Minimally invasive treatment of malignant hepatic tumors: At the thresholdof a major breakthrough

Six existing minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of primary and secondary malignant hepatic tumors-radio-frequency ablation, microwave abl ation, laser ablation, cryoablation, ethanol ablation, and chemoembolizatio n-are reviewed and debated by noted authorities from six institutions from around the world. All of the authors currently believe that surgery remains the treatment of choice for patients with resectable hepatic tumors. Howev er, the clinical results of each of the minimally invasive techniques prese nted have exceeded those obtained with conventional chemotherapy or radiati on therapy. Thus, for nonsurgical patients, these techniques are becoming s tandard independent or adjuvant therapies. In addition, with continued impr ovement in technology and increasing clinical experience, one or more of th ese minimally invasive techniques may soon challenge surgical resection as the treatment of choice for patients with limited hepatic tumor.