Contemporary Evidence on Colorectal Liver Metastases Ablation: Toward a Paradigm Shift in Locoregional Treatment

Authors

Yuan-Mao Lin
Reto Bale
Kristy K Brock
Bruno C Odisio

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Journal

International Journal of Hyperthermia

Abstract

Image-guided percutaneous ablation techniques represent an attractive local therapy for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) given its low risk of severe complications, which allows for early initiation of adjuvant therapies and spare functional liver parenchyma, allowing repeated treatments at the time of recurrence. However, ablation does not consistently achieve similar oncological outcomes to surgery, with the latter being currently considered the first-line local treatment modality in international guidelines. Recent application of computer-assisted ablation planning, guidance, and intra-procedural response assessment has improved percutaneous ablation outcomes. In addition, the evolving understanding of tumor molecular profiling has brought to light several biological factors associated with oncological outcomes following local therapies. The standardization of ablation procedures, the understanding of previously unknown biological factors affecting ablation outcomes, and the evidence by ongoing prospective clinical trials are poised to change the current perspective and indications on the use of ablation for CLM.

Keywords

Biological Factors, Catheter Ablation, Colorectal Neoplasms, Humans, Liver Neoplasms, Prospective Studies, Treatment Outcome, Colorectal cancer, liver metastases, percutaneous ablation, liver resection

DOI

10.1080/02656736.2021.1970245

PMID

35465805

PMCID

PMC11770825

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

1-27-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Published Open-Access

yes