the setting of lung cancer achieved an overall response rate in one-third of the patients, while the disease control rate was achieved in approximately two-thirds [56]. Microwave ablation has also been studied in the setting of metastatic disease [57 ▪ ]. More studies are needed, particularly in the area of EUS-guided microwave ablation for pancreatic lesions.…”

Enhancing Patient Outcomes through Microwave Ablation in Hepatic Malignant Tumors: Insights on Recurrence Factors

“…Unlike surgery or radiation therapy, which can be invasive and carry signi cant side effects, MWA uses microwave energy for targeted tumor cell elimination. This approach not only achieves effective local ablation but also reduces the side effects often seen with conventional treatments [9,10,11,12]. MWA's minimally invasive nature and its ability to preserve healthy liver tissue make it particularly advantageous for patients who might not be suitable for more aggressive treatments.…”