Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Microwave Ablation Treatment of Solid Tumors pp 29–40Cite as

Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Microwave Ablation of Liver Metastasis

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

Metastatic disease of the liver carries a significant mortality in many kinds of malignant solid tumours. Systemic chemotherapy is still considered the mainstay in the treatment of patients with liver metastases, but the therapeutic efficacy is limited. Besides, aggressive treatments including surgical resection, thermal ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation improve prognosis in suitable patients with hepatic metastases. Surgical resection remains the standard recommended local therapy for some selected patients. However, for the patients with poor general condition who cannot tolerate the operation, minimally invasive therapy is badly in demand. In recent years, transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation and local thermal ablation therapy including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, cryoablation, laser ablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound have been developed widely and rapidly. As an innovative technique for the management of hepatic metastases, microwave ablation can be performed effectively and has an acceptably low complication rate. Microwave ablation adds another potential treatment modality to the hepatic surgeon armament. The aim of this chapter is to review the current concepts and evolving practices for the application of microwave ablation technology in the treatment of metastatic disease to the liver.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

BCLM:

Breast cancer liver metastases

CLM:

Colorectal liver metastases

MWA:

Microwave ablation

RFA:

Radiofrequency ablation

TACE:

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation

References

  1. Jemal A, Murray T, Ward E, Samuels A, Tiwari RC, Ghafoor A, Feuer EJ, Thun MJ. Cancer statistics. CA Cancer J Clin. 2005;55(1):10–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Ng KK, Poon RT. Radiofrequency ablation for malignant liver tumor. Surg Oncol. 2005;14(1):41–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Jardines L, Callans LS, Torosian MH. Recurrent breast cancer: presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. Semin Oncol. 1993;20(5):538–47.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Okano K, Maeba T, Ishimura K, Karasawa Y, Goda F, Wakabayashi H, Usuki H, Maeta H. Hepatic resection for metastatic tumors from gastric cancer. Ann Surg. 2002;235(1):86–91.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Sakamoto Y, Sano T, Shimada K, Esaki M, Saka M, Fukagawa T, Katai H, Kosuge T, Sasako M. Favorable indications for hepatectomy in patients with liver metastasis from gastric cancer. J Surg Oncol. 2007;95(7):534–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Dittmar Y, Altendorf-Hofmann A, Schule S, Ardelt M, Dirsch O, Runnebaum IB, Settmacher U. Liver resection in selected patients with metastatic breast cancer: a single-centre analysis and review of literature. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2013;139(8):1317–25.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Selzner M, Morse MA, Vredenburgh JJ, Meyers WC, Clavien PA. Liver metastases from breast cancer: long-term survival after curative resection. Surgery. 2000;127(4):383–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Wong SL, Mangu PB, Choti MA, Crocenzi TS, Dodd 3rd GD, Dorfman GS, Eng C, Fong Y, Giusti AF, Lu D, Marsland TA, Michelson R, Poston GJ, Schrag D, Seidenfeld J, Benson 3rd AB. American Society of Clinical Oncology 2009 clinical evidence review on radiofrequency ablation of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2010;28(3): 493–508.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Adam R, Aloia T, Krissat J, Bralet MP, Paule B, Giacchetti S, Delvart V, Azoulay D, Bismuth H, Castaing D. Is liver resection justified for patients with hepatic metastases from breast cancer? Ann Surg. 2006;244(6):897–907.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Vogl TJ, Naguib NN, Lehnert T, Nour-Eldin NE, Eichler K, Zangos S, Gruber-Rouh T. Initial experience with repetitive transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a third line treatment of ovarian cancer metastasis to the liver: indications, outcomes and role in patient’s management. Gynecol Oncol. 2012;124(2):225–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Jones C, Badger SA, Ellis G. The role of microwave ablation in the management of hepatic colorectal metastases. Surgeon. 2011;9(1):33–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Covey AM, Sofocleous CT. Radiofrequency ablation as a treatment strategy for liver metastases from breast cancer. Semin Intervent Radiol. 2008;25(4):406–12.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Kornprat P, Jarnagin WR, Gonen M, DeMatteo RP, Fong Y, Blumgart LH, D’Angelica M. Outcome after hepatectomy for multiple (four or more) colorectal metastases in the era of effective chemotherapy. Ann Surg Oncol. 2007;14(3):1151–60.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Choti MA, Sitzmann JV, Tiburi MF, Sumetchotimetha W, Rangsin R, Schulick RD, Lillemoe KD, Yeo CJ, Cameron JL. Trends in long-term survival following liver resection for hepatic colorectal metastases. Ann Surg. 2002;235(6):759–66.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Amano R, Yamada N, Nakata B, Kimura K, Yashiro M, Ohira M, Hirakawa K. A prognostic indicator for the resection of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. Surg Today.2014;44(7):1287–92.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Carlini M, Lonardo MT, Carboni F, Petric M, Vitucci C, Santoro R, Lepiane P, Ettorre GM, Santoro E. Liver metastases from breast cancer. Results of surgical resection. Hepatogastroenterology. 2002;49(48): 1597–601.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Maksan SM, Lehnert T, Bastert G, Herfarth C. Curative liver resection for metastatic breast cancer. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2000;26(3):209–12.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Kostov DV, Kobakov GL, Yankov DV. Prognostic factors related to surgical outcome of liver metastases of breast cancer. J Breast Cancer. 2013;16(2):184–92.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Sarmiento JM, Heywood G, Rubin J, Ilstrup DM, Nagorney DM, Que FG. Surgical treatment of neuroendocrine metastases to the liver: a plea for resection to increase survival. J Am Coll Surg. 2003;197(1): 29–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Takemura N, Saiura A, Koga R, Arita J, Yoshioka R, Ono Y, Sano T, Yamamoto J, Kokudo N, Yamaguchi T. Long-term results of hepatic resection for non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine liver metastasis. Hepatogastroenterology. 2013;60(127):1705–12.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Takemura N, Saiura A, Koga R, Arita J, Yoshioka R, Ono Y, Hiki N, Sano T, Yamamoto J, Kokudo N, Yamaguchi T. Long-term outcomes after surgical resection for gastric cancer liver metastasis: an analysis of 64 macroscopically complete resections. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2012;397(6):951–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Niu GC, Shen CM, Cui W, Li Q. Hepatic resection is safe for metachronous hepatic metastases from ovarian cancer. Cancer Biol Med. 2012;9(3):182–7.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Cheon SH, Rha SY, Jeung HC, Im CK, Kim SH, Kim HR, Ahn JB, Roh JK, Noh SH, Chung HC. Survival benefit of combined curative resection of the stomach (D2 resection) and liver in gastric cancer patients with liver metastases. Ann Oncol. 2008;19(6):1146–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Sharma S, Camci C, Jabbour N. Management of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancers: an update. J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg. 2008;15(6): 570–80.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Altendorf-Hofmann A, Scheele J. A critical review of the major indicators of prognosis after resection of hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma. Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2003;12(1):165–92. xi.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Nordlinger B, Guiguet M, Vaillant JC, Balladur P, Boudjema K, Bachellier P, Jaeck D. Surgical resection of colorectal carcinoma metastases to the liver. A prognostic scoring system to improve case selection, based on 1568 patients. Association Francaise de Chirurgie. Cancer. 1996;77(7):1254–62.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Pawlik TM, Abdalla EK, Ellis LM, Vauthey JN, Curley SA. Debunking dogma: surgery for four or more colorectal liver metastases is justified. J Gastrointest Surg. 2006;10(2):240–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Mehrabi A, Mood ZA, Roshanaei N, Fonouni H, Muller SA, Schmied BM, Hinz U, Weitz J, Buchler MW, Schmidt J. Mesohepatectomy as an option for the treatment of central liver tumors. J Am Coll Surg. 2008;207(4):499–509.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Pulitano C, Bodingbauer M, Aldrighetti L, de Jong MC, Castillo F, Schulick RD, Parks RW, Choti MA, Wigmore SJ, Gruenberger T, Pawlik TM. Liver resection for colorectal metastases in presence of extrahepatic disease: results from an international multi-institutional analysis. Ann Surg Oncol. 2011;18(5):1380–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Fong Y, Fortner J, Sun RL, Brennan MF, Blumgart LH. Clinical score for predicting recurrence after hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer: analysis of 1001 consecutive cases. Ann Surg. 1999;230(3):309–18.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Fong Y. Surgical therapy of hepatic colorectal metastasis. CA Cancer J Clin. 1999;49(4):231–55.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Pawlik TM, Schulick RD, Choti MA. Expanding criteria for resectability of colorectal liver metastases. Oncologist. 2008;13(1):51–64.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Shimada H, Tanaka K, Endou I, Ichikawa Y. Treatment for colorectal liver metastases: a review. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2009;394(6):973–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Kakeji Y, Morita M, Maehara Y. Strategies for treating liver metastasis from gastric cancer. Surg Today. 2010;40(4):287–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Rolff HC, Calatayud D, Larsen PN, Wettergren A. Good results after repeated resection for colorectal liver metastases. Dan Med J. 2012;59(2):A4373.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Ruiz-Tovar J, Lopez HP. Repeated liver resection for recurrence of colorectal cancer metastases. Clin Transl Oncol. 2010;12(9):634–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Vogl TJ, Naguib NN, Nour-Eldin NE, Eichler K, Zangos S, Gruber-Rouh T. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with mitomycin C and gemcitabine for liver metastases in breast cancer. Eur Radiol. 2010;20(1):173–80.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Albert M, Kiefer MV, Sun W, Haller D, Fraker DL, Tuite CM, Stavropoulos SW, Mondschein JI, Soulen MC. Chemoembolization of colorectal liver metastases with cisplatin, doxorubicin, mitomycin C, ethiodol, and polyvinyl alcohol. Cancer. 2011;117(2): 343–52.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Ruers TJ, Joosten J, Jager GJ, Wobbes T. Long-term results of treating hepatic colorectal metastases with cryosurgery. Br J Surg. 2001;88(6):844–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Mala T, Edwin B, Mathisen O, Tillung T, Fosse E, Bergan A, SO O, Gladhaug I. Cryoablation of colorectal liver metastases: minimally invasive tumour control. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2004;39(6):571–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Gillams AR, Lees WR. Five-year survival in 309 patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with radiofrequency ablation. Eur Radiol. 2009;19(5): 1206–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Solbiati L, Livraghi T, Goldberg SN, Ierace T, Meloni F, Dellanoce M, Cova L, Halpern EF, Gazelle GS. Percutaneous radio-frequency ablation of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer: long-term results in 117 patients. Radiology. 2001;221(1):159–66.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Machi J, Oishi AJ, Sumida K, Sakamoto K, Furumoto NL, Oishi RH, Kylstra JW. Long-term outcome of radiofrequency ablation for unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer: evaluation of prognostic factors and effectiveness in first- and second-line management. Cancer J. 2006;12(4):318–26.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Liang P, Dong B, Yu X, Yu D, Wang Y, Feng L, Xiao Q. Prognostic factors for survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after percutaneous microwave ablation. Radiology. 2005;235(1): 299–307.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Lorentzen T, Skjoldbye BO, Nolsoe CP. Microwave ablation of liver metastases guided by contrast-enhanced ultrasound: experience with 125 metastases in 39 patients. Ultraschall Med. 2011;32(5):492–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Brown DB, Cardella JF, Sacks D, Goldberg SN, Gervais DA, Rajan D, Vedantham S, Miller DL, Brountzos EN, Grassi CJ, Towbin RB. Quality improvement guidelines for transhepatic arterial chemoembolization, embolization, and chemotherapeutic infusion for hepatic malignancy. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2006;17(2 Pt 1):225–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Vogl TJ, Gruber T, Balzer JO, Eichler K, Hammerstingl R, Zangos S. Repeated transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of liver metastases of colorectal cancer: prospective study. Radiology. 2009;250(1): 281–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Poggi G, Pozzi E, Riccardi A, Tonini S, Montagna B, Quaretti P, Tagliaferri B, Sottotetti F, Baiardi P, Pagella C, Minoia C, Bernardo G. Complications of image-guided transcatheter hepatic chemoembolization of primary and secondary tumours of the liver. Anticancer Res. 2010;30(12):5159–64.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Seifert JK, Junginger T, Morris DL. A collective review of the world literature on hepatic cryotherapy. J R Coll Surg Edinb. 1998;43(3):141–54.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Weaver ML, Ashton JG, Zemel R. Treatment of colorectal liver metastases by cryotherapy. Semin Surg Oncol. 1998;14(2):163–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Sarantou T, Bilchik A, Ramming KP. Complications of hepatic cryosurgery. Semin Surg Oncol. 1998;14(2): 156–62.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Seifert JK, Morris DL. Prognostic factors after cryotherapy for hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. Ann Surg. 1998;228(2):201–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Seifert JK, Morris DL. Indicators of recurrence following cryotherapy for hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. Br J Surg. 1999;86(2):234–40.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Hamad GG, Neifeld JP. Biochemical, hematologic, and immunologic alterations following hepatic cryotherapy. Semin Surg Oncol. 1998;14(2):122–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Seifert JK, Morris DL. World survey on the complications of hepatic and prostate cryotherapy. World J Surg. 1999;23(2):109–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Goldberg SN, Gazelle GS, Solbiati L, Livraghi T, Tanabe KK, Hahn PF, Mueller PR. Ablation of liver tumors using percutaneous RF therapy. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1998;170(4):1023–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Lencioni R, Goletti O, Armillotta N, Paolicchi A, Moretti M, Cioni D, Donati F, Cicorelli A, Ricci S, Carrai M, Conte PF, Cavina E, Bartolozzi C. Radio-frequency thermal ablation of liver metastases with a cooled-tip electrode needle: results of a pilot clinical trial. Eur Radiol. 1998;8(7):1205–11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Curley SA, Izzo F, Delrio P, Ellis LM, Granchi J, Vallone P, Fiore F, Pignata S, Daniele B, Cremona F. Radiofrequency ablation of unresectable primary and metastatic hepatic malignancies: results in 123 patients. Ann Surg. 1999;230(1):1–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Livraghi T, Goldberg SN, Solbiati L, Meloni F, Ierace T, Gazelle GS. Percutaneous radio-frequency ablation of liver metastases from breast cancer: initial experience in 24 patients. Radiology. 2001;220(1):145–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Mulier S, Mulier P, Ni Y, Miao Y, Dupas B, Marchal G, De Wever I, Michel L. Complications of radiofrequency coagulation of liver tumours. Br J Surg. 2002;89(10):1206–22.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Kudo M. Local ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and future perspectives. J Gastroenterol. 2004;39(3):205–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Tabuse K, Katsumi M, Kobayashi Y, Noguchi H, Egawa H, Aoyama O, Kim H, Nagai Y, Yamaue H, Mori K, Azuma Y, Tsuji T. Microwave surgery: hepatectomy using a microwave tissue coagulator. World J Surg. 1985;9(1):136–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Tabuse K. A new operative procedure of hepatic surgery using a microwave tissue coagulator. Nihon Geka Hokan. 1979;48(2):160–72.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Simon CJ, Dupuy DE, Mayo-Smith WW. Microwave ablation: principles and applications. Radiographics. 2005;25 Suppl 1:S69–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Wright AS, Sampson LA, Warner TF, Mahvi DM, Lee Jr FT. Radiofrequency versus microwave ablation in a hepatic porcine model. Radiology. 2005;236(1):132–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Iannitti DA, Martin RC, Simon CJ, Hope WW, Newcomb WL, McMasters KM, Dupuy D. Hepatic tumor ablation with clustered microwave antennae: the US Phase II trial. HPB (Oxford). 2007;9(2):120–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Abe H, Kurumi Y, Naka S, Shiomi H, Umeda T, Naitoh H, Endo Y, Hanasawa K, Morikawa S, Tani T. Open-configuration MR-guided microwave thermocoagulation therapy for metastatic liver tumors from breast cancer. Breast Cancer. 2005;12(1):26–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Liang P, Dong B, Yu X, Yang Y, Yu D, Su L, Xiao Q, Sheng L. Prognostic factors for percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy of hepatic metastases. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2003;181(5):1319–25.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Stattner S, Jones RP, Yip VS, Buchanan K, Poston GJ, Malik HZ, Fenwick SW. Microwave ablation with or without resection for colorectal liver metastases. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2013;39(8):844–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Dong BW, Liang P, Yu XL, Zeng XQ, Wang PJ, Su L, Wang XD, Xin H, Li S. Sonographically guided microwave coagulation treatment of liver cancer: an experimental and clinical study. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1998;171(2):449–54.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Livraghi T, Meloni F, Solbiati L, Zanus G, Collaborative Italian Group using AMICA system. Complications of microwave ablation for liver tumors: results of a multicenter study. Cardiovasc Interv Radiol. 2012;35(4):868–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  72. Ding J, Jing X, Liu J, Wang Y, Wang F, Du Z. Complications of thermal ablation of hepatic tumours: comparison of radiofrequency and microwave ablative techniques. Clin Radiol. 2013;68(6): 608–15.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, China

    Yan Lin MD & Ping Liang MD

Authors
  1. Yan Lin MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ping Liang MD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ping Liang MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Dept. of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China

    Ping Liang

  2. The Dept. of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China

    Xiao-ling Yu

  3. The Dept. of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China

    Jie Yu

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Lin, Y., Liang, P. (2015). Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Microwave Ablation of Liver Metastasis. In: Liang, P., Yu, Xl., Yu, J. (eds) Microwave Ablation Treatment of Solid Tumors. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9315-5_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9315-5_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-017-9314-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-9315-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation