Radiofrequency Ablation of Colorectal Liver Metastases: Small Size Favorably Predicts Technique Effectiveness and Survival

Journal Article · Mon Sep 15 00:00:00 EDT 2008 · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S00270-008-9362-0· OSTI ID:21426348

Veltri, Andrea; Sacchetto, Paola; Tosetti, Irene ^[1]; Pagano, Eva ^[2]; Fava, Cesare ^[1]; Gandini, Giovanni ^[3]

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1. University of Torino, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Radiology (Italy)
2. University of Torino, Unit of Cancer Epidemiology (Italy)
3. University of Torino, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (Italy)

The objective of this study was to analyze long-term results of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) for colorectal metastases (MTS), in order to evaluate predictors for adverse events, technique effectiveness, and survival. One hundred ninety-nine nonresectable MTS (0.5-8 cm; mean, 2.9 cm) in 122 patients underwent a total of 166 RFA sessions, percutaneously or during surgery. The technique was 'simple' or 'combined' with vascular occlusion. The mean follow-up time was 24.2 months. Complications, technique effectiveness, and survival rates were statistically analyzed. Adverse events occurred in 8.1% of lesions (major complication rate: 1.1%), 7.1% with simple and 16.7% with combined technique (p = 0.15). Early complete response was obtained in 151 lesions (81.2%), but 49 lesions (26.3%) recurred locally after a mean of 10.4 months. Sustained complete ablation was achieved in 66.7% of lesions {<=}3 cm versus 33.3% of lesions >3 cm (p < 0.0001). Survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 91%, 54%, and 33%, respectively, from the diagnosis of MTS and 79%, 38%, and 22%, respectively, from RFA. Mean survival time from RFA was 31.5 months, 36.2 in patients with main MTS {<=}3 cm and 23.2 in those with at least one lesion >3 cm (p = 0.006). We conclude that 'simple' RFA is safe and successful for MTS {<=}3 cm, contributing to prolong survival when patients can be completely treated.

• OSTI ID: 21426348
• Journal Information: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Vol. 31, Issue 5; Other Information: DOI: 10.1007/s00270-008-9362-0; Copyright (c) 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC; ISSN 0174-1551
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ABLATION
LIVER
METASTASES
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SURGERY
SURVIVAL TIME
BODY
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GLANDS
MEDICINE
ORGANS
RADIATIONS