A prospective randomized trial comparing microwave and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of liver metastases using a dual ablation system ─ The Mira study
Thomas J. Vogl, Yousef Jaraysa, Simon S. Martin, Tatjana Gruber‐Rouh, Rock H. Savage, Nour‐Eldin A. Nour‐Eldin, Amela Mehmedovic
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the therapy response and safety of microwave (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of liver metastases using a dual ablation system. METHODS: Fifty patients with liver metastases (23 men, mean age: 62.8 ± 11.8 years) were randomly assigned to MWA or RFA for thermal ablation using a one generator dual ablation system. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired before treatment and 24 h post ablation. The morphologic responses to treatment regarding size, volume, necrotic areas, and diffusion characteristics were evaluated by MRI. Imaging follow-up was obtained for one year in three months intervals, whereas clinical follow-up was obtained for two years in all patients. RESULTS: = 0.60). No major complications were reported. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, MWA and RFA are both safe and effective methods for the treatment of liver metastases with MWA generating greater volumes of ablation. No significant differences were found for overall survival, rate of neoplasm, or major complications between both groups.