Radiofrequency thermal ablation of liver tumors

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are ineffective against primary and seco ndary 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 mal ignant hepatic tumors. Sonography is the primary technique for guiding perc utaneous ablative procedures. We review the current research and clinical e xperience with radiofrequency thermal ablation for treating malignant hepat ic tumors. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.