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Tumor Ablation for Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastases

  • Colorectal Cancer Hepatic Metastases (MA Choti, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Colorectal Cancer Reports

Abstract

As the treatment options for colorectal liver metastases continue to expand, ablation has been integrated into the multidisciplinary management of this disease. Following the success of earlier modalities such as cryotherapy and radiofrequency ablation, more options have emerged, including use of microwaves, irreversible electroporation, laser therapy, and focused ultrasound. Indications have also widened from unresectable disease to include treatment with curative intent, often in combination with surgery and systemic and regional therapies. Randomized evidence is relatively lacking overall, but there are ample retrospective data to support the use of ablation. Good patient selection is important, and the treating clinician must understand the strengths and weaknesses of each modality to ensure safety and maximize efficacy. In this review, we discuss the principles of the more commonly used ablation techniques and summarize the evidence, with emphasis on recent data.

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Universe Leung and Yuman Fong declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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  1. Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Universe Leung & Yuman Fong

  2. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Yuman Fong

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Leung, U., Fong, Y. Tumor Ablation for Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastases. Curr Colorectal Cancer Rep 10, 239–248 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-014-0214-9

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