Radiofrequency thermal ablation of liver tumors.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are ineffective against primary and secondary malignant hepatic tumors. Surgical resection has been considered the only potentially curative option, but few patients with hepatic tumors are candidates for surgery. Recent results suggest that radiofrequency thermal ablation may be an effective, minimally invasive technique for treating malignant hepatic tumors. Sonography is the primary technique for guiding percutaneous ablative procedures. We review the current research and clinical experience with radiofrequency thermal ablation for treating malignant hepatic tumors.