Thermal Ablation for Colorectal Liver Metastases: Current Evidence and Future Horizons

Liver metastasis constitutes the principal cause of mortality in colorectal cancer, with about 50% of patients developing liver metastasis during disease progression. While surgical resection remains the cornerstone of curative-intent treatment, thermal ablation is rapidly reshaping the landscape of local tumor control in well-selected individuals. This comprehensive review analyzes the evolving role of thermal ablation in the management of resectable, unresectable, and recurrent disease, with the aim of establishing contemporary best practices and identifying critical frontiers for future research.