Clinical effect of the radiofrequency ablation in combination with SOX regimen for colorectal cancer with liver metastases

YU Guangji; LIU Song; LI Qiang; WANG Qingdong; LIU Xuejian

Abstract：Objective To explore the clinical effect of the radiofrequency ablation ( RFA) in combination with S?1 and oxali?platin ( SOX regimen) for colorectal cancer with liver metastases. Methods Among 44 patients with colorectal liver metastasis from A?pril 2011 to April 2013, 21 cases received RFA in combination with SOX regimen ( combined treatment group) and other 23 cases only received SOX regimen ( chemotherapy alone group) . The curative effect of chemotherapy and RFA was analyzed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors ( RECIST) 1?1 or three?phase enhanced CT, respectively. The long?term survival of the patients was followed up, and the complications of RFA and the chemotherapy?induced adverse reactions were recorded. Results All the 44 patients were evaluable for response. In combined treatment group, there were 9 cases of CR, 6 cases of PR, 3 cases of SD and 3 cases of PD with the response rate ( RR) and disease control rate ( DCR) of 71?4% and 85?7%. In chemotherapy alone group, there were 2 cases of CR, 6 cases of PR, 5 cases of SD and 10 cases of PD with RR and DCR of 34?8% and 6?5%. There were higher DCR and RR in combined treatment group versus chemotherapy alone group ( P<0?05 ) . Among the 31 lesions receiving RFA, 19 lesions ( 61?3%) were completely destroyed and 13 lesions ( 41?9%) were locally recurred. The survival rates of 1?, 2?, 3?year were 71?4%(15/21), 52?4% (11/21) and 33?3% (7/21) in combined treatment group, higher than 26?1% (6/23), 21?7% (5/23) and 8?70% ( 2/23) in chemotherapy alone group ( P<0?05) . The main complications of RFA were fever and local pain. There were similar adverse reactions in both groups, mainly including bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal reaction, and the difference had not statistical significance ( P>0?05 ) . Conclusion RFA in combination with systemic chemotherapy treatment of colorectal liver metastasis can effectively control the tumor and prolong the patients? survival.