Effect of laser-induced thermotherapy on liver metastases.

Laser-induced thermotherapy, or laser ablation, is an established minimally invasive percutaneous technique of tumor ablation. It is performed routinely in hepatic tumors and in other indications. Most patients treated with laser-induced thermotherapy suffer from liver metastases from primary tumors, particularly colorectal cancer. In this review, the local control rate, including morphological response and local recurrence, is evaluated. Survival data, including median survival time and 1-, 2- and 3-year survival, are discussed; treatment complications are also explored. The method of treatment performance and evaluation, results, and the authors' views on the current status of treatment are outlined.