Microwave ablation (MWA) uses electromagnetic energy to heat and destroy tumours. It is used under local or general anaesthesia, either percutaneously, laparoscopically or as part of open surgery for primary hepatocellular (HCC), but also secondary liver carcinomas.

Given the available evidence (12 RCTs), MWA appears to be comparable to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of early-stage HCC. Further clinical trials and robust RCTs are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MWA compared to other treatments for early-stage HCC, as well as the use of MWA to treat other types of primary and secondary liver cancer.