Radiofrequency ablation of hepatic metastasis: results of treatment in forty patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the local control of hepatic metastasis with radiofrequency ablation treatment.


METHODS
We did a retrospective analysis in 40 patients treated with radiofrequency ablation for hepatic metastasis. The tumors ablated included up to two metastatic liver lesions, with primaries in breast, gastrointestinal tract, cervix, etc. Radiofrequency ablation was performed under general anesthesia in all cases, using ultrasound guidance. Radionics Cool-Tip RF System was used to deliver the treatment.


RESULTS
The median age of patients treated was 49 years. There were 13 female and 27 male patients. The median tumor size ablated was 1.5 cm (0.75-4.0 cm). A total of 52 radiofrequency ablation cycles were delivered. Successful ablation was achieved in all patients with hepatic metastasis less than 3 cm in size. Pain was the most common complication seen (75%). One patients developed skin burns. At 2-year follow-up 7.5% of patients had locally recurrent disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment modality. It can be useful in a select group of patients with solitary liver metastasis of less than 3 cm size.
Rath
G K
GK
Department of Radiation Oncology, DRBRA Institute, Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi - 110 029, India.
Julka
P K
PK
Thulkar
S
S
Sharma
D N
DN
Bahl
Amit
A
Bhatnagar
S
S
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome