Optimal cytoreduction after combined resection and radiofrequency ablation of hepatic metastases from recurrent malignant ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND: The role of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of hepatic metastases from recurrent ovarian tumors is undefined. CASE: Three patients with hepatic lesions from recurrent ovarian cancers underwent a combined partial hepatectomy with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to achieve optimal tumor cytoreduction. Follow-up radiological studies as well as serial tumor markers are consistent with disease-free survival after 39, 13, and 9 months. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the feasibility and safety of RFA for metastatic ovarian lesions to the liver in patients previously deemed as poor or non-surgical candidates, and suggest the potential for improvement in survival over unresected patients or in patients resected with residual disease.