Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis and systematic review of the clinical efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation in the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). A comprehensive literature search of Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE identified studies describing the use of RF ablation in the treatment of ICC. Data describing overall survival, local tumor progression, and complications were collected. Seven observational studies that comprised 84 patients were reviewed. The pooled 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72%-90%), 47% (95% CI, 28%-65%), and 24% (95% CI, 11%-40%). One or 2 major complications occurred in 4 studies, and 1 patient died of liver abscess and subsequent sepsis despite treatment with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. RF ablation is a locoregional treatment option that prolongs survival rates in patients with ICC who are ineligible for surgery.