Comparison of microwave ablation and radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Microwave ablation (MWA) has several advantages over radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of MWA with those of RFA for HCC from the perspectives of percutaneous and laparoscopic approaches.

Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane library, and China Biology Medicine databases were searched. Studies comparing the efficacy and safety of MWA with those of RFA in patients with HCC were considered eligible. Complete ablation (CA), local recurrence (LR), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and the major complication rate were compared between MWA and RFA.

Results: Four randomized controlled trials and 10 cohort studies were included. For percutaneous ablation, no significant difference was found between MWA and RFA regarding CA, LR, DFS, OS, and the major complication rate. A subgroup analysis of tumors measuring ≥3?cm revealed no difference in CA and LR for percutaneous ablation. For laparoscopic ablation, a significantly lower LR rate and a non-significant trend toward a higher major complication rate were observed for the MWA group (odds ratio [OR] 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–4.02, p?=?.01 for LR; OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.04–1.03, p?=?.05 for major complication rate). CA, DFS, and OS were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions: Percutaneous (P)-MWA had similar therapeutic effects compared with P-RFA for HCC. Patients undergoing laparoscopic MWA had a lower LR rate; however, their major complication rate appeared to be higher. The superiority of MWA over RFA remains unclear and needs to be confirmed by high-quality evidence.     

Trans-arterial chemoembolization + radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection in hepatocellular carcinoma – A meta-analysis

BackgroundHepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) remains the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide, with countries in Asia being affected the most. The mainstay of curative therapy for early HCC is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or surgery; either surgical resection (SR) or liver transplantation. Latest evidence however suggests that combination of TACE+ RFA may provide outcomes comparable to SR.AimTo compare oncologic outcomes and safety profile of TACE + RFA to SR alone in HCC.Materials and methodsA systematic review was conducted through Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for literature published before April 2019. Outcomes measured were disease-free survival(DFS), overall survival(OS) and major complications. DFS was further divided into local tumour progression(LTP), intrahepatic distant recurrence(IDR) and distant metastasis(DM).ResultsEight retrospective studies and one randomized controlled trial, involving 1892 patients met eligibility criteria and were included. Unadjusted pooled analysis demonstrated no significant difference in 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS and 1-year DFS between TACE+RFA and SR. SR had superior 3-year DFS (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62–0.98, p = 0.03) and 5-year DFS (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.95, p = 0.02) compared to TACE+RFA. When analysing only the propensity matched data, the difference in 3-year DFS and 5-year DFS was not significant. TACE+RFA had a higher LTP rate (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.05–5.86, p = 0.04) compared to SR but IDR and DM rates were not significant.Discussion and conclusionTACE+RFA offer comparable oncologic outcomes in patients with HCC as compared with SR and with added benefit of lower morbidity.     

Surgical microwave ablation for multifocal non-resectable liver metastases: a single institution experience treating five or more liver lesions

BackgroundThermal ablation is an effective treatment for patients with metastatic colon and rectal cancer and allows surgeons to offer curative intent therapy to patients who are otherwise not candidates for resection. We aimed to report outcomes of a single institution experience using microwave ablation (MWA) with or without resection to treat five or more liver metastases.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, the University of Minnesota Division of Surgical Oncology liver surgery database was queried to identify all patients who underwent thermal ablation of five or more colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) between 2012–2018. We reviewed patient, disease, and tumor characteristics and measured local, intrahepatic, and extrahepatic recurrence (EHR) rates. We also calculated median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).ResultsTen patients identified had five or more (range, 5–18) tumors ablated with or without combined liver and bowel resection. Median age was 50, and most patients were male (70%) and Caucasian (90%). Four patients received ablation alone (5–12 lesions), while six had combined resection and ablation (5–18 lesions). Ablation was performed laparoscopically in six patients, and four had ablations without resection. All patients received pre- and post-operative chemotherapy. A median of 7 tumors were ablated per patient. Median follow-up was 2.3 years. Among 75 tumors ablated, ablation site recurrence (ASR) (within 1 cm of ablation site) was seen in three with a per-lesion recurrence rate of 4%. Intrahepatic recurrence (IHR) occurred in 6 (60%) patients and EHR in 1 (10%). Five patients underwent retreatment of IHR during follow-up. Median OS was 3 years and DFS was 7.1 months. At the time of last follow up, 6 patients were disease-free.ConclusionsThermal ablation can provide acceptable DFS and OS, even with high volume metastatic colorectal cancers. Future efforts should be focused on defining selection criteria for those most likely to benefit from this aggressive approach.     

Microwave ablation is as effective as radiofrequency ablation for very-early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a first-line treatment for very-early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whereas the efficacy of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for very-early-stage HCC remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify this issue by comparing the safety and efficacy of percutaneous MWA with percutaneous RFA in treating very-early-stage HCC. Methods: Clinical data of 460 patients who were diagnosed with very-early-stage HCC and treated with percutane-ous MWA or RFA between January 2007 and July 2012 at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Mili-tary Medical University, in Shanghai, China were retrospectively analyzed. Of these 460 patients, 159 received RFA, 301 received MWA. Overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), local tumor progression (LTP), complete ablation, and complication occurrence rates were compared between the two groups, and the prognostic factors associated with survival were analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the 1-, 3-, or 5-year OS rates (99.3%, 90.4%, and 78.3% for MWA vs. 98.7%, 86.8%, and 73.3% for RFA, respectively;P= 0.331). Furthermore, no signif-icant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the corresponding RFS rates (94.4%, 71.8%, and 46.9% for MWA vs. 89.9%, 67.3%, and 54.9% for RFA, respectively;P= 0.309), the LTP rates (9.6% vs. 10.1%,P= 0.883), the complete ablation rates (98.3% vs. 98.1%,P= 0.860), or the occurrence rates of major complications (0.7% vs. 0.6%,P= 0.691). By multivariate analysis, LTP, antiviral therapy, and treatment of recurrence were independent risk fac-tors for OS (P < 0.001), and the alpha-fetoprotein level was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (P= 0.002). Conclusions: MWA is as safe and effective as RFA in treating very-early-stage HCC, supporting MWA as a first-line treatment option for this disease.     

Microwave Ablation Compared with Radiofrequency Ablation for The Treatment of Liver Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BackgroundGuidelines have reported that although microwave ablation (MWA) has potential advantages over radiofrequency ablation (RFA), superiority in efficacy and safety remain unclear. Aim of the study is to compare MWA with RFA in the treatment of liver cancer.MethodsMeta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines for studies published from 2010 onwards. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analyses. Complete ablation (CA), local tumor progression (LTP), intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR), and complications were analyzed.ResultsFour randomized trials and 11 observational studies with a total of 2,169 patients met the inclusion criteria. Although overall analysis showed no significant difference in LTP between MWA and RFA, subgroup analysis including randomized trials for patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) demonstrated statistically decreased rates of LTP in favor of MWA (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.18–0.92; p = 0.03). No significant differences were found between the two procedures in CA, IDR, complications, and tumor diameter less or larger than 3 cm.ConclusionsMWA showed promising results and demonstrated better oncological outcomes in terms of LTP compared to RFA in patients with HCC. MWA can be utilized as the ablation method of choice in patients with HCC.Key words: liver, carcinoma hepatocellular, liver neoplasms, radiofrequency ablation, microwaves     

The local efficacy and influencing factors of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation in colorectal liver metastases: a review of a 4-year experience at a single center

Purpose: To investigate the clinical effectiveness and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) and evaluate the influencing factors of local efficacy.

Methods: From January 2013 to January 2017, 137 CRLM patients accepting US-guided percutaneous MWA were included. The 2450-MHz microwave ablation system and a cooled-shaft antenna were used. All patients were regularly followed up for at least 6?months. Technical success, complete ablation, local tumor progression (LTP), complications and side effects were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent prognostic factors for LTP.

Results: In total, 411 lesions (mean diameter 15.4?±?7.2?mm, range 5–67?mm) were treated. Complete ablation was achieved in 99.27% (408/411) of lesions and 97.81% (134/137) of patients. LTP occurred in 5.35% (22/411) of lesions and 16.06% (22/137) of patients. LTP was more likely to occur in lesions larger than 3?cm in diameter (OR: 14.71; p?<?.001; 95% CI: 3.7 3–57.92), near a large vascular structure (OR: 7.04; p?<?.001; 95% CI: 2.41–20.60), near the diaphragm (OR: 4.02; p?=?.049; 95% CI: 1.05–16.11) and in patients with no response to chemotherapy before MWA (OR: 3.25; p?=?.032; 95% CI: 1.14–15.30). MWA was well tolerated, with a major complication rate of 3.65%, a minor complication rate of 8.03% and a mortality rate of 0%. Fever and pain were the most common side effects after MWA.

Conclusions: US-guided percutaneous MWA of CRLM is a safe and effective method that is expected to become a routine treatment for local tumor control of CRLM.     

Radiofrequency versus microwave ablation for intraoperative treatment of colorectal liver metastases

IntroductionIntraoperative radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the newer technique of microwave ablation (MWA) can both be of additional value in parenchyma preserving surgical treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). MWA is less influenced by the heat-sink effect of surrounding vessels and can generate more heat in less time but RFA is still widely used. True comparing studies are scarce.MethodsThis single centre retrospective cohort study analyzed patients who underwent ultrasound guided intraoperative ablation as a part of the surgical treatment of CRLM between 2013 and 2018. In September 2015, MWA was substituted for RFA. Outcomes included unsuccessful ablation rates at 1-year postoperative, 30-days major complication rates, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Logistic regression models were used for univariable and multivariable analyses to identify predictors of unsuccessful ablation.ResultsForty-one patients underwent RFA of 98 lesions (median 2) and 79 patients underwent MWA of 193 lesions (median 2). The median diameter of the ablated lesions was 9 mm for both RFA and MWA. Unsuccessful ablation was observed in 7 metastases (7.1%) after RFA and 14 metastases (7.3%) after MWA (p = 1.000). Complications requiring re-intervention were observed after 8 procedures, 2 complications in the RFA group (4.9%) versus 6 complications in the MWA group (7.6%, p = 0.714), of which 6 were liver-related. Ninety-day mortality did not occur. Ablation technique was not associated with unsuccessful ablations. CRLM size was associated with unsuccessful ablation in the per lesion analysis (p < 0.001).ConclusionIntraoperative RFA and MWA were equally effective for treatment of small CRLM.     

Propensity score matching demonstrates similar results for radiofrequency ablation compared to surgical resection in colorectal liver metastases

PurposeMinimally invasive ablative treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), are increasingly used in the curative treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Selection bias plays an important role in the evaluation of early and late results between RFA and surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate recurrences and oncological survival following these two treatment modalities using single pair propensity score matching.MethodsBetween 2000 and 2018, patients curatively treated for CRLM were included in a multicentre database. Patients were excluded when receiving two-staged treatment, synchronous treatment with primary tumor or combination of modalities. Propensity score matching was used to minimize influence of known covariates, i.e., age, ASA, FONG CRS, location and T-stage of the primary tumor.ResultsBefore matching, the RFA group contained 39 patients and the surgery group 982 patients, after matching both groups contained 36 patients. After matching, mean age was 69 years (53–86) for RFA and 68 (50–86) for surgery, with a mean tumor size of respectively 2.5 cm (0.8–6.5) and 3.4 cm (1–7.5). Both groups showed similar complication rate according to Clavien-Dindo (17vs.33%; p = 0.18), recurrence rate (58vs.64%; p = 0.09) without significant differences in 5-year DFS and OS (RFA compared to surgery respectively 25vs.37%; p = 0.09 and 42vs.53%; p = 0.09).ConclusionAfter propensity score matching, RFA showed lower complications and similar oncological survival compared to surgical resection. In patients who are suboptimal candidates for surgery, RFA seems to be a good and safe alternative.     

Two stage hepatectomy (TSH) versus ALPPS for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAlthough numerous comparisons between conventional Two Stage Hepatectomy (TSH) and Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) have been reported, the heterogeneity of malignancies previously compared represents an important source of selection bias. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes between TSH and ALPPS to treat patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).MethodsMain electronic databases were searched using medical subject headings for CRLM surgically treated with TSH or ALPPS. Patients treated for primary or secondary liver malignancies other than CRLM were excluded.ResultsA total of 335 patients from 5 studies were included. Postoperative major complications were higher in the ALPPS group (relative risk [RR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–2.06, I² = 0%), while no differences were observed in terms of perioperative mortality (RR 1.53, 95% CI 0.64–3.62, I² = 0%). ALPPS was associated with higher completion of hepatectomy rates (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.09–1.61, I² = 85%), as well as R0 resection rates (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.13–2.30, I² = 40%). Nevertheless, no significant differences were achieved between groups in terms of overall survival (OS) (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.68–1.27, I² = 52%) and disease-free survival (DFS) (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.47–2.49, I² = 54%), respectively.ConclusionALPPS and TSH to treat CRLM seem to have comparable operative risks in terms of mortality rates. No definitive conclusions regarding OS and DFS can be drawn from the results.     

Microwave ablation vs. surgical resection for treatment naïve hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria: a follow-up of at least 5 years

Objective:Thermal ablation poses challenges in the surgical resection (SR) of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its therapeutic outcomes for larger lesions remain debated.Methods:This retrospective study evaluated 729 patients with HCC meeting the Milan criteria, who were treated with curative SR or microwave ablation (MWA) between 2008 and 2014. Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local tumor progression (LTP) were compared after propensity score matching (PSM). Co-variates associated with OS, CSS, LTP, and DFS were identified. The risk of death and tumor progression were compared.Results:During the median follow-up of 78.6 months, 253 patients were included in each group after PSM. For tumors ≤ 3.0 cm and 3.1–4.0 cm, MWA achieved comparable results in terms of OS, CSS, DFS, and LTP. For tumors 4.1–5.0 cm, MWA had lower OS, CSS, and DFS rates (all P < 0.05) than SR. Higher LTP rates were observed in the MWA group for tumors 4.1–5.0 cm, although the difference was not significant (P = 0.18). Complication rates (P = 0.41) were similar, but MWA led to less estimated blood loss (P < 0.01) and shorter postoperative hospitalization times (P < 0.01).Conclusions:MWA achieved comparable long-term oncologic outcomes with SR for ≤ 4 cm HCC, with lower complication rates and faster recovery.     

Efficacy of perioperative chemotherapy in resected colorectal liver metastasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundNearly half of patients with colorectal cancer develop liver metastases. Radical resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) offers the best chance of cure, significantly improving 5-year survival. Recurrence of metastatic disease is common, occurring in 60 % or more of patients. Clinical equipoise exists regarding the role of perioperative chemotherapy in patients with resected CRLM. This investigation sought to clarify the efficacy of perioperative chemotherapy in patients that have undergone curative-intent resection of CRLM.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis was completed of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing perioperative chemotherapy to surgery alone in patients with resected CRLM. MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched, as well as abstracts from recent oncology conferences. A meta-analysis was performed pooling the hazard ratios for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), using a random-effects model.ResultsA total of five, phase 3, open-label, RCTs were included resulting in a pooled analysis of 1119 of the total 1146 enrolled patients. 559 patients were randomized to perioperative chemotherapy and 560 to surgery alone. Pooled estimates demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in DFS (HR 0.71, 95 % CI: 0.61–0.82; p < 0.001) but not OS (HR 0.87, 95 % CI: 0.73–1.04; p = 0.136).ConclusionPerioperative chemotherapy in the setting of resected CRLM resulted in an improvement in DFS, however this did not translate into an OS benefit. Poor compliance to post-hepatectomy oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimens was identified. Further investigation into the optimal regimen and sequencing of perioperative chemotherapy is justified.     

Outcomes following synchronous liver resection,cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal liver and peritoneal metastases: A bi-institutional study

PurposeSynchronous liver resection, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for colorectal liver (CRLM) and peritoneal metastases (CRPM) has traditionally been contraindicated. However, latest practice promotes specialist, multidisciplinary-led consideration for select patients. This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative and oncological outcomes of synchronous resection in the management of CRLM and CRPM from two tertiary referral centres.MethodThis bi-institutional, retrospective, cohort study included patients undergoing simultaneous liver resection, CRS and HIPEC for metastatic colorectal cancer from 2013 to 2020. Patients treated with ablative liver techniques, staged operative approaches and extra abdominal disease were excluded. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified variables associated with survival and major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade III/IV).ResultsTwenty-three patients were included. The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) was 9 (range 0–22). There were two major liver resections and 21 minor resections. CC-0 resections were achieved in all patients. Major morbidity occurred in 7 patients. There were no deaths at 90 days. PCI was independently associated with morbidity (p = 0.04). PCI >10 (p = 0.069), major morbidity (p = 0.083) and presence of KRAS mutation (p = 0.052) approached significance for poor OS. Median follow up was 21 months (4–54 months). Median OS was 37 months, 3-year survival 54%, and median DFS 18 months.ConclusionSynchronous liver resection, cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC is feasible in selected patients with low-volume CRPM and CRLM. Increasing PCI is associated with postoperative major morbidity, and should be considered during operative planning.     

Radiofrequency ablation combined with systemic treatment versus systemic treatment alone in patients with non-resectable colorectal liver metastases: a randomized EORTC Intergroup phase II study (EORTC 40004)

BackgroundThis study investigates the possible benefits of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with non-resectable colorectal liver metastases.MethodsThis phase II study, originally started as a phase III design, randomly assigned 119 patients with non-resectable colorectal liver metastases between systemic treatment (n = 59) or systemic treatment plus RFA ( ± resection) (n = 60). Primary objective was a 30-month overall survival (OS) rate >38% for the combined treatment group.ResultsThe primary end point was met, 30-month OS rate was 61.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 48.2–73.9] for combined treatment. However, 30-month OS for systemic treatment was 57.6% (95% CI 44.1–70.4), higher than anticipated. Median OS was 45.3 for combined treatment and 40.5 months for systemic treatment (P = 0.22). PFS rate at 3 years for combined treatment was 27.6% compared with 10.6% for systemic treatment only (hazard ratio = 0.63, 95% CI 0.42–0.95, P = 0.025). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.8 months (95% CI 11.7–22.1) and 9.9 months (95% CI 9.3–13.7), respectively.ConclusionsThis is the first randomized study on the efficacy of RFA. The study met the primary end point on 30-month OS; however, the results in the control arm were in the same range. RFA plus systemic treatment resulted in significant longer PFS. At present, the ultimate effect of RFA on OS remains uncertain.     

Microwave ablation for colorectal cancer metastasis to the liver: a single-center retrospective analysis

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and intermediate-term efficacy of percutaneous microwave (MW) ablation for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) at a single institution.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all CRLM treated with MW ablation from 3/2011 to 7/2020 (102 tumors; 72 procedures; 57 patients). Mean age was 60 years (range, 36–88) and mean tumor size was 1.8 cm (range, 0.5–5.0 cm). The patient population included 19 patients with extra-hepatic disease. Chemotherapy (pre- and/or post-ablation) was given in 98% of patients. Forty-five sessions were preceded by other focal CRLM treatments including resection, ablation, radiation, and radioembolization. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) and multivariate analysis (Cox Proportional Hazards model) was used to test predictors of OS.ResultsTechnical success (complete ablation) was 100% and median follow-up was 42 months (range, 1–112). There was a 4% major complication rate and an overall complication rate of 8%. Local tumor progression (LTP) rate during the entire study period was 4/98 (4%), in which 2 were retreated with MW ablation for a secondary LTP-rate of 2%. LTP-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 93%, 58%, and 39% and median LTP-free survival was 48 months. OS at 1, 3, and 5 years was 96%, 66%, 47% and median OS was 52 months. There were no statistically significant predictors of OS.ConclusionsMW ablation of hepatic colorectal liver metastases appears safe with excellent local tumor control and prolonged survival compared to historical controls in selected patients. Further comparative studies with other local treatment strategies appear indicated.     

Radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria: A study of 281 Western patients

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare survival between radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgical resection (SR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within Milan criteria. Methods: From January 2004 to December 2013 we consecutively and retrospectively included all patients with first occurrence of HCC within Milan criteria receiving SR or RFA as first-line treatment. The cumulative overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared after inverse probability weighting (including confounding factor). Results: A total of 281 patients (RFA 178, SR 103) were enrolled. In multivariate Cox regression RFA and SR were not independent predictors of survival or recurrence. The respective weighted 5 years OS and DFS for patients with propensity scores between 0.1–0.9 in the SR and RFA groups were 54–33% and 60–16.9%, P?=?0.695 and P?=?0.426, respectively. Local tumour progression rate did not differ according to treatment (P?=?0.523). Major complication rate was higher in the SR group, P?=?0.001. Hospitalisation duration was lower in the RFA group (mean 2.19 days, range 2–7) than in the SR group (mean 10.2 days, range 3–30), P?<?0.001. Conclusion: This large Western study has shown that OS and DFS did not differ after RFA (using mainly multipolar devices) and SR, for HCC within the Milan criteria in a European population, with a shorter hospitalisation time and a lower complication rate for RFA.     

Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are the two main percutaneous techniques for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, to date, studies comparing the two therapies have provided discordant results. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the two treatments for HCC patients. Materials and methods: A computerised bibliographic search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane library databases. The rates of complete response (CR), local recurrence (LRR), 3-year survival (SR) and major complications were compared between the two treatment groups by using the Mantel-Haenszel test in cases of low heterogeneity or the DerSimonian and Laird test in cases of high heterogeneity. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analyses. In order to confirm our finding, sensitivity analysis was performed restricting the analysis to high-quality studies. Results: One randomised controlled trial (RCT) and six retrospective studies with 774 patients were included in the meta-analysis. A non-significant trend of higher CR rates in the patients treated with MWA was found (odds ratio (OR)?=?1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–1.88, p?=?0.67]. Overall LRR was similar between the two treatment groups (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.53–1.87, p?=?0.98) but MWA outperformed RFA in cases of larger nodules (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24–0.89, p?=?0.02). 3-year SR was higher after RFA without statistically significant difference (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.58–1.57, p?=?0.85). Major complications were more frequent, although not significantly, in MWA patients (OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.88–3.03, p?=?0.12). Conclusions: Our results indicate a similar efficacy between the two percutaneous techniques with an apparent superiority of MWA in larger neoplasms.     

Impact of BRAF mutations on clinical outcomes following liver surgery for colorectal liver metastases: An updated meta-analysis

BackgroundData regarding clinical outcomes of patients undergoing hepatic resection for BRAF-mutated colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are scarce. Most of the studies report an impaired median overall survival (OS) in BRAF-mutated patients, but controversial Results regarding both recurrence-free survival (RFS) and recurrence patterns. The purpose of this updated meta-analysis was to better precise the impact of BRAF mutations on clinical outcomes following liver surgery for CRLM study, especially on recurrence.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed to identify articles reporting clinical outcomes including both OS and RFS, recurrence patterns, and clinicopathological details of patients who underwent complete liver resection for CRLM, stratified according to BRAF mutational status.ResultsThirteen retrospective studies, including 5192 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed that both OS (OR = 1.981; 95% CI = [1.613–2.432]) and RFS (OR = 1.49; 95% CI [1.01–2.21]) were impaired following liver surgery for CRLM in BRAF-mutated patients. Risks of both hepatic (OR = 0.42; 95% CI [0.18–0.98]) and extrahepatic recurrences (OR = 0.53; 95% CI [0.33–0.83] were significantly higher in BRAF-mutated patients. These patients tended to have higher rates of right-sided colon primary tumors, primary positive lymph nodes, and multiple CRLM.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis confirms that BRAF mutations impair both OS and RFS following liver surgery. Therefore, BRAF mutational status should probably be included in further prognostic scores for the assessment of the expected clinical outcomes following surgery for CRLM.     

Sarcopenia is an independent unfavorable prognostic factor of non-small cell lung cancer after surgical resection: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundWhether sarcopenia has any impact on long-term survival of patients with surgically treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis focusing on current topic comprehensively for the first time.MethodsWe systematically searched relevant studies in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to July 3, 2018. Data of 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates as well as hazard ratio (HR) of OS were collected for analysis by using the STATA 12.0 package.ResultsA total of 6 cohort studies consisting of 1213 patients (422 patients with sarcopenia and 791 patients without) were included for analysis. Meta-analysis showed that patients with sarcopenia had a significantly lower 5-year OS rate (risk ratio (RR) = 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.13, 2.33]; P = 0.008) than those without, which was more prominent in patients with early-stage NSCLC. Sarcopenia was found to be an independent predictor of poor OS in patients with surgically treated NSCLC (HR = 2.85; 95%CI = [1.67, 4.86]; P < 0.001). With a limited sample size, there was no sufficient evidence of significantly different 5-year DFS rate between the two groups (RR = 1.14; 95%CI = [0.59, 2.17]; P = 0.70). However, in the subgroup of patients with early-stage NSCLC, sarcopenia was associated with a significantly lower 5-year DFS rate (RR = 1.59; 95%CI = [1.01, 2.52]; P = 0.046).ConclusionPatients with sarcopenia had a significantly worse prognosis than those without after surgical resection of NSCLC especially in those at early stage. Sarcopenia is an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with surgically treated NSCLC. (246 words).     

Complete pathological response to neoadjuvant treatment is associated with better survival outcomes in patients with soft tissue sarcoma: Results of a retrospective multicenter study

BackgroundLocally advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) management may include neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment by radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy (CT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by wide surgical excision. While pathological complete response (pCR) to preoperative treatment is prognostic for survival in osteosarcomas, its significance for STS is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of pCR to pre-operative treatment on 3-year disease-free survival (3y-DFS) in STS patients.MethodsThis is an observational, retrospective, international, study of adult patients with primary non-metastatic STS of the extremities and trunk wall, any grade, diagnosed between 2008 and 2012, treated with at least neoadjuvant treatment and surgical resection and observed for a minimum of 3 years after diagnosis. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of pCR. (≤5% viable tumor cells or ≥95% necrosis/fibrosis) on 3y-DFS. Effect on local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant recurrence-free survival (MFS) overall survival (OS) at 3 years was also analyzed. Statistical univariate analysis utilized chi-square independence test and odds ratio confidence interval (CI) estimate, multivariate analysis was performed using LASSO.ResultsA total of 330 patients (median age 56 years old, range:19–95) treated by preoperative RT (67%), CT (15%) or CRT (18%) followed by surgery were included. pCR was achieved in 74/330 (22%) of patients, of which 56/74 (76%) had received RT. 3-yr DFS was observed in 76% of patients with pCR vs 61% without pCR (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that pCR is statistically associated with better MFS (95% CI, 1.054–3.417; p = 0.033), LRFS (95% CI, 1.226–5.916; p = 0.014), DFS (95% CI, 1.165–4.040; p = 0.015) and OS at 3 years (95% CI, 1.072–5.210; p = 0.033).ConclusionsIn a wide, heterogeneous STS population we showed that pCR to preoperative treatment is prognostic for survival.     

Ablation therapy of non-colorectal cancer lung metastases: retrospective analysis of tumour response post-laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA)

Purpose: To retrospectively compare the local tumour response and survival rates in patients with non-colorectal cancer lung metastases post-ablation therapy using laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA).

Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of 175 computed tomography (CT)-guided ablation sessions performed on 109 patients (43 males and 66 females, mean age: 56.6 years). Seventeen patients with 22 lesions underwent LITT treatment (tumour size: 1.2–4.8?cm), 29 patients with 49 lesions underwent RFA (tumour size: 0.8–4.5?cm) and 63 patients with 104 lesions underwent MWA treatment (tumour size: 0.6–5?cm). CT scans were performed 24-h post-therapy and on follow-up at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.

Results: The overall-survival rates at 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-year were 93.8, 56.3, 50.0 and 31.3% for patients treated with LITT; 81.5, 50.0, 45.5 and 24.2% for patients treated with RFA and 97.6, 79.9, 62.3 and 45.4% for patients treated with MWA, respectively. The mean survival time was 34.14 months for MWA, 34.79 months for RFA and 35.32 months for LITT. In paired comparison, a significant difference could be detected between MWA versus RFA (p?=?0.032). The progression-free survival showed a median of 23.49?±?0.62 months for MWA,19.88?±?2.17 months for LITT and 16.66?±?0.66 months for RFA (p?=?0.048). The lowest recurrence rate was detected in lesions ablated with MWA (7.7%; 8 of 104 lesions) followed by RFA (20.4%; 10 of 49 lesions) and LITT (27.3%; 6 of 22 lesions) p value of 0.012. Pneumothorax was detected in 22.16% of MWA ablations, 22.73% of LITT ablations and 14.23% of RFA ablations.

Conclusion: LITT, RFA and MWA may provide an effective therapeutic option for non-colorectal cancer lung metastases with an advantage for MWA regarding local tumour control and progression-free survival rate.