Interventional laser-induced thermotherapy of hepatic metastases from breast cancer. Method and clinical outcome

The liver is one of the most involved organs in the case of hematogenous me tastases of breast carcinoma. In strictly intrahepatic involvement of breas t cancer local ablative methods like surgical resection and minimal-invasiv e treatment modalities are discussed when systemic chemo- or hormone therap ies are ineffective. In the clinical programme 51 patients with secondary m etastastic involvement of the liver due to breast carcinoma were prospectiv ely treated via MR-guided laser-induced thermotherapy in an outpatient sett ing. Patients were included with a maximum of five lesions up to a maximum diameter of 5 cm. Patients with additional extrahepatic involvement are exc luded. MR-guided LITT allowed local tumor control in the liver at three mon ths of 89.2 % and at six months of 79.1 %. The cumulative median survival r ate was 50,29 months (confidence interval 95 %, 41.99-42.22 months). MR-gui ded LITT allows high local tumor control. Possible indications for the trea tment with LITT are patients with strictly intrahepatic metastases who are not demonstrating a complete response after chemo- or hormone therapy.