Long term survival after multiple microwave ablations for colorectal cancer lung metastases: A case report

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality in the world, with lower survival rates when metastases are present. We present a case of a 69-year-old man, diagnosed with metastatic rectal cancer to the lungs in 2015. Over the course of 5 years, he was treated with 4 microwave ablation procedures to both his lungs. Despite this, he does not have any local recurrence or any symptoms since he was first diagnosed 7 years ago. This case highlights the potential for microwave ablation to be used for curative intent in pulmonary metastases in colorectal cancer as an alternative to more invasive and complex procedures such as metastasectomies or lung resection, as well as the benefit of using microwave ablation for disease control to improve patients’ quality of life.

Keywords

• Pulmonary microwave ablation
• Colorectal cancer
• Pulmonary metastases
• Long term prognosis