Introduction: We evaluate the utility of microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) for the patients with unresectable liver metastasis from colorectal cancers.
Methods: Forty-four patients unresectable synchronous colorectal hepatic metastasis between January 1, 1989 and December 31, 2000, were enrolled in the present study. The patients courses were followed until March, 2002. To evaluate the efficacy of MCT for unresectable liver metastasis from colorectal cancers, a retrospective comparative study was done between a MCT with CT (hepatic arterial trans-infusion chemotherapy and/or systemic chemotherapy) group and a CT group. The background factors were examined included the maximum tumor diameter, the number of liver metastasis and disease of other metastatic sites, which influenced the outcome.
Results and conclusion: The survival curves of the patients with unresectable synchronous colorectal hepatic metastasis undergoing MCT with CT and CT alone were significantly different (p = 0.03). No significant differences were found in the background factors that had a prognostic influence. It is confirmed that using MCT can prolong the survival rate for the patients with unresectable synchronous colorectal hepatic metastasis.