Long-term results of radiofrequency and microwave ablation of colorectal cancer liver metastasis

Abstract

Background : : Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA) is effective for colorectal cancer liver metastases. We aimed to investigate the impact of different variables on survival. Methods : : Sixty-four patients (142 lesions) who underwent thermoablation between January 2007 and January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The overall survival (OS) and liver progression-free survival (Li-PFS) were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Univariable and multivariable Cox-regression were done to identify prognostic factors. Results : : No significant difference was found between median OS (59.39 months) and Li-PFS (41.22 months) of patients who received MWA (n = 33); and median OS (61.00 months) and Li-PFS (53.43 months) of patients who received RFA (n = 31) (OS: P = 0.697; Li-PFS: P = 0.122). The median OS and Li-PFS were significantly decreased with lung metastases and K-ras mutations (P Conclusion : : Concomitant lung metastasis and mutant K-ras were associated with shorter survival. Survival did not differ significantly regarding thermoablation technique or prior systemic chemotherapy. However, in the patient group with lung metastases, curative treatments had better survival than patients who received chemotherapy only. Additional therapeutic options should be considered in patients with concomitant lung metastasis.

Keywords

• ablation techniques; colorectal neoplasms; drug therapy; genes
• ras; survival analysis