Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of liver tumours

The incidence of primary liver cancer in Canada has been steadily increasing, having more than doubled since 1980.1 This increase is partially attributed to the increasing rates of hepatitis C infection, alcohol abuse, and immigration from developing countries where the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is much greater.1,2 The liver is also the most common site of metastases, especially from colorectal cancers.3 The best treatment option for HCC and liver-only metastases is surgical resection, however, only 10-15% of patients are suitable candidates for this procedure.4 As such a small proportion of patients are eligible for surgical resection or able to receive a liver for transplantation, a number of different modalities have been explored as treatment options, including, but not limited to, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), radiotherapy, percutaneous ethanol injection, and transarterial chemoembolization. RFA is safe, and associated with fewer side-effects and shorter hospital stays compared to surgical resection.5