Thermal ablative therapies for secondary hepatic malignancies. Cancer J. 2010;16:111-117. [PMID: 20404607 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0b013e3181d7ea07]

Ultrasound Image-Based Radiomics: An Innovative Method to Identify Primary Tumorous Sources of Liver Metastases

OBJECTIVES

To develop radiomic models of B-mode ultrasound (US) signatures for determining the origin of primary tumors in metastatic liver disease.

METHODS

A total of 254 patients with a diagnosis of metastatic liver disease were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the origin of the primary tumor: group 1 (digestive tract versus non-digestive tract tumors), group 2 (breast cancer versus non-breast cancer), and group 3 (lung cancer versus other malignancies). The patients in each group were allocated to a training or testing set (a ratio of 8:2). The region of interest of liver metastasis was determined through manual differentiation of the tumors, and radiomic signatures were acquired from B-mode US images. Optimal features were selected to develop 3 radiomic models using multiple-dimensionality reduction and classifier screening. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to assess each model's performance.

RESULTS

A total of 5936 features were extracted, and 40, 6, and 14 optimal features were sequentially identified for the development of radiomic models for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, with training set AUC values of 0.938, 0.974, and 0.768 and testing set AUC values of 0.767, 0.768, and 0.750. The differences in age, sex, and number of liver metastatic lesions varied greatly between the 4 primary tumors (P < .050).

CONCLUSIONS

B-mode US radiomic models could be effective supplemental means to identify the origin of hepatic metastatic lesions (ie, unknown primary sites).

Operative Microwave Ablation for the Multimodal Treatment of Neuroendocrine Liver Metastases

Background and Purpose: Operative microwave ablation (MWA) is a safe modality for treating hepatic tumors. The aim of this study is to present our 10-year, single-center experience of operative MWA for neuroendocrine liver metastases (NLM). Methods: A single-institution retrospective review of patients who underwent operative MWA for NLM was performed (2008-2018). Demographics, primary tumor site, operative approach, combined surgical operations, and carcinoid symptoms were recorded. Clinical outcomes for major complications, readmission, and mortality were analyzed 30 days postoperatively. Postablation imaging was evaluated for incomplete ablation/missed lesions, and surveillance imaging reviewed for local, regional, and metastatic recurrence. Results: Of the 50 patients (166 targeted lesions) who received MWA for NLM, 41 (82%) were treated with a minimally invasive approach, and 22 (44%) underwent MWA concomitant with hepatectomy and/or primary tumor resection. Within the study cohort 70% of patients were treated with curative intent with a 77% (27/35) success rate. Carcinoid symptoms were reported in 40% (20/50) of patients preoperatively, and MWA treatment improved symptoms in 19/20 patients. Incomplete ablation occurred in 1/166 treated lesions. Recurrence-free survival at 1 and 5 years was 86% and 28%, respectively. Overall survival at 1 and 5 years was 94% and 70%, respectively (median follow-up 32 months, range 0-116 months). Conclusion: Operative MWA is a versatile modality, which can be safe and effectively performed alone or combined with hepatectomy for NLM, preferably using a minimally invasive approach, to achieve symptom control and possibly improve survival.

Long-term survival of an elderly patient with advanced gastric cancer after combination therapy: a case report and literature review

Background

Gastric cancer ranks the fifth most common cancer, and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Gastric cancer with liver metastasis (GCLM) has devastating prognosis, however, optimal treatment of GCLM, especially in elderly patients, has yet to be clarified.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer (GC), presenting with acute gastrointestinal bleeding and synchronous metastatic lesion in liver. Based on multidisciplinary team (MDT)‘s decision, this patient underwent distal palliative gastrectomy with R1 margin. Histopathological diagnosis was stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma (pT3N2M1), HER2 negative. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and argon-helium cryoablation of liver and lung metastases.HER-2 gene amplification was identified in peripheral blood at later stage of therapy. The patient had been followed-up for 39 months, in sharp contrast to a median survival time of 13.8 months for majority of advanced GC.

Conclusions

Palliative distal gastrectomy in combination with chemotherapy and cryoablation significantly prolongs overall survival of an elderly patient with GCLM.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5683-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Does the Site of the Primary Affect Outcomes When Ablating Colorectal Liver Metastases with Radiofrequency Ablation?

PURPOSE

To determine whether primary tumor side was a predictor of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) outcome in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. From January 2007 to December 2013, 102 patients underwent RFA of metachronous CRLM were enrolled in this study with propensity score matching method. Recurrence rate (RR) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed between two patients cohorts with primary left-side colorectal cancer (LSCRC) or primary right-side colon cancer (RSCC).

RESULTS

The total RR was 59.8% in all patients. Patients in LSCRC cohort had lower RR and non-local recurrence (NLR) rate than those in RSCC patients' cohort (49.0 vs 70.6%, p = 0.026 and 21.6 vs 41.2%, p = 0.033). Five-year OS was 14 and 30% for RSCC and LSCRC, respectively. There was a significant difference between two cohorts in median OS (29.4 vs 40.3 months for RSCC and LSCRC, respectively, p = 0.042). Univariate analysis showed that primary tumor side, the number of liver metastases, tumor size, carcinoembryonic antigen level, differentiation, TNM stage, active chemotherapy and RFA boundary were significant in predicting OS. When these variables were subsequently entered in a multivariate model, RSCC (p < 0.001; hazard ratio [HR], 6.2) and tumor size (> 3 cm) (p = 0.006; HR, 3.9) were significant.

CONCLUSION

LSCRC and tumor size (≤ 3 cm) are independent predictors of RFA in CRLM and yield the better oncologic outcomes.

Laparoscopic image-based navigation for microwave ablation of liver tumors-A multi-center study

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic navigation technology has been proposed to augment accuracy in targeting intrahepatic lesions for local ablation therapy. This retrospective study evaluated accuracy, efficacy, and safety when using laparoscopic image-guided microwave ablation (LIMA) for malignant liver tumors.

METHODS

All patients treated for malignant liver lesions using LIMA at two European centers between 2013 and 2015 were included for analysis. A landmark-based registration technique was applied for intraoperative tumor localization and positioning of ablation probes. Intraoperative efficiency of the procedure was measured as number of registration attempts and time needed to achieve sufficient registration accuracy. Technical accuracy was assessed as Fiducial Registration Error (FRE). Outcome at 90 days including mortality, postoperative morbidity, rates of incomplete ablations, and early intrahepatic recurrences were reported.

RESULTS

In 34 months, 54 interventions were performed comprising a total of 346 lesions (median lesions per patient 3 (1-25)). Eleven patients had concomitant laparoscopic resections of the liver or the colorectal primary tumor. Median time for registration was 4:38 min (0:26-19:34). Average FRE was 8.1 ± 2.8 mm. Follow-up at 90 days showed one death, 24% grade I/II, and 4% grade IIIa complications. Median length of hospital stay was 2 days (1-11). Early local recurrence was 9% per lesion and 32% per patient. Of these, 63% were successfully re-ablated within 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

LIMA does not interfere with the intraoperative workflow and results in low complication and early local recurrence rates, even when simultaneously targeting multiple lesions. LIMA may represent a valid therapy option for patients with extensive hepatic disease within a multimodal treatment approach.

Percutaneous microwave ablation combined with synchronous transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases: results from a follow-up cohort

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) combined with synchronous transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in 30 patients who were treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous MWA combined with synchronous TACE for colorectal cancer liver metastases from November 2011 to December 2014 in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. The response of the tumor to treatment was evaluated by follow-up computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Local tumor control, procedure-related complications, and long-term survival data were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients with 43 tumors ranging in size from 1.4 cm to 10.0 cm were analyzed. The patients' mean age was 61.6±10.3 years (range, 44.0-78.0 years). The median follow-up time was 26.5±10.4 months (range, 13.3-50.6 months). The complete ablation rate was 81.4% (35/43 lesions) for CRLM. Complete response was achieved in eight cases (26.7%), and partial response was achieved in 17 cases (56.7%) 1 month after the procedure. The objective response rate (complete response + partial response) was 83.4%. Progression-free survival and overall survival were 5.0 months and 11.0 months, respectively. The 12-month and 24-month survival rates were 46.7% and 25.4%, respectively. A total of 22 patients succumbed during follow-up due to tumor progression. No major complications or perioperative mortalities were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous MWA combined with synchronous TACE therapy is a safe and effective modality for patients with CRLM.

Thermal necrosis induced by electrocauterization as a local adjuvant therapy in local aggressive bone tumors, what is the safe limit for surgical margins? An experimental study

OBJECTIVE

In the current study, it was aimed to investigate the temperature change in the cavity wall and pathologic necrosis occurred during cauterization, which was applied at different voltages and time intervals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The right tibias of 32 male rabbits were used. Three 2-mm-diameter holes were created on the cortical surface of the tibia using a hand-held drill. Using an electrocautery device, 55 mV was applied for 3 and 5 s and 65 mV was applied for 3 and 5 s. Maximum temperatures at 3 and 6 mm distance from the application site were measured. Biopsy specimens obtained at 3 and 6 mm distance from the application site were evaluated microscopically for bone cell viability and periosteal necrosis.

RESULTS

Thirty-two rabbits were divided into four groups. In all groups, periosteal bone cells located at the region, extending from the application site to 3 mm distance, died. In this region, application of 55 mV for 3 s caused peripheral necrosis. There were significant differences between the four groups in terms of maximum temperatures measured at 3 mm distance from the application site (p = 0.027). On the other hand, no significant differences were noted between the four groups in terms of maximum temperatures measured at 6 mm distance from the application site (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cauterization of the cavity wall in the spray mode at 55 mV for 3 s after tumor resection caused necrosis in the cavity wall, extending from the application site to 3 mm distance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Experimental animal study, Level II.

Radiofrequency ablation of unresectable colorectal liver metastases: trends in management and outcome during a decade at a single center

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely used for treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of increased experience in RFA of CRLM on morbidity and survival, and the trends in patient management and outcomes during the last decade.

Material and Methods

Hospital records of the initial 52 consecutive patients who underwent RFA (56 procedures/70 lesions) were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to time period of treatment, period I (2001–2006: n = 26) and period II (2007–2011: n = 26).

Results

Concomitant liver resection was performed in 15 patients in each period. Operative morbidity decreased from 47% to 19% (P = 0.047). Most complications were found in patients who underwent a concomitant liver resection and not related to the ablation per se. Local recurrence rate decreased from 19.4% to 12.9% (P = 0.526). At least one risk factor for recurrence was found in patients with local recurrence (n = 11): subcapsular localization (n = 4), tumor size >3 cm and subcapsular localization (n = 2), and perivascular localization (portal veins/hepatic veins) (n = 5). Median overall survival was 32 months in period I and 49 months in period II, whereas estimated 5-year survival was 19% and 36%, respectively (P = 0.09). Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to four patients (15.4%) in period I and 13 patients (50%) in period II (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

RFA alone or in combination with liver resection is a potentially curative treatment to selected patients with CRLM. Over time, the morbidity and survival have improved in RFA of CRLM. Although a possible effect of a learning curve should be taken into consideration in the appraisal of this improvement, it is more likely to be attributable to optimization of indication, development in surgical techniques, and increased use of perioperative chemotherapy.

Long-term survival following radiofrequency ablation of colorectal liver metastases: A retrospective study

AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the long-term survival of patients that received radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapies of colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS: In 2005 to 2008, RFA of 105 colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) were performed on 49 patients in our institution. The liver metastases were evaluated, both before and after ablation therapies, with contrast enhanced computerised tomography and contrast enhanced ultrasonography. Histological evidence of malignant liver metastases was obtained in the few instances where contrast enhanced ultrasonography gave equivocal results. Accesses to the CRLM were guided ultrasonically in all patients. The data obtained from records of these ablations were retrospectively analysed and survival data were compared with existing studies in the literature.

RESULTS: 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year survival rates, when no stringent selection criteria were applied, were 92%, 65%, 51%, 41% and 29% respectively. To explore the impact of the number and size of CRLM on patients’ survival, an exclusion of 13 patients (26.5%) with number of CRLM ≥ 5 and tumour size ≥ 40 mm resulted in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year survival rates improving to 94%, 69%, 53%, 42% and 31% respectively. It is of note that 9 of 49 patients developed extra-hepatic metastases, not visible or seen on pre-treatment scans, just after RFA treatment. These patients had poorer survival. The development of extra-hepatic metastases in nearly 20% of the patients included in our study can partly account for modestly lower survival rates as compared with earlier studies in the literature.

CONCLUSION: Our study underscores the fact that optimum patients’ selection before embarking on RFA treatment is vitally important to achieving a superior outcome.

Hepatectomy vs radiofrequency ablation for colorectal liver metastasis: A propensity score analysis

AIM: To compare outcomes from radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and hepatectomy for treatment of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).

METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2009, 408 patients underwent curative intent treatment for CRLM. We excluded patients using the criteria: size of CRLM > 3 cm, number of CRLM ≥ 5, percutaneous RFA, follow-up period < 12 mo, double primary cancer, or treatment with both RFA and hepatectomy. We matched 51 patients who underwent RFA with 102 patients who underwent hepatectomy by propensity scores.

RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 45 mo (range, 12 mo to 158 mo). Hepatic recurrence was more frequent in the RFA than the hepatectomy group (P = 0.021) although extrahepatic recurrence curves were similar (P = 0.716). Survival curves of hepatectomy group were better than that of RFA for multiple, large (> 2 cm) CRLM (P = 0.034). However, survival curves were similar for single or small (≤ 2 cm) CRLM (P = 0.714, P = 0.740).

CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy is better than RFA for the treatment of CRLM. However, RFA might be suitable for selected patients with single, small (≤ 2 cm) CRLM.

Role of surgery and transplantation in the treatment of hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumor

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are a heterogeneous group of cancers, with indolent behavior. The most common primary origin is the gastro-intestinal tract but can also appear in the lungs, kidneys, adrenals, ovaries and other organs. In general, NET is usually discovered in the metastatic phase (40%-80%). The liver is the most common organ involved when metastases occur (40%-93%), followed by bone (12%-20%) and lung (8%-10%).A number of different therapeutic options are available for the treatment of hepatic metastases including surgical resection, transplantation, ablation, trans-arterial chemoembolization, chemotherapy and somatostatin analogues. Recently, molecular targeted therapies have been used, usually in combination with other treatment options, to improve outcomes in patients with metastases. This article emphasizes on the role of surgery in the treatment of liver metastases from NET.

Long-term outcomes following microwave ablation for liver malignancies

BACKGROUND

Microwave ablation has emerged as a promising treatment for liver malignancies, but there are scant long-term follow-up data. This study evaluated long-term outcomes, with a comparison of 915-MHz and 2.4-GHz ablation systems.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of patients with malignant liver tumours undergoing operative microwave ablation with or without liver resection between 2008 and 2013. Regional or systemic (neo)adjuvant therapy was given selectively. Local recurrence was analysed using competing-risk methods with clustering, and overall survival was determined from Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

A total of 176 patients with 416 tumours were analysed. Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) comprised 81.0 per cent of tumours, hepatocellular carcinoma 8.4 per cent, primary biliary cancer 1.7 per cent and non-CRLM 8.9 per cent. Median follow-up was 20.5 months. Local recurrence developed after treatment of 33 tumours (7.9 per cent) in 31 patients (17.6 per cent). Recurrence rates increased with tumour size, and were 1.0, 9.3 and 33 per cent for lesions smaller than 1 cm, 1-3 cm and larger than 3 cm respectively. On univariable analysis, the local recurrence rate was higher after ablation of larger tumours (hazard ratio (HR) 2.05 per cm; P < 0.001), in those with a perivascular (HR 3.71; P = 0.001) or subcapsular (HR 2.71; P = 0.008) location, or biliary or non-CRLM histology (HR 2.47; P = 0.036), and with use of the 2.4-GHz ablation system (HR 3.79; P = 0.001). Tumour size (P < 0.001) and perivascular position (P = 0.045) remained significant independent predictors on multivariable analysis. Regional chemotherapy was associated with decreased local recurrence (HR 0.49; P = 0.049). Overall survival at 4 years was 58.3 per cent for CRLM and 79.4 per cent for other pathology (P = 0.360).

CONCLUSION

Microwave ablation of liver malignancies, either combined or not combined with liver resection, and selective regional and systemic therapy resulted in good long-term survival. Local recurrence rates were low after treatment of tumours smaller than 3 cm in diameter, and those remote from vessels.

Current status of imaging and emerging techniques to evaluate liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. Liver is a common site of tumor spread and in approximately 30% of the cases; synchronous liver disease is present at the time of diagnosis. Early detection of liver metastases is crucial to appropriately select patients who may benefit from hepatic resection among those needing chemotherapy, to improve 5-year survival. Advances in imaging techniques have contributed greatly to the management of these patients. Multidetector computed tomography is the most useful test for initial staging and in posttreatment surveillance settings. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered superior to multidetector computed tomography and positron emission tomography for the detection and characterization of small lesions and for liver evaluation in the presence of background fatty liver changes. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography has a problem-solving role in the detection of distant metastasis and in posttreatment evaluation. The advanced imaging methods also serve a role in selecting appropriate patients for radiologically targeted therapies and in monitoring response to conventional and novel therapies.

Rationale for ablation of oligometastatic disease and the role of stereotactic body radiation therapy for hepatic metastases

Management paradigms for metastatic solid tumors are evolving. Once regarded as uniformly incurable, today there is recognition of an intermediate oligometastatic state, where ablation of metastatic foci may improve disease control and prolong survival. In the setting of limited colorectal liver metastases, hepatic resection has resulted in favorable long-term outcomes, but is technically unsuitable for most patients. Stereotactic body radiation therapy represents an effective, noninvasive means of tumor ablation, supported by a large body of prospective evidence specific to hepatic metastases. This review examines the current rationale for ablation of oligometastatic disease, including various objectives beyond indefinite disease-free survival. The role of stereotactic body radiation therapy for ablation of hepatic metastases is then comprehensively reviewed.

Microwave ablation of liver metastases to overcome the limitations of radiofrequency ablation

PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate technical success, effectiveness and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with unresectable liver metastases, where radiofrequency ablation (RFA) presents some limits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five patients (17 men, 8 women) with 31 liver metastases >3 cm or located near vessels (>3 mm) were treated in a total of 29 sessions. Tumours were subdivided as follows: colorectal metastases (n=21) and no colorectal metastases (n=10). All procedures were performed percutaneously under ultrasound (US) guidance. Follow-up was performed with computed tomography (CT) scan at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment; mean follow-up period was 12.04 (range, 3-36) months. Technical success, mean disease-free survival, effectiveness and safety were evaluated.

RESULTS

Technical success was obtained in all cases. Mean disease-free survival was of 20.5 months. Local recurrence was recorded in 12.9% of metastases treated (4/31). No major complications were recorded. The rate of minor complications was 44.8% (13/29 sessions). Mortality at 30 days was 0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous MWA of liver metastases >3 cm or located near vessels (>3 mm) can be considered a valid and safe option, probably preferable to RFA. Further studies are required to confirm these encouraging initial results.

Radiofrequency ablation compared to resection in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare survival outcomes after hepatic resection (HR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at a Western hepatobiliary centre.

METHODS

Demographic details, clinicopathologic tumour characteristics and survival outcomes were compared among non-transplant candidate patients undergoing HR (n= 50) and RFA (n= 60) for early-stage HCC during 2001-2011.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent HR had larger tumours, a longer length of stay and a higher rate of postoperative complications. After a median follow-up of 29 months, there were no significant differences between the treatment groups in 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) [RFA group: 86%, 50%, 35%, respectively; HR group: 88%, 68%, 47%, respectively (P= 0.222)] or disease-free survival (DFS) [RFA group: 68%, 42%, 28%, respectively; HR group: 66%, 42%, 34%, respectively (P= 0.823)]. The 58 patients who underwent RFA demonstrated ablation success on follow-up computed tomography at 3 months. Of these, 96.5% of patients showed sustained ablation success over the entire follow-up period. In a subgroup analysis of patients with tumours measuring 2-5 cm, no differences in OS or DFS emerged between the HR and RFA groups. Similarly, no significant differences in outcomes in patients with Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis were seen between the RFA and HR groups.

CONCLUSIONS

  Radiofrequency ablation is comparable with HR in terms of OS and DFS. It is a reasonable alternative as a first-line treatment for HCC in well-selected patients who are not candidates for transplant.

Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation for abdominal wall metastatic tumors: a preliminary study

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave (MW) ablation for abdominal wall metastatic tumors.

METHODS

From August 2007 to December 2010, a total of 11 patients with 23 abdominal wall nodules (diameter 2.59 cm ± 1.11 cm, range 1.3 cm to 5.0 cm) were treated with MW ablation. One antenna was inserted into the center of tumors less than 1.7 cm, and multiple antennae were inserted simultaneously into tumors 1.7 cm or larger. A 21 gauge thermocouple was inserted near important organs which required protection (such as bowel or gallbladder) for real-time temperature monitoring during MW ablation. Treatment outcome was observed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [or computed tomography (CT)] during follow-up.

RESULTS

MW ablation was well tolerated by all patients. Six patients with 11 nodules had 1 thermocouple inserted near important organs for real-time temperature monitoring and the maximum temperature was 56 °C. Major complications included mild pain (54.5%), post-ablation fever (100%) and abdominal wall edema (25%). All 23 tumors (100%) in this group were completely ablated, and no residual tumor or local recurrence was observed at a median follow-up of 13 mo (range 1 to 32 mo). The ablation zone was well defined on contrast-enhanced imaging (contrast-enhanced CT, MRI and/or contrast-enhanced ultrasound) and gradually shrank with time.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided MW ablation may be a feasible, safe and effective treatment for abdominal wall metastatic tumors in selected patients.

Yttrium-90 radioembolization of renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the liver

PURPOSE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of yttrium-90 ((90)Y) hepatic radioembolization treatment of patients with liver-dominant metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) refractory to immunotherapy and targeted therapies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2006 and December 2010, six patients with metastatic RCC underwent eight radioembolization treatments with (90)Y-labeled resin microspheres for unresectable liver-dominant metastases. All six patients had previous hepatic tumor progression despite targeted therapies or immunotherapies. All had bilobar disease and required whole-liver treatment. Clinical and biochemical toxicities were recorded, and tumor response was assessed every 2-3 months after treatment by cross-sectional imaging.

RESULTS

The median dose delivered was 1.89 Gbq (range 0.41-2.03 Gbq). Grade 1 and 2 toxicities were noted in all patients, primarily fatigue. Follow-up imaging was available for five patients. In follow-up periods from 2-64 months (mean 25 months), three patients showed complete responses, and 1 patient showed a partial response by standard imaging criteria, and these patients are alive at 64 months, 55 months, 17 months, and 7 months after treatment. Two patients with rapid progression of disease died within 2 months of treatment, although hepatic malignancy or failure was not the cause of death in either patient.

CONCLUSIONS

(90)Y radioembolization is a promising option for liver-dominant metastatic RCC with potential for providing long-term survival in patients refractory to or intolerant of targeted therapies.

Treatment of neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases

In the care of patients with hepatic neuroendocrine metastases, medical oncologists should work in multidisciplinary fashion with surgeons, interventional radiologists, and radiation oncologists to assess the potential utility of liver-directed and systemic therapies. This paper addresses the various roles and evidence basis for cytoreductive surgery, thermal ablation (radiofrequency, microwave, and cryoablation), and embolization (bland embolization (HAE), chemoembolization (HACE), and radioembolization) as liver-directed therapies. Somatostatin analogues, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and the newer agents everolimus and suntinib are discussed as a means for controlling intra- and extrahepatic disease, along with peptide receptor radiotherapy (PRRT). Finally, the experience with orthotopic liver transplant for neuroendocrine tumors is described.

Multimodal liver-directed management of neuroendocrine hepatic metastases

A preponderance of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) will experience hepatic metastases during the course of their disease. Many diagnoses of NETs are made only after the neoplasms have spread from their primary gastroenteropancreatic sites to the liver. This paper reviews current evidence-based treatments for neuroendocrine hepatic metastases, encompassing surgery, hepatic artery embolization (HAE) and chemoembolization (HACE), radioembolization, hepatic artery infusion (HAI), thermal ablation (radiofrequency, microwave, and cryoablation), alcohol ablation, and liver transplantation as therapeutic modalities. Consideration of a multidisciplinary approach to liver-directed therapy is strongly encouraged to limit morbidity and mortality in this patient population.

Ablative therapies for colorectal liver metastases

Ablative therapies remain a useful adjunct in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases not amenable to hepatic resection. This review summarizes the rationale, underlying mechanisms, techniques, complications, and outcomes of current and emerging ablative modalities.

The ongoing history of thermal therapy for cancer

Through 5,000 years of practice, physicians, surgeons, clergy, or lay people have used thermal therapy to treat mass lesions now known as cancer. The methods have changed dramatically over this time span and certainly the techniques have improved the efficacy and safety. Hyperthermia used in combination with chemotherapy or ionizing radiation continues to improve outcomes. The authors briefly describe the historical role of hyperthermia in cancer care as well as modern expectations based on technological advancements. In particular, the article focuses on the role of hyperthermia for cancers that do not have other, more effective treatments.