High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in the Treatment of Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Cancer of 18 Patients

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treatment of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer using high-Intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

METHODS Thirty-one lesions In 18 patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer after colectomy were treated with HIFU therapy. The vital signs, function of the vital organs, complications and pathological outcome were studied using Imaging examinations such as CT or MRI.

RESULTS The vital signs of all patients remained stable and their liver and kidney functions normal. Two of the 18 patients were not followed-up. After a mean follow-up of 16.1 months (6-38 months), 13 survived. The survival rates at the 12th and 18th months were 83.3% and 66.7%, respectively. The median survival rate was 16 months. Among the 25 lesions followed-up, 17 shrank over 50%, 5 grew new metastases and superficial degree II skin Injury occurred In 8.

CONCLUSION HIFU is a safe, effective and non-invasive option for the treatment of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.