Ablation of colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver

The standard management of resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) includes systemic therapy and surgery. Ablative techniques until recently were only considered for unresectable CRLM patients. In the recent decade however, the volume of data suggesting non-inferior results of ablation compared to standard surgical approach started to emerge. The lower complication rate of ablative therapies compared to surgery raises the question whether ablation has the potential to replace the role of surgery in the treatment of colorectal cancer metastases to the liver. In this review the author addresses the current evidence on the topic and its possible impact on future management of CRLM patients.