Role of image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation in the management of colorectal cancer liver metastases

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the developed world and the third most common malignancy worldwide, with more than 1 million people affected. Approximately half of this population develops colorectal liver metastases (CLM) with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality, yet only a minority of these patients (10–15%) can undergo hepatectomy (1). Image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation (TA) destroys cancer cells by delivering heat directly into the tumor using radiofrequency (RFA) or microwave (MWA) energy, via special needles/electrodes.