Laser ablation plus MR thermometry boosts survival rate for cancer patients

April 16, 2009 Diagnostic Imaging. Laser ablation plus MR thermometry boosts survival rate for cancer patients By Rebekah Moan Colorectal cancer patients are known to survive longer if their liver metastases are removed. New research shows one method for killing cancer cells -- laser ablation guided by MR thermometry -- is safe and effective and leads to a better survival than other methods. If liver metastases from colorectal cancer cannot be removed surgically, other options include laser ablation, cyrotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation. RFA, which most radiologists use, has a high recurrence rate, however. Laser ablation with thermometry, which basically means using MR to control for temperature, is a good alternative to other methods, according to researchers from Germany. MR thermometry capitalizes on the fact that increasing heat reduces the T1 relaxation time and results in a decrease of signal intensity. If the treated lesion is blackened completely, therapy is finished. The temperature is above 60° C, and vital tissue is destroyed. The lesion is monitored every minute, and therapy can last between 15 and 25 minutes.

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