Role of Interventional Radiology in management of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

Abstract

Interventional radiology is playing a growing role in the field of oncology, particularly after the advancements it has provided in the management of liver and lung tumors. In the management of colorectal cancer liver metastases, it provides tools at all levels of care; some are curative, some are adjunctive to other treatment methods, and some are palliative. Thermal ablation is one technique that has been heavily studied and that can be used instead of surgery, or as an adjunct to surgery. Portal vein embolization is also used to improve the outcome of surgical treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. Chemoembolization and Radioembolization are two techniques that are currently used palliatively to improve the quality of life and overall survival of patients, but they may have a larger role in the future. In the paper, we go over all the techniques interventional radiologists have to offer to patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases.

Key word