Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is responsible for approximately 10% of cancer-related deaths
in the Western world. Liver metastases are frequently seen at the time of diagnosis
and throughout the course of the disease. Surgical resection is often considered as
it provides long-term survival; however, few patients are candidates for resection.
Percutaneous ablative therapies are also used in the management of this patient population.
Different thermal ablation (TA) technologies are available including radiofrequency
ablation, microwave ablation (MWA), laser, and cryoablation. There is growing evidence
about the role of interventional oncology and image-guided percutaneous ablation in
the management of metastatic colorectal liver disease. This article aims to outline
the technical considerations, outcomes, and rational of TA in the management of patients
with CRC liver metastases, focusing on the emerging role of MWA.
Keywords
metastatic colon cancer - liver metastasis - thermal ablation - survival
