Combination of ablation and embolization for intermediate-sized liver metastases from colorectal cancer: what can we learn from treating primary liver cancer?

Colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLMs) are common. Treating CRLMs with thermal ablation can prolong survival, but compared to lesions smaller than 3 cm, local control rates and overall survival are relatively worse with larger, intermediate (3-5 cm) lesions. Local recurrence rates range between 1.7%-20.2% and 6.7%-68.9% for CRLMs less than 3 cm and greater than 3 cm, respectively. Worse outcomes are also present when ablating intermediate...