Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of small hepatocellular carcinoma: long-term results.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 88 patients with a long follow-up, and to compare conventional electrodes and expandable electrodes. Eighty-eight patients with 101 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules (< or = 3.5 cm in diameter) underwent RF thermal ablation by means of either conventional electrodes or an expandable electrode. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated with dynamic contrast CT, serum alpha-feto protein level, US examination at the end of the treatment, and during follow-up. Complete necrosis was obtained in all tumor nodules in a mean number of 3.3 sessions (tumor treated by conventional electrodes) or 1.5 sessions (tumor treated by expandable electrode). The mean follow-up was 34 months; overall survival rate was 33% at 5 years. Disease-free survival at 5 years was 3%; local recurrence rate was 29% in patients treated with conventional electrodes; 14% in patients treated with the expandable electrode. Two major complications and 14 minor complications were observed. Radiofrequency thermal ablation in small HCC is very effective with a low percentage of major complications. The use of an expandable electrode substantially reduced the number of treatment sessions but did not modify the overall survival rate and the disease-free survival rate.
Buscarini
L
L
Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital, Via Taverna 49, 29100 Piacenza, Italy.
Buscarini
E
E
Di Stasi
M
M
Vallisa
D
D
Quaretti
P
P
Rocca
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography