BACKGROUND: Primary @entity157 ( @entity157 ) and metastases from @entity14 are the most common @entity96 . Surgical resection is the optimum treatment in suitable @entity1 . Interstitial laser thermotherapy (ILT) is gaining acceptance for the treatment of irresectable @entity96 and as a potential alternative to surgery. An understanding of the principles of therapy and review of clinical outcomes may allow better use of this technology. METHOD: An electronic search using the Medline database was performed for studies on the treatment of @entity99 published between January 1983 and February 2003. RESULTS: Current information on the efficacy of ILT is based on prospective studies. ILT appears to be a safe and minimally invasive technique that consistently achieves @entity5 destruction. The extent of destruction depends on the fibre design, delivery system, @entity5 size and @entity5 biology. Real-time magnetic resonance imaging provides the most accurate assessment of laser-induced @entity5 necrosis. In selected @entity1 with @entity157 and @entity14 , ILT achieves @entity5 , provides long-term local control, and improves survival, compared with the natural history of the disease. In addition, ILT has survival benefits for @entity1 with other @entity5 types, especially those with isolated liver metastases from a @entity0 primary. CONCLUSION: ILT improves overall survival in specific @entity1 with @entity96 . Advances in laser technology and refinements in technique, and a better understanding of the processes involved in laser-induced tissue injury, may allow ILT to replace surgery as the procedure of choice in selected @entity1 with @entity409 .

Interstitial laser thermotherapy for XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity0 :: ('MESH:D001943', 'Disease') :: ['breast cancer'] @entity96 :: ('MESH:D008113', 'Disease') :: ['malignant liver tumours', 'liver tumours'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['complete tumour necrosis', 'tumour'] @entity409 :: ('MESH:D008107', 'Disease') :: ['liver malignancies'] @entity14 :: ('MESH:D015179', 'Disease') :: ['colorectal cancer liver metastases', 'colorectal cancer'] @entity157 :: ('MESH:D006528', 'Disease') :: ['HCC', 'hepatocellular carcinoma'] @entity99 :: ('MESH:D056486', 'Disease') :: ['hepatic malignancy']
@entity96 :: (MESH:D008113,Disease) :: ['liver tumours']
