The emergent role of focal liver ablation techniques in the treatment of primary and secondary liver tumours

Only 20% of patients with primary or secondary liver tumours are suitable for resection because of extrahepatic disease or the anatomical distribution of their disease. These patients could be treated by ablation of the tumour, thus preserving functioning liver. This study presents a detailed review of established and experimental ablation procedures. The relative merits of each technique will be discussed and clinical data regarding the efficacy of the techniques evaluated. A literature search from 1966 to 2003 was undertaken using Medline, Pubmed and Web of Science databases. Keywords were Hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastases, percutaneous ethanol injection, cryotherapy, microwave coagulation therapy, radiofrequency ablation, interstitial laser photocoagulation, focused high-intensity ultrasound, hot saline injection, electrolysis and acetic acid injection. Ablative techniques offer a promising therapeutic modality to treat unresectable tumours. Large-scale randomised controlled trials are required before widespread acceptance of these techniques can occur.