Study of Radiofrequency Ablation to Boost Immune Response and Improve Survival in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Colorectal Liver Metastases

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of radio frequency ablation RFA to stimulate the immune system and potentially improve survival for patients undergoing surgery to remove colorectal liver metastases CRLM. The study explores whether RFA-induced partial tumor destruction can expose hidden cancer antigens to the immune system, helping to reduce cancer recurrence and improve outcomes. This investigation is important because half of patients treated surgically for CRLM experience disease recurrence within five years. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will receive preoperative RFA treatment to partially destroy the liver metastasis before surgical removal, while the other group will undergo surgery alone without RFA. RFA involves placing a needle guided by ultrasound into the tumor to create localized tissue destruction. A subgroup of 20 patients will have blood samples collected before and after surgery to assess changes in immune response. All participants will have regular CT scans as part of their follow-up. During the study, patients will be monitored through imaging and blood tests to evaluate disease progression and immune system effects. The main outcome measured is overall survival over three years, with additional assessments of survival at one and two years and rates of cancer recurrence. The study aims to gather evidence on whether adding RFA to surgery can improve long-term survival for people with CRLM. The total duration of participation will cover the period of surgery and follow-up over several years.

Improving Survival of COlorectal LIver Metastases by RFA-mediated Immunostimulation