Radiofrequence ablation of liver cancers.
Primary and secondary malignant liver cancer are some of most common malignant tumors in the world. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not very effective against them. Surgical resection has been considered the only potentially curtive option, but the majority of patients are not candidates for resection because of tumor size, location near major intrahepatic blood vessels and bile ducts, precluding a margin-negative resection, cirrhotic, hepatitis virus infection or multifocial. Radiofrequence ablation (RFA), which is a new evolving effective and minimally invasive technique, can produce coagulative necrosis of malignant tumors. RFA should be used percutaneously, laparascopically, or during the open laparotomy under the guidance of ultrasound, CT scan and MRI. RFA has lots of advantages superior to other local therapies including lower complications, reduced costs and hospital stays, and the possibility of repeated treatment. In general, RFA is a safe, effective treatment for unresectable malignant liver tumors less than 7.0 cm in diameter. We review the principle, mechanism, procedures and experience with RFA for treating malignant liver tumors.
Liu
Lian-Xin
LX
Department of Surgery, the First Clinical College, Harbin Medical University, No.23 Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China. scott_lxliu@hotmail.com
Jiang
Hong-Chi
HC
Piao
Da-Xun
DX
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy