Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma as a first-line treatment: long-term results and prognostic factors in a large single-institution series

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival results and complications of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Between April 1999 and May 2005, 570 patients with 674 early-stage HCCs underwent percutaneous RFA as a first-line treatment option in a single institution. We evaluated the effectiveness rates, local tumor progression rates, survival rates, and complications. We also assessed the prognostic values of survival rates by using Cox proportional hazard models. The primary technique effectiveness rate was 96.7% (652 of 674). The cumulative rates of local tumor progression at 1, 2, and 3 years were 8.1%, 10.9%, and 11.8%, respectively. The cumulative survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 95.2%, 82.9%, 69.5%, 60.8%, and 58.0%, respectively. Patients with Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis, of younger age (相似文献   

Radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: long-term outcome and prognostic factors

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the prognostic factors for post-RFA survival rate. METHODS: From 1999 to 2006, 266 patients with 392 HCCs underwent ultrasound guided RFA treatment. They were 216 males and 50 females, average age 59.4+/-15.4 years (24-87 years). The HCC were 1.2-6.7 cm in diameters (average 3.9+1.3 cm). There were 158 patients with single tumor, and the rest had multiple (2-5) tumors. Univariate and multivariate analysis with 19 potential variables were examined to identify prognostic factors for post-RFA survival rate. RESULTS: The overall post-RFA survival rates at 1st, 3rd, and 5th year were 82.9%, 57.9% and 42.9%, respectively. In the 60 patients with stage I HCC (AJCC staging), the 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rate were 94.8%, 76.4% and 71.6%, significantly higher than the 148 patients with stage II-IV tumors (81.8%, 57.6% and 41.2%, P=0.006). For the 58 patients with post-surgery recurrent HCC, the survival rates were 73.2%, 41.9% and 38.2% at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th year, which were significantly lower than those of stage I HCC (P=0.005). Nine potential factors were found with significant effects on survival rate, and they were number of tumors, location of tumors, pre-RFA liver function enzymes, Child-Pugh classification, AJCC staging, primary or recurrent HCC, tumor pathological grading, using mathematical protocol in RFA procedure and tumor necrosis 1 month after RFA. After multivariate analysis, three factors were identified as independent prognostic factors for survival rate, and they were Child-Pugh classification, AJCC staging and using mathematical protocol. CONCLUSION: Identifying prognostic factors provides important information for HCC patient management before, during and after RFA. This long-term follow-up study on a large group of HCC patients confirmed that RFA could not only achieve favorable outcome on stage I HCC, but also be an effective therapy for stage II-IV or recurrent HCC.     

腹腔镜射频消融治疗原发性肝癌的研究

目的：评价腹腔镜射频消融（RFA）治疗原发性肝癌的可行性、安全性及疗效。方法：51例原发性肝癌在全麻下行腹腔镜RFA治疗,共72个瘤体,平均最大肿瘤直径（3．4±1．0）cm。合并肝硬化49例、慢性结石性胆囊炎5例,糖尿病4例,凝血功能障碍10例。结果：51例均顺利完成腹腔镜RFA治疗,12例行腹腔镜胆囊切除术。未出现严重并发症。肿瘤完全坏死率为95．8％。随访12～58个月（平均35个月）,6例发现肝内新病灶,11例射频治疗部位复发,再次采用经皮RFA治疗9例,12例死于肿瘤复发或肝功能衰竭。结论：腹腔镜RFA治疗原发性肝癌安全可行,治疗效果可靠,但应选择瘤体位于肝脏表面或临近胆囊而且不宜手术切除的病例进行治疗。     

Risk factors for recurrence of small hepatocellular carcinoma after long-term follow-up of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a local therapy for liver cancer is widely used. The study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of RFA on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identify the risk factors for recurrence. Clinical records of 124 patients with 135 small HCC with percutaneous RFA as a first-line treatment modality were evaluated in Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital from October 2001 to December 2006. With a median follow-up period of 46 months after RFA therapy, the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates and disease-free survival rates were 91, 70, 61, 48 and 40% and 64, 44, 31, 24 and 24%, respectively. The total recurrence and metastasis rates were 50 and 6.5%, respectively. Independent risk factors for recurrence after RFA included tumor with diameter more than 3 cm, located near the intrahepatic blood vessels, subcapsular locations and PT prolonged more than 3 s. Severe complications occurred in 2 cases (1.6%), including biliary tract hemorrhage and subphrenic effusion. RFA appears to be a safe and effective treatment for HCC. It will benefit the efficacy of RFA therapy if those risk factors are considered during the clinical practice.     

重复射频消融治疗原发性肝癌的临床疗效观察

目的评价经皮肝穿刺重复射频消融治疗原发性肝癌的临床疗效。方法将88例原发性肝癌患者按单次射频消融及重复射频消融的方法分为2组,观察每组肿瘤完全消融率、肿瘤复发率及不良反应的发生情况。结果2组均未发生出血、胆漏等严重的不良反应。单次射频消融组肿瘤的完全消融率为62．5％,重复射频消融组为87．5％,2组间比较差异有统计学意义（P〈O．05）;单次射频消融组肿瘤的复发率为20．0％,重复射频消融组为4．2％,2组间比较差异有统计学意义（P〈O．05）。结论重复射频消融可有效提高原发性肝癌的临床治疗效果。     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma using microwave and radiofrequency ablation

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of thermal ablation for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using microwave and radiofrequency (RF) energy application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 190 nodules in 97 patients (84 male, 13 female; mean age 53.4 years, range 24-74 years) with HCC were treated with microwave or RF ablation in the last 4 years. The applicators were introduced into the tumours under conscious analgesic sedation by intravenous administration of fentanyl citrate and droperidol and local anaesthesia in both thermal ablation procedures. The patients were then followed up with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) to evaluate treatment response. Survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Complete ablation was obtained in 92.6% (176/190) nodules. The complete ablation rates were 94.6% (106/112) in microwave ablation and 89.7% (70/78) in RF ablation. The complete ablation rates in tumours/=4.0 cm were 93.1, 93.8 and 86.4%, respectively. Local recurrence was found in 9.5% nodules and the rates in tumours/=4.0 cm in diameter were 3.4, 9.9 and 31.8%, respectively. In the follow-up period, 7.1% nodules ablated by microwave and 12.8% by RF presented local recurrence. The 1, 2 and 3-year distant recurrence-free survivals were 47.2, 34.9 and 31.0%, respectively. Estimated mean survival was 32 months, and 1, 2 and 3-year cumulative survivals were 75.6, 58.5, and 50.0%, respectively. One and 2 years survivals of Child-Pugh class A, B and C patients were 83.8 and 70.4%, 78.2 and 53.2%, 36.3 and 27.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thermal ablation therapy by means of microwave and RF energy application is an effective and safe therapeutic technique for hepatocellular carcinoma. Large tumours can be completely ablated, but have a significantly higher risk of local recurrence at follow-up.     

超声引导下射频消融治疗肝癌安全性与疗效分析

目的探讨超声引导下射频消融方法治疗肝癌的安全性与临床效果。方法选取我院2010年7月-2013年7月收治的35例肝癌患者,共61个病灶实施超声引导下经皮射频消融治疗,观察患者并发症情况及肿瘤消融情况,对比分析治疗前后的甲胎蛋白值、肿瘤大小及瘤体内的血供情况。结果所有病灶均消融成功,无严重并发症发生。经过4-15个月随访,复发13例,均给予再次射频消融。结论经皮射频消融治疗肝癌是一种安全、有效的热消融治疗技术,值得临床推广应用。     

Treatment response assessment of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: usefulness of virtual CT sonography with magnetic navigation

Purpose

Virtual CT sonography using magnetic navigation provides cross sectional images of CT volume data corresponding to the angle of the transducer in the magnetic field in real-time. The purpose of this study was to clarify the value of this virtual CT sonography for treatment response of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Patients and methods

Sixty-one patients with 88 HCCs measuring 0.5–1.3 cm (mean ± SD, 1.0 ± 0.3 cm) were treated by radiofrequency ablation. For early treatment response, dynamic CT was performed 1–5 days (median, 2 days). We compared early treatment response between axial CT images and multi-angle CT images using virtual CT sonography.

Results

Residual tumor stains on axial CT images and multi-angle CT images were detected in 11.4% (10/88) and 13.6% (12/88) after the first session of RFA, respectively (P = 0.65). Two patients were diagnosed as showing hyperemia enhancement after the initial radiofrequency ablation on axial CT images and showed local tumor progression shortly because of unnoticed residual tumors. Only virtual CT sonography with magnetic navigation retrospectively showed the residual tumor as circular enhancement. In safety margin analysis, 10 patients were excluded because of residual tumors. The safety margin more than 5 mm by virtual CT sonographic images and transverse CT images were determined in 71.8% (56/78) and 82.1% (64/78), respectively (P = 0.13). The safety margin should be overestimated on axial CT images in 8 nodules.

Conclusion

Virtual CT sonography with magnetic navigation was useful in evaluating the treatment response of radiofrequency ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in the presence of portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) may not be an absolute contraindication for hepatic radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Although the data are sparse, PVT is commonly considered a contraindication to RFA. PVT has actually been described as a complication following RFA. RFA was used to treat a 3.9×2.9 cm primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a patient with concomitant PVT without complication. RFA can be safely performed in this setting but further studies could clarify this issue.     

The efficacy of intraperitoneal saline infusion for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective

To evaluated the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with intraperitoneal saline infusion.

Background

Ultrasound-guided RFA is not always feasible due to the tumor location, possible adjacent tissue damage or poor sonographic identification.

Patients and methods

Ultrasound-guided RFA with intraperitoneal saline infusion was performed in 116 patients between June 2001 and March 2008.

Results

The overall technical feasibility of the intraperitoneal saline infusions was 90.5% (105 patients). The purposes of the intraperitoneal saline infusion were achieved in 100 patients (86.2%) by visualizing the tumor located in hepatic dome (47 patients), prevent adjacent organ damage (42 patients) and withdrawing overlying omentum (10 patients). Complete ablation of tumor was accomplished in 102 patients (87.9%). Complications associated with the treatment occurred in seven patients (6.0%). There was no case of adverse event directly related to intraperitoneal saline infusion.

Conclusions

Intraperitoneal saline infusion is an effective and safe procedure that can be used to overcome the current limitations of ultrasound-guided RFA.     

Percutaneous microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma adjacent to large vessels: A long-term follow-up

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) adjacent to large vessels.

Materials and methods

From February 2006 to February 2013, 452 patients with 605 HCC nodules were treated with US-guided percutaneous MWA. Into large vessels group (Group L), 139 patients with 163 lesions (diameter, 1.0–7.0 cm; mean, 2.5 ± 1.1 cm) located less than 5 mm away from large vessels were enrolled. And 313 patients with 442 lesions (diameter, 1.0–8.0 cm; mean, 2.5 ± 1.2 cm) located more than 5 mm away from hepatic surface, large vessels, gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract were included in control group (Group C). During the ablation, the temperature of marginal ablation tissues was monitored and controlled.

Results

The median follow-up time was 24.5 months (range 2.1–87.7 months) in Group L, and 25.7 months (range 1.6–93.9 months) in Group C. Technical effectiveness was achieved in 157 of 163 (96.3%) tumors in Group L and 429 of 442 (97.1%) tumors in Group C, respectively (p > 0.05). The 1-, 3- and 5-year local tumor progression rates and the 1-, 3- and 5-year accumulative survival rates in the two groups have no significantly statistical differences. In addition, no immediate or periprocedural major complications, no delayed complication of vessels or bile ducts injury were found in both of the two groups.

Conclusions

With strict temperature monitoring, US-guided percutaneous MWA is an efficient and safe technology in treating hepatocellular carcinoma adjacent to large vessels.     

不同MR成像方式对肝细胞癌射频消融术后的评估

以射频消融为主的肝细胞癌消融治疗已经广泛应用于临床,但治疗后肿瘤残存和复发是影响疗效的主要问题,所以消融后的评估显得尤为重要.MRI具有多参数、多序列、任意平面成像及多种功能成像方式,使其对肿瘤消融术后的评估更具优势.因此,本文就MRI常规平扫、MRI增强、DWI、DKI、PWI及MRS在肝细胞癌射频消融术后评估中的应...     

Outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma referred for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation at a tertiary center: analysis focused on the feasibility with the use of ultrasonography guidance

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of performing ultrasonography (US)-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identify causes of procedure infeasibility and its predisposing conditions.

Materials and methods

A total of 109 consecutive patients (male:female = 86:23; mean 59.9 years) with 136 HCCs (mean 1.8 cm) who had been referred for planning US were analyzed. We evaluated overall procedure feasibility as well as specific factors relating to feasibility, including inability to visualize the tumor with US and factors relating to safety of the procedure.

Results

The use of percutaneous RF ablation was concluded as infeasible for 45 tumors (33.1%). Reasons for infeasibility included tumor invisibility (n = 32), a high risk of collateral thermal injury (n = 5), absence of a safe electrode path (n = 5) and a combination of factors (n = 3). Among 136 tumors, 36(26.5%) were invisible due to isoechogenicity (n = 16), indiscrimination from surrounding cirrhotic nodules (n = 10) or an unfavorable location (n = 10). Tumor invisibility was significantly attributed to a small tumor size (P < 0.001, risk ratio = 0.823) and the presence of macronodular cirrhosis (P = 0.006, risk ratio = 4.117). Seven patients with invisible tumors were treated with RF ablation after follow-up (n = 4) or with use of adjacent structures as landmarks (n = 3). Ultimately, 65 of 109 patients were treated with percutaneous RF ablation.

Conclusions

US-guided percutaneous RF ablation for HCC was feasible in about two-thirds of candidates. Infeasibility was mostly due to inability to visualize the tumor with US, especially for patients with smaller tumor and macronodular cirrhosis.     

无水酒精注射术联合射频消融术与单纯射频消融术治疗小肝癌的疗效比较

目的比较无水酒精注射术（PEI）联合射频消融术（RFA）治疗方案与单纯RFA治疗小肝癌的疗效。方法回顾分析我院2006年1月～2008年1月进行的68例小肝癌射频消融治疗患者的临床资料。68例中37例行PEI联合RFA术,31例行单纯RFA术。比较两组肿瘤完全消融率,复发率,复发时间,术后1、2、3年生存率等情况。结果 PEI联合RFA组肿瘤完全消融率91.89%,局部复发率10.81%,局部复发时间（14.22±3.48）月,1、2、3年的生存率分别为89.19%、81.08%和72.97%。单纯RFA组肿瘤完全消融率70.97%,局部复发率32.26%,局部复发时间（9.15±2.68）月,1、2、3年的生存率87.10%、77.42%和48.39%。PEI联合RFA组在肿瘤完全消融率、局部复发率、复发时间、术后3年生存率方面好于单纯RFA组。结论 PEI联合RFA治疗小肝癌疗效优于单纯RFA治疗,在小肝癌的治疗中有重要临床应用价值。     

Hepatocellular carcinomas 2-3 cm in diameter: transarterial chemoembolization plus radiofrequency ablation vs. radiofrequency ablation alone

Objective

There is debate whether transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is more effective than RFA alone in the treatment of patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We therefore retrospectively compared these treatments in patients with HCCs of diameter 2–3 cm.

Materials and methods

Outcomes, including tumor progression, survival rates, and major complications, were compared in 83 patients (83 tumors) treated with combined TACE and RFA and in 231 patients (231 tumors) treated with RFA alone.

Results

Median follow-up periods were similar in the TACE + RFA and RFA alone groups (37 vs. 38 months). During follow-up, local tumor progression was observed in 16% and 41% of tumors, respectively. The 1, 3, and 5 year local tumor progression-free survival rates were significantly higher in the TACE + RFA group (95%, 86%, and 83%, respectively) than in the RFA-alone group (78%, 61%, and 53%, respectively; P < 0.001). The 1, 3, and 5 year overall survival rates, however, were similar in the TACE + RFA (93%, 72%, and 63%, respectively) and RFA (93%, 73%, and 53%, respectively) groups (P = 0.545), as were the rates of major complications (1.2% vs. 0.4%).

Conclusions

Combined TACE and RFA was safe and provided better local tumor control than RFA alone in the treatment of 2- to 3-cm sized HCCs, although survival rates were similar.     

Radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: Current status

Ablation therapy is one of the best curative treatment options for malignant liver tumors, and can be an alternative to resection. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of primary and secondary liver cancers can be performed safely using percutaneous, laparoscopic, or open surgical techniques, and RFA has markedly changed the treatment strategy for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Percutaneous RFA can achieve the same overall and disease-free survival as surgical resection for patients with small HCC. The use of a laparoscopic or open approach allows repeated placements of RFA electrodes at multiple sites to ablate larger tumors. RFA combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization will make the treatment of larger tumors a clinically viable treatment alternative. However, an accurate evaluation of treatment response is very important to secure successful RFA therapy. Since a sufficient safety margin (at least 0.5 cm) can prevent local tumor recurrences, an accurate evaluation of treatment response is very important to secure successful RFA therapy. To minimize complications of RFA, clinicians should be familiar with the imaging features of each type of complication. Appropriate management of complications is essential for successful RFA treatment.     

Image-guided multipolar radiofrequency ablation of liver tumours: initial clinical results

The local effectiveness and clinical usefulness of multipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation of liver tumours was evaluated. Sixty-eight image-guided RF sessions were performed using a multipolar device with bipolar electrodes in 53 patients. There were 45 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and 42 metastases with a diameter ≤3 cm (n = 55), 3.1–5 cm (n = 29) and >5 cm (n = 3); 26 nodules were within 5 mm from large vessels. Local effectiveness and complications were evaluated after RF procedures. Mean follow-up was 17 ± 10 months. Recurrence and survival rates were analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method. The primary and secondary technical effectiveness rate was 82% and 95%, respectively. The major and minor complication rate was 2.9%, respectively. The local tumour progression at 1- and 2-years was 5% and 9% for HCC nodules and 17% and 31% for metastases, respectively; four of 26 nodules (15%) close to vessels showed local progression. The survival at 1 year and 2 years was 97% and 90% for HCC and 84% and 68% for metastases, respectively. Multipolar RF technique creates ablation zones of adequate size and tailored shape and is effective to treat most liver tumours, including those close to major hepatic vessels.     

不完全射频消融对兔VX2肝癌MMP-9表达的影响

目的研究不完全射频消融（RFA）治疗对兔VX2肝癌模MMP-9蛋白表达的影响。 方法建立新西兰白兔的VX2肝癌模型,将30只兔VX2肝癌模型分为2组,即对照组和实验组,每组15只,对照组只做开关腹,而不进行RFA;实验组进行开腹消融,消融范围为肿瘤组织的75%;在实验组中设立RFA后快速进展亚组,定义为实验结束时肿瘤的倍增率大于对照组。对比其RFA后的VX2肝癌的体积变化、残留VX2肝癌基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）的表达情况。 结果对照组和实验组治疗后肿瘤体积分别为（7 862±1 304）mm³和（6 996±709）mm³,肿瘤的倍增率分别为（291±49）和（232±16）,差异有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。对照组和实验组MMP-9阳性表达率为52.1%和46.3%,差异均有统计学意义（P < 0.05）;实验组中3只实验兔肿瘤倍增率及MMP-9表达率明显高于实验组,属于RF后快速进展亚组,差异有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。 结论部分性消融对大多数肝细胞癌具有一定疗效,但对于少数肿瘤可能加速其生长,而MMP-9的过表达可能是促进残留癌快速进展的原因。     

Assessment of ablative margin by unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging after radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without a contrast agent to visualize the ablative margin after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), compared with enhanced CT.

Methods

Twenty-five HCCs in 19 patients were treated by RFA. T1-weighted MRI was performed before and after RFA, and the signal intensities of the tumors and surrounding liver tissues were measured. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on three grades: margin (+), a continuous high-intensity rim around the index tumor; margin zero, a partially discontinuous high-intensity rim; margin (−), the tumor extends beyond the high-intensity rim.

Results

Twelve (86%) of fourteen low-intensity tumors on the pre-MRI were visualized as low-intensity tumors on post-MRI, and the ablative margins were visualized as high-intensity rims. Two (67%) of three high-intensity tumors on pre-MRI were visualized as higher-intensity tumors in the high-intensity ablative margin. Because the signal intensities of tumors and surrounding tissues in 14 tumors that were low- or high-intensity tumors on pre-MRI increased to the same extent, the tumors and ablative margin could be distinguished on post images. In 6 (75%) of the 8 iso-intensity tumors on pre-MRI, the ablative margin and tumor could also not be discriminated on post-MRI. The overall agreement between MRI and CT for the ablative margin was good (κ coefficient = 0.716, p = 0.00002).

Conclusion

In 82% of low- or high-intensity tumors on pre-MRI, post-MRI without a contrast agent enabled visualization of the ablative margin as a high-intensity rim, and it was possible to evaluate the ablative margin earlier and easier than with enhanced CT.     

肝癌射频消融治疗后并发症的影像学表现及治疗

射频热消融（radiofrequency ablation,RFA）治疗肝细胞癌在临床上使用日趋广泛,但RFA治疗后仍会出现一些并发症,主要包括局部感染（脓肿形成）和局部出血,以及胆管损伤、接地板烧伤和胸部及小肠的并发症。射频治疗的并发症不能忽视,合理控制RFA治疗的适应证及早期发现并发症,并早期处理是必要的。避免并发症的发生有三个主要策略,首要策略是不给可能发生并发症的患者做该治疗;第二种策略是早期发现RFA治疗后的并发症;最后一种策略是对并发症的合理的处治。