Radiofrequency ablation versus resection for resectable colorectal liver metastases: time for a randomized trial? An update

A recent proposal of a randomized trial comparing resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a selected subgroup of patients with small resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) has initiated a debate on this issue. Meanwhile, new data have been published. The aim of the study was to update and critically review the oncological evidence in favor of and against the use of RFA for resectable CRLM in general and in favor of and against conducting a randomized trial in a selected subgroup of patients. An exhaustive review was carried out of papers and abstracts on RFA of colorectal metastases published before July 15, 2008. Local recurrence rate after resection of CRLM is 1.2-10.4%. Local recurrence rate after RFA of CRLM is between 1.7 and 66.7%. For tumors