Thermal ablation of XXXX : a position paper by an international panel of ablation experts, the interventional oncology sans fronti  res meeting 2013.

@entity1 @entity66 @entity5 @entity409 @entity3 @entity14
OBJECTIVES: Previous attempts at meta-analysis and systematic review have not provided clear recommendations for the clinical application of thermal ablation in metastatic @entity14 . Many authors believe that the probability of gathering randomised controlled trial (RCT) data is low. Our aim is to provide a consensus document making recommendations on the appropriate application of thermal ablation in @entity1 with @entity14 . METHODS: This consensus paper was discussed by an expert panel at The Interventional Oncology Sans Fronti  res 2013. A literature review was presented. Tumour characteristics, ablation technique and different clinical applications were considered and the level of consensus was documented. RESULTS: Specific recommendations are made with regard to @entity3 size, number, and location and ablation technique. Mean 31  % 5-year survival post-ablation in selected @entity1 has resulted in acceptance of this therapy for those with technically inoperable but limited @entity409 and those with limited liver reserve or co-morbidities that render them inoperable. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of RCT data, it is our aim that this consensus document will facilitate judicious selection of the @entity1 most likely to benefit from thermal ablation and provide a unified interventional oncological perspective for the use of this technology. KEY POINTS:     Best results require due consideration of @entity5 size, number, volume and location.     Ablation technology, imaging guidance and intra-procedural imaging assessment must be optimised.     Accepted applications include @entity66 due to @entity5 distribution or inadequate liver reserve.     Other current indications include concurrent co-morbidity, @entity1 choice and the test-of-time approach.     Future applications may include resectable disease, e.g. for @entity5 .
