Radiofrequency Ablation of Primary or Metastatic Liver Tumors
Summary
Radiofrequency ablation of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma may be considered medically necessary as a primary treatment when the tumor meets the Milan criteria (a single tumor of 5 cm or less, or up to 3 nodules under 3 cm), and as a bridge to liver transplant when the intent is to prevent further tumor growth and maintain candidacy for transplant. For inoperable hepatic metastases, it may be considered medically necessary when the metastases are of colorectal origin and meet the Milan criteria, or of neuroendocrine origin and systemic therapy has failed to control symptoms. Ablation of operable hepatocellular carcinoma, of more than three nodules or when not all tumor foci can be adequately treated, of hepatocellular carcinoma used to downstage for transplant, and of hepatic metastases from other cancers except colorectal or neuroendocrine tumors is considered investigational.
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