Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Hepatectomy: Long-term Results and Prognostic Factors

Background We evaluated the long-term survival results and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy, and assessed the prognostic factors that can influence its long-term therapeutic results. Methods One hundred and two patients, who had 119 recurrent HCC in their livers, underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous RFA. All the patients had a history of hepatic resection as a first-line treatment modality for HCC. The mean diameter of the recurrent tumors was 2.0 cm (range, 0.8–5.0 cm). We evaluated the effectiveness rates, local tumor progression rates, survival rates, and complications. We also assessed the prognostic factors of the survival rates by using Cox proportional hazard models. Results The primary effectiveness rate was 93.3% (111 of 119). The cumulative rates of local tumor progression at 1, 3, and 5 years were 6.0, 8.6, and 11.9%, respectively. The cumulative survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 93.9, 83.7, 65.7, 56.6, and 51.6%, respectively. Patients with a lower serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level (≤100 μg/L) before RFA or with small resected tumors (≤5 cm) demonstrated better survival results (P < .05). There was only one major complication (liver abscess, 1.0% per treatment) during the follow-up period. There were no procedure-related deaths. Conclusions Percutaneous RFA is an effective and safe treatment modality for intrahepatic recurrent HCC after hepatectomy. Serum AFP level before RFA and resected tumor size were significant prognostic predictors of long-term survival.     

Concurrent and subsequent radiofrequency ablation combined with hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinomas

Partial hepatectomy has long been the standard treatment modality for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although the majority of patients with HCCs are not candidates for curative resection. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been widely used as the preferred locoregional therapy. RFA and hepatectomy can be complementary to each other for the treatment of multifocal HCCs. Combining hepatectomy with RFA permits the removal of larger tumors while simultaneously ablating any smaller residual tumors. By using this combination treatment, more patients might become candidates for curative resection. For treating recurrent tumors involving the liver after hepatectomy, RFA has been performed recently instead of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization or ethanol ablation. Many retrospective studies on the combination of RFA and hepatectomy demonstrate favorable results of effectiveness and safety. However, further investigation of prospective design will be needed to confirm these encouraging results.     

Incomplete Ablation After Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Analysis of Risk Factors and Prognostic Factors

Background Complete ablation rates after a single session of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vary from 48% to 97%. Limited data are available regarding risk factors and prognostic significance of incomplete ablation. Methods Between April 2001 and March 2006, 298 patients underwent RFA of 393 HCC nodules with an intent of complete ablation after a single session. Risk factors for incomplete ablation and its effect on overall survival were analyzed. Results Two hundred seventy-three (91.6%) underwent complete tumor ablation, whereas the other 25 (8.4%) underwent incomplete tumor ablation after a single session of RFA. By multivariate analysis, tumor size >3 cm (P = .049) was found to be the only independent risk factor for incomplete ablation. There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between patients with complete and incomplete ablation. By univariate analysis, no previous transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), preoperative serum alfa-fetoprotein ≤100 μg/mL, and complete response after further treatment of incomplete ablation were associated with better overall survival in patients with incomplete ablation. Conclusions This study demonstrated that incomplete ablation after RFA of HCC was associated with tumor size >3 cm. Our data also suggest that aggressive further treatment of tumors with incomplete ablation aiming at complete tumor response improves overall survival.     

Effectiveness of systematized hepatectomy with Glisson's pedicle transection at the hepatic hilus for small nodular hepatocellular carcinoma: retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of systematized hepatectomy with transection of Glisson's pedicle at the hepatic hilus in patients with small nodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been confirmed. METHODS: Surgical outcomes were reviewed in 204 patients with single nodular HCCs less than 5 cm in greatest diameter, including 68 patients with tumors that showed extranodular growth and 136 patients with tumors that did not, who had undergone curative hepatectomy (partial hepatic resection, n = 114; systematized hepatectomy, n = 90) from 1990 through 1994. RESULTS: The rates of microscopic vascular invasion and intrahepatic metastasis were significantly higher in patients who had single nodular HCCs with extranodular growth (34% and 49%) than in patients who had single nodular HCCs without extranodular growth (13%, P =.001, and 4%, P <.001). The 5-year survival rate in patients who had single nodular HCCs with extranodular growth was significantly greater after systematized hepatectomy (67%) than after partial hepatic resection (21%, P =.0002). Multivariate analysis showed that the type of operation was an independent prognostic factor in patients with single nodular HCCs with extranodular growth (P =.0008). CONCLUSIONS: Systematized hepatectomy with Glisson's pedicle transection at the hepatic hilus should be performed in patients who have single small nodular HCCs with extranodular growth because these tumors often invade within the liver sector containing the tumor.     

Solitary colorectal liver metastasis: resection determines outcome

BACKGROUND: Hepatic resection (HR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been proposed as equivalent treatments for colorectal liver metastasis. HYPOTHESIS: Recurrence patterns after HR and RFA for solitary liver metastasis are similar. DESIGN: Analysis of a prospective database at a tertiary care center with systematic review of follow-up imaging in all of the patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with solitary liver metastasis as the first site of metastasis treated for cure by HR or RFA were studied (patients received no prior liver-directed therapy). Prognostic factors, recurrence patterns, and survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 180 patients who were studied, 150 underwent HR and 30 underwent RFA. Radiofrequency ablation was used when resection would leave an inadequate liver remnant (20 patients) or comorbidity precluded safe HR (10 patients). Tumor size and treatment determined recurrence and survival. The local recurrence (LR) rate was markedly lower after HR (5%) than after RFA (37%) (P<.001). Treatment by HR was associated with longer 5-year survival rates than RFA, including LR-free (92% vs 60%, respectively; P<.001), disease-free (50% vs 0%, respectively; P = .001), and overall (71% vs 27%, respectively; P<.001) survival rates. In the subset with tumors 3 cm or larger (n = 79), LR occurred more frequently following RFA (31%) than after HR (3%) (P = .001), with a 5-year LR-free survival rate of 66% after RFA vs 97% after HR (P<.001). Patients with small tumors experienced longer 5-year overall survival rates after HR (72%) as compared with RFA (18%) (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: The survival rate following HR of solitary colorectal liver metastasis exceeds 70% at 5 years. Radiofrequency ablation for solitary metastasis is associated with a markedly higher LR rate and shorter recurrence-free and overall survival rates compared with HR, even when small lesions (< or = 3 cm) are considered. Every method should be considered to achieve resection of solitary colorectal liver metastasis, including referral to a specialty center, extended hepatectomy, and chemotherapy.     

Combined hepatectomy and microwave ablation for multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma: Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors

BackgroundIt remains to be clarified whether combined hepatectomy and microwave ablation for multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is feasible. This aim of this study was to examine the perioperative and oncological outcomes after combined hepatectomy and microwave ablation for multifocal HCC.MethodsThis retrospective study included 81 patients who underwent combined hepatectomy and microwave ablation for multifocal HCC in our institute between June 1998 and December 2017. We analyzed overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), and evaluated factors related to prognosis.ResultsMedian follow-up time was 45.6 months for the entire cohort. OS rates were 1-year: 96%, 3-year: 72%, and 5-year: 54%; RFS rates were 1-year: 77%, 3-year: 37%, and 5-year: 22%. The major complication rate (Clavien–Dindo classification IIIa or above) after surgery was 10%, with one patient of in-hospital mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed that des-γ-carboxy prothrombin level >200 mAU/mL and >5 tumors were independent risk factors for OS, and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin level >200 mAU/mL, > 5 tumors, and maximum tumor size >5 cm were independent risk factors for RFS.ConclusionsOur results indicate that combined hepatectomy and microwave ablation is safe and feasible for selected patients with multifocal HCC.     

The significance of p53 mutations as an indicator of the biological behavior of recurrent hepatocellular carcinomas

The significance of p53 mutations in the primary lesion for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was evaluated. Mutations of p53 were examined using non-radioisotopic (nonRI)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) in 98 resected HCCs. Of the 98 cases, 25 (26%) had a p53 mutation. In 83 patients who survived surgery, the presence of a p53 mutation was associated with a shortened overall survival (P<0.001) and a shortened cancer-free survival (P<0.05). In 43 patients who developed recurrence, there was no statistically significant correlation between the status of p53 in the primary lesion and the clinical features of recurrent HCCs examined, i.e., extrahepatic metastasis, the number of recurrent tumors, extent of recurrent tumors, and treatment for recurrent tumors. However, postrecurrence survival was significantly lower in patients in whom a p53 mutation had been detected in the primary lesion (P<0.01). A multivariate analysis for prognostic value after recurrence revealed that the p53 mutation was a useful independent prognostic factor affecting survival after recurrence (P<0.01). In conclusion, our findings suggest that HCCs with p53 mutations have a high malignant potential based on their poor prognosis. Therefore, a p53 mutation in the primary lesion is useful as an indicator of the biological behavior of recurrent HCCs.     

肝切除联合术中热消融治疗肝硬化背景下多灶性肝癌

目的探讨肝切除联合术中热消融治疗肝硬化背景下多灶性肝癌的有效性和安全性。方法回顾性分析63例接受肝切除联合术中热消融治疗肝硬化背景下多灶性肝癌患者的临床资料,分析患者的治疗效果及并发症。结果 63例患者共切除病灶85个,病灶平均最大直径(4.66±3.82)cm,热消融治疗病灶146个,病灶平均最大直径(1.48±0.66)cm。146个病灶完全消融率达100%(146/146),局部复发率4.11%(6/146)。患者1、2、3、4年无瘤生存率分别为54.82%、31.28%、12.03%、6.02%;1、3、5年累积生存率分别为83.51%、56.83%、45.20%。未出现治疗相关的死亡病例。肝切除相关严重并发症8例(8/63,12.70%)。未出现热消融相关严重并发症。结论肝切除联合术中热消融治疗肝硬化背景下多灶性肝癌安全、有效,扩大了肝切除术的适应证。     

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation versus Partial Hepatectomy for Multicentric Small Hepatocellular Carcinomas: A Nonrandomized Comparative Study

Background  

The aim of this study was to compare the results of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with those of partial hepatectomy (PH) in the treatment of multicentric small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). With advances in RFA, it is not known whether the minimally invasive approach with percutaneous RFA could attain comparable survival outcomes but with a lower morbidity in patients with multicentric HCCs.     

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Repeat Hepatectomy for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Background  Whether percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) is as effective as repeat hepatectomy for recurrent small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the long-term remains unknown. Methods  We included 110 patients into this study. Each patient had fewer than three recurrent HCCs, with the largest tumor less than 5 cm in diameter. Sixty-six patients with 88 tumors were treated by PRFA and 44 patients with 55 tumors were treated by repeat hepatectomy. Results  The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year overall survival rates after repeat hepatectomy and PRFA were 78.6%, 56.8%, 44.5%, 30.7%, and 27.6%, and 76.6%, 48.6%, 48.6%, 39.9%, and 39.9%, respectively (P = 0.79). The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year overall survival rates after the initial hepatectomy for the two groups were 95.4%, 79.1%, 65.0%, 50.4%, and 42.9%, and 98.5%, 85.0%, 70.8%, 58.7%, and 55.6%, respectively, (P = 0.18). Subgroup analyses showed that there was no significant difference between the overall survivals of the two groups of patients when the interval of tumor recurrence from the initial hepatectomy was ≤1 year (P = 0.74) or >1 year (P = 0.69), and for recurrent tumor ≤3 cm (P = 0.62) or >3 cm (P = 0.57). Major complications happened significantly more often after repeat hepatectomy than PRFA (30 of 44 versus 2 of 66, P < 0.05). The interval of recurrence from the initial hepatectomy, the diameter of the recurrent tumor and the serum albumin level were significant prognostic factors for overall survival. Conclusion  PRFA was as effective as repeat hepatectomy in the treatment of recurrent small HCC. PRFA had the advantage over repeat hepatectomy in being less invasive.     

Analysis of Recurrence Pattern and Its Influence on Survival Outcome After Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective local ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with favorable long-term outcome. There is no data on the analysis of recurrence pattern and its influence on long-term survival outcome after RFA in HCC patients. Aim of Study To evaluate the tumor recurrence pattern and its influence on long-term survival in patients with HCC treated with RFA. Patients and Methods From April 2001 to January 2005, 209 patients received RFA using internally cooled electrode as the sole treatment modality for HCC. Among them, 117 patients (56%) had unresectable HCC because of bilobar disease, poor liver function, and/or high medical risk for resection; whereas 92 patients (44%) underwent RFA as the primary treatment for small resectable HCC. The ablation procedure was performed through percutaneous (n = 101), laparoscopic (n = 17), or open approaches (n = 91). The tumor recurrence pattern and long-term survival were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was carried out to identify independent prognostic factors affecting the overall survival of patients. Results The mortality and morbidity rates were 0.9 and 15.7%, respectively. Complete tumor ablation was achieved in 192 patients (92.7%). With a median follow-up period of 26 months, local recurrence occurred in 28 patients (14.5%). Same segment and different segment intrahepatic recurrence occurred in 30 patients (15.6%) and 78 patients (40.6%), respectively. Twenty patients (10.4%) developed distant extrahepatic metastases. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 87.2, 66.6, and 42%, respectively. Different segment intrahepatic recurrence and distant recurrence after RFA carried significant poor prognostic influence on overall survival outcome. Using multivariate analysis, Child–Pugh grade (risk ratio [RR] = 2.918, 95% confident interval [CI] 1.704–4.998, p = 0.000), tumor size (RR = 1.231, 95% CI 1.031–1.469, p = 0.021), and pattern of recurrence (risk ratio [RR] = 1.464, 95% CI 1.156–1.987, P = 0.020) were identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Conclusion The tumor recurrence pattern after RFA carries significant prognostic value in relation to overall survival. Long-term regular surveillance and aggressive treatment strategy are required for patients with different segment intrahepatic recurrence to optimize the benefits of RFA.     

A Systematic Review of Radiofrequency Ablation for Lung Tumors

Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been increasingly utilized as a non-surgical treatment option for patients with primary and metastatic lung tumors. We performed the present systematic review to assess the safety and efficacy of RFA. Methods Searches for all relevant studies prior to November 2006 were performed on six databases. Two reviewers independently appraised each study using predetermined criteria. Clinical effectiveness was synthesized through a narrative review, with full tabulation of results of all included studies. Results A total of 17 of the most recent updates from each institution were included for appraisal and data extraction. All were case series and were classified as level-4 evidence. The mean number of lesions treated ranged from 1 to 2.8, and the mean size ranged from 1.7 cm to 5.2 cm. The overall procedure-related morbidity rate ranged from 15.2% to 55.6% and mortality from 0% to 5.6%. The most commonly reported complication was pneumothorax (4.5–61.1%). Most pneumothoraces were self-limiting and only 3.3–38.9% (median = 11%) required chest drain insertion. The local recurrence of tumors at the site of RFA ranged from 3% to 38.1% (median = 11.2%). The median progression-free interval ranged from 15 months to 26.7 months (median = 21 months), and 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 63–85%, 55–65% and 15–46%, respectively. Conclusions Only observational studies were available for evaluation, which demonstrated some promising safety profiles of RFA. There were no conflicts of interest.     

Changes in acid-base balance and blood lactate levels during radio frequency ablation conducted for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomata in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Radio frequency ablation (RFA) has recently received increasing attention as an effective minimally invasive approach for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomata (HCCs). However, we experienced a patient with liver cirrhosis (LC, Child-Pugh class B) in whom severe lactic acidosis developed during RFA conducted for the treatment of a HCC (-4.5 cm in diameter). This case prompted us to reevaluate possible injurious effects of RFA on non-tumorous liver tissues in the vicinity of its target in LC patients. METHODS: Intraoperative changes in acid-base balance and blood lactate levels, and postoperative changes in serum transaminases were investigated in LC (Child-Pugh class A) patients undergoing either laparotomic RFA (for the treatment of HCCs [diameter < 3 cm]) or partial hepatectomy (with the aid of the Pringle's manuever), and non-LC patients undergoing pancreatectomy. RESULTS: During the intraoperative period, significant lactic acidosis developed only in the patients undergoing hepatectomy. Core temperature significantly increased following the RFA. Postoperative increases in the transaminases observed in the patients undergoing hepatectomy were far larger than those observed in the patients undergoing either RAF or pancreatectomy. CONCLUSION: RFA, conducted for the treatment of smaller HCCs, appears to be minimally invasive even in the presence of LC (Child-Pugh class A).     

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Pulmonary Metastases from Colorectal Carcinoma: Prognostic Determinants for Survival

Background Preliminary results have shown that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may play a useful role in patients with inoperable lung tumors. This series evaluated the prognostic features for survival in nonsurgical candidates who underwent percutaneous RFA of pulmonary metastases from colorectal carcinoma.Methods Fifty-five patients not suitable for surgery underwent percutaneous RFA for colorectal pulmonary metastases. All clinical and treatment-related data were collected prospectively. The primary end point of the study was overall survival, defined from the time of RFA intervention. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify statistically significant prognostic parameters for overall survival.Results The overall median survival was 33 months (range, 4–40 months), with actuarial 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival of 85%, 64%, and 46%, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that largest size of lung metastasis (P < .001), location of lung metastases (P = .032), and repeat percutaneous RFA for pulmonary recurrence (P = .024) were statistically significant for overall survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that largest size of lung metastasis >3 cm was independently associated with a reduced overall survival (P = .003).Conclusions Percutaneous lung RFA may play a useful role in nonsurgical candidates with colorectal pulmonary metastases. However, the survival benefit of this interventional procedure for patients with a pulmonary metastasis >3 cm was limited.     

肝切除术中不同断肝方式治疗多病灶原发性肝癌的临床效果研究

目的探讨肝切除术中不同断肝方式治疗多病灶原发性肝癌的临床效果,分析射频消融术（RFA）辅助断肝治疗多病灶原发性肝癌的优势。 方法回顾性分析2014年1月至2019年12月于安徽医科大学附属六安医院确诊为多病灶原发性肝癌的156例患者临床资料,其中72例为肝切除术中应用RFA辅助断肝（RFA组）,84例采用传统肝切除术（对照组）。观察两组患者手术时间、肝门阻断时间、术中出血量及术后住院时间等手术相关指标;对比两组患者手术前后丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）、甲胎蛋白（AFP）、总胆酸（TBA）及总胆红素（TBIL）等肝功能指标水平,以及术后并发症、术后生存情况。 结果与对照组相比,RFA组患者的手术时间、肝门阻断时间、术后住院时间显著缩短,术中出血量亦明显减少,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。术前两组患者肝功能指标ALT、AST、AFP、TBA及TBIL水平比较,差异无统计学意义,术后7 d时均显著下降（P<0.05）,且RFA组ALT、AST、AFP水平显著低于对照组（P<0.05）。术后RFA组并发症发生率为5.56%（4/72）,低于对照组的15.48%（χ²=3.930,P=0.047）。对照组患者术后1、3、5年累积总生存率和无病生存率分别为92.85%、64.28%、57.14%和88.10%、58.33%、47.62%;RFA组术后1、3、5年累积生存率和无病生存率分别为100.0%、87.50%、69.44%和95.83%、75.00%、61.11%。两组术后3、5年累积总生存率和1、3、5年累积无病生存率比较,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论在肝切除术中应用RFA辅助断肝,对于治疗多病灶原发性肝癌患者具有出血少、手术并发症发生率低、远期生存率高等优势,可在临床中大力推广。     

肝癌射频消融技术及疗效评价方法

目的 总结肝癌射频消融(RFA)的临床经验并探讨评价RFA疗效的方法 .方法 对49例肝癌病人进行了统一方案的RFA治疗,其中男43例,女6例;年龄39～72岁,平均(56.4±9.3)岁.肿瘤直径1.5～10 cm,其中≤3 cm 16例,3.1～5 cm 15例,>5 cm 18例.按肝功能Child-Pugh分级,A级41例,B级8例.病理诊断为肝细胞癌44例,胆管细胞性肝癌5例.采用RITA射频消融肿瘤治疗系统(RF-1500)行RFA.在RFA后3～4周常规行CT及TACE,以评价肝癌RFA的效果及巩固疗效.结果 全部病例RFA术后恢复顺利,总体1、2、3年生存率为77.5%、56.5%和44.0%,肝癌RFA后3～4周,AFP阳性(≥25μg/L)者转阴率62.9%(22/35).改进的肝癌RFA方法 可对直径5 cm以下的肿瘤进行比较彻底的消融,≤5 cm者1、2、3年生存率为100%、79.6%和61.9%.将肝癌消融近期疗效分为3个级别,RFA术后获得根治性消融(19例)、亚根治消融(9例)、姑息性消融(21例)者2年生存率分别为85.7%、60.0%和24.3%.结论 肝癌RFA相当于从机能上切除了肿瘤,肝癌消融近期疗效三级分类法可以比较客观地评价RFA的效果,以指导辅助治疗的选择.     

Surveillance post-radiofrequency ablation for small renal masses: Recurrence and followup

IntroductionSmall renal masses (SRMs), enhancing tumors <4 cm in diameter, are suspicious for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The incidence of SRMs have risen with the increased quality and frequency of imaging. Partial nephrectomy is widely accepted as a nephron-sparing approach for the management of clinically localized RCC, with a greater than 90% disease-specific survival for stage T1a. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been emerging as an alternative management strategy, with evidence suggesting RFA as a safe alternative for SRMs. We aimed to evaluate the time to recurrence and recurrence rates of SRMs treated with RFA at our institution.MethodsA retrospective review between October 2011 and May 2019 identified 141 patients with a single SRM treated with RFA at Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Patients with familial syndromes and distant metastases were excluded. Repeat RFAs of the ipsilateral kidney for incomplete ablation were not considered a new procedure. The primary variable measured was time from initial ablation to recurrence. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify possible prognostic variables for tumor recurrence defined a priori, including age, gender, mass size, RENAL nephrometry, and PADUA scores.ResultsThe overall average age of our patients was 69.0±11.1 years, with 71.6% being male. Average tumor size was 2.6±0.8 cm. There were 22/154 total recurrences (15.6%) post-RFA. Median followup time was 67 (18–161) months. Those with new recurrences had median time to recurrence of 15 months and no recurrence beyond 53 months. Thirteen of 141 patients had residual disease (9.2%) and were identified within the first eight months post-RFA. The only prognostic variable identified as a predictor of residual disease was tumor size (hazard ratio 2.265; p<0.001).ConclusionsThis study shows the risk of a new recurrence following RFA for SRMs is 6.4%. Most recurrences (9.2%) were a result of residual tumor at the ablation site identified within the first eight months post-RFA. No recurrences were identified beyond 53 months, with a total median followup time of 67 months. Tumor size alone, without need for complex scoring systems, may serve as a predictor of incomplete ablation following RFA and could be used to assist in shared decision-making on management strategies.     

Significant Long-Term Survival After Radiofrequency Ablation of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Cirrhosis

Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers an alternative treatment in some unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with disease confined to the liver. We prospectively evaluated survival rates in patients with early-stage, unresectable HCC treated with RFA.Methods All patients with HCC treated with RFA between September 1, 1997, and July 31, 2002, were prospectively evaluated. Patients were treated with RFA by using a percutaneous or open intraoperative approach with ultrasound guidance and were evaluated at regular intervals to determine disease recurrence and survival.Results A total of 194 patients (153 men [79%] and 41 women [21%]) with a median age of 66 years (range, 39–86 years) underwent RFA of 289 sonographically detectable HCC tumors. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months (median follow-up, 34.8 months). Percutaneous and open intraoperative RFA was performed in 140 (72%) and 54 (28%) patients, respectively. The median diameter of tumors treated with RFA was 3.3 cm. Disease recurred in 103 (53%) of 194 patients, including 69 (49%) of 140 patients treated percutaneously and 34 (63%) of 54 treated with open RFA (not significant). Local recurrence developed in nine patients (4.6%). Most recurrence was intrahepatic. The overall complication rate was 12%. Overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years for all 194 patients were 84.5%, 68.1%, and 55.4%, respectively.Conclusions Treatment with RFA can produce significant long-term survival rates for cirrhotic patients with early-stage, unresectable HCC. RFA can be performed in these patients with relatively low complication rates. Confirmation of these results in randomized trials should be considered.Presented at the 57th Annual Cancer Symposium of the Society of Surgical Oncology, New York, New York, March 18–21, 2004.Published by Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. © 2005 The Society of Surgical Oncology, Inc.     

Risk factors and prognostic factors of local recurrence after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Local recurrence rates after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vary from 2% to 36% in the literature. Limited data were available about the prognostic significance of local recurrence. STUDY DESIGN: Between April 2001 and March 2006, 273 patients with 357 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules underwent RFA, with radiologically complete tumor ablation after a single session of RFA. The risk factors of local recurrence and its impact on overall survival of patients were analyzed. RESULTS: With a median followup period of 24 months, local recurrence occurred in 35 patients (12.8%). By multivariate analysis, tumor size > 2.5 cm was the only independent risk factor for local recurrence. There was no notable difference in overall survival between patients with and without local recurrence. By multivariate analysis, local recurrence more than 12 months after RFA and complete response after additional treatment of local recurrence were associated with better overall survival in patients with local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that tumor size > 2.5 cm was the main risk factor for local recurrence after RFA of hepatocellular carcinoma. Our data suggested that additional aggressive treatment of local recurrence aimed at complete tumor response improves overall survival of patients. Late local recurrence was also associated with better prognosis, suggesting different tumor biology between early and late local recurrent tumors after RFA.     

结肠癌肝转移外科治疗的临床与病理分析(附25例报告)

目的　探讨结肠癌肝转移的外科治疗方法及其病理因素对预后的影响。方法　本组79例结肠癌肝转移患者中共有 2 5例接受原发灶根治术以及肝转移灶切除术或射频消融术。其中 14例进行了原发灶根治术及肝脏转移灶切除术 ,11例进行了肝脏转移灶射频消融术。结果　本组结肠癌肝转移患者术后 1年、3年生存率分别为 84 %、4 8%。分化程度高以及单个转移灶的患者预后较好。肝脏肿瘤切除与肝脏肿瘤射频消融术后患者生存时间无明显差异。结论　结肠癌肝转移患者原发肿瘤的分化程度、肝脏转移灶的数量对预测患者的预后有一定的作用。手术切除及射频消融术对治疗结肠癌肝转移能够达到较为接近的治疗效果。