Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation and systemic chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases

Abstract

3776 Background: Evaluation of 38 patients with colorectal liver metastases(164 lesions) from 11/2000 to12/2003 treated with systemic chemotherapy and laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation. Methods: All patients were treated with standardized systemic regimens of 5-FU, irinotecan and oxaliplatinum with laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation. Results: Median follow up was 16 months (range 3–36 months) with a 78.6% survival at 16 months. Survival by Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival analyis was 84.7% at 1 year and 52.3% at two yearswith improved disease free survival seen in patients with lesions <5cm in size and < 5 in number. Conclusions: Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation was safe and effective when combined with systemic chemotherapy in treating colorectal liver metastases with patients being able to maintain their chemotherapy treatment schedules. Patients with low volume disease had the highest survival benefit. No significant financial relationships to disclose.