Prognostic factors after ultrasound-guided percutaneous ablation of colorectal liver metastases: A systematic review

Introduction: Liver metastases from colorectal cancer are common and ablation therapy is a favourable treatment option for selected patients not suited for surgical resection. This study aimed to systematically review the literature and present prognostic factors associated with survival and local recurrence after percutaneous ultrasound-guided ablation treatment.

Materials and methods: This review is reported according to the PRISMA. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched and records were independently screened by two authors, initially on title and abstract and subsequently on full-text basis. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale.

Results: Of 2.882 records screened, 18 studies were included. The median survival was 23 months. One-year survival was median 95% and 3-year survival was median 58%. Complete ablation response and adjuvant chemotherapy produce considerably improved survival and low local recurrence rate outcomes.

Conclusion: Percutaneous ultrasound-guided ablation technique for colorectal liver metastases provides impressive survival rates for patients not suited for surgical resection. However, there are some factors related to poorer prognosis, which may be considered when selecting patients.