Synchronous renal cell carcinoma and clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma mimicking metastatic disease

Double carcinomas of hepatocellular and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are extremely rare, and among the reported cases, none of the hepatocellular carcinomas show clear cell change. We report a case of synchronous double primary clear cell tumor in the liver and the kidney of a 70-year-old male. The renal mass was a renal cell carcinoma of mixed clear and granular cell types, and the hepatic mass was a hepatocellular carcinoma with extensive clear cell change that mimicked a metastatic renal cell carcinoma. A simple battery of immunohistochemical stains composed of hepatocyte antigen, and CD10 was performed to make a definite diagnosis.     

New next-generation microwave thermosphere ablation for small hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/AimsIn July 2017, the Emprint™ next-generation microwave ablation system using thermosphere technology (Covidien, Boulder, CO, USA) was approved for use in Japan. This system can produce a predictable spherical ablation zone at higher temperatures than radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether this new microwave thermosphere ablation (MTA) could safely improve outcome compared to RFA, which is the standard of care for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 513 patients with 630 HCCs (≤3 cm) who were performed by percutaneous RFA (174 patients, 214 HCCs) or MTA (339 patients, 416 HCCs) between January 2016 and March 2020.ResultsMedian ablation time was significantly shorter for MTA (240 seconds) than for RFA (721 seconds; P<0.001). A significant difference in 3-year local tumor progression rate was evident between the RFA group (22%) and MTA group (8%; P<0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed ablation procedure and tumor diameter as independent factors contributing to local tumor progression (MTA; P<0.001; hazard ratio, 0.565; 95% confidence interval, 0.437–0.731). In patients with primary HCC, a significant difference in overall survival was evident (RFA vs. MTA, 3-year, 77% vs. 95%, P=0.029). Ablation procedure and Child-Pugh score were independent factors contributing to survival. The total complication rate was significantly lower for MTA (8%) than for RFA (14%, P<0.05), particularly for bile duct injury (3% vs. 9%, respectively; P<0.05).ConclusionsNext-generation MTA for small HCC could provide safer, more curative treatment in a shorter ablation time than RFA.     

Surgery versus radiofrequency ablation in patients with Child- Pugh class-A/single small (≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/AimsWe compared the post-treatment overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class-A and single small (≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by surgical resection (SR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 391 HCC patients with CTP class-A who underwent SR (n=232) or RFA (n=159) as first-line therapy for single small (≤3 cm) HCC. Survival was compared according to the tumor size (≤2 cm/2–3 cm) and the presence of cirrhosis. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPW) method was used to estimate the average causal effect of treatment.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 64.8 months (interquartile range, 0.1–162.6). After IPW, the estimated OS was similar in the SR and RFA groups (P=0.215), and even in patients with HCC of ≤2 cm (P=0.816) and without cirrhosis (P=0.195). The estimated RFS was better in the SR group than in the RFA groups (P=0.005), also in patients without cirrhosis (P<0.001), but not in those with HCC of ≤2 cm (P=0.234). The weighted Cox proportional hazards model with IPW provided adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for OS, and the RFS after RFA versus SR were 0.698 (0.396–1.232) (P=0.215) and 1.698 (1.777–2.448) (P=0.005), respectively.ConclusionsSR was similar for OS compared to RFA, but was better for RFS in patients with CTP class-A and single small (≤3 cm) HCC. The RFS was determined by the presence or absence of cirrhosis. Hence, SR rather than RFA should be considered in patients without cirrhosis to prolong the RFS, although there is no OS difference.     

Alteration of laboratory findings after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: relationship to severity of the underlying liver disease and the ablation volume

Background/Aims

To investigate sequential changes in laboratory markers after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the relationship of these changes to the severity of the underlying liver disease.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 65 patients (44 males, 21 females) who underwent RFA of HCC. Hematologic and biochemical markers were assessed at the pre-RFA period and 1 day, 2-3 days, and 1-2 weeks after RFA. We classified the subjects into two groups: Child-Pugh A (n=41) and Child-Pugh B (n=24). The ablative margin volume (AMV) of each patient was measured. We analyzed the changes in laboratory profiles from the baseline, and investigated whether these laboratory changes were correlated with the AMV and the Child-Pugh classification.

Results

Most of the laboratory values peaked at 2-3 days after RFA. AMV was significantly correlated with changes in WBC count, hemoglobin level, and serum total bilirubin level (Pearson''s correlation coefficient, 0.324-0.453; P<0.05). The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level varied significantly over time (P=0.023).

Conclusions

Most of the measured laboratory markers changed from baseline, peaking at 2-3 days. The ALT level was the only parameter for which there was a significant difference after RFA between Child-Pugh A and B patients: it increased significantly more in the Child-Pugh A patients.     

Radiofrequency ablation of very-early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma inconspicuous on fusion imaging with B-mode US: value of fusion imaging with contrast-enhanced US

Background/Aims

To determine the value of fusion imaging with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance (MR) images for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of very-early-stage hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) that are inconspicuous on fusion imaging with B-mode ultrasound (US) and CT/MR images.

Methods

This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board and the requirement for informed consent was waived. Fusion imaging with CEUS using Sonazoid contrast agent and CT/MR imaging was performed on HCCs (<2 cm) that were inconspicuous on fusion imaging with B-mode US. We evaluated the number of cases that became conspicuous on fusion imaging with CEUS. Percutaneous RFA was performed under the guidance of fusion imaging with CEUS. Technical success and major complication rates were assessed.

Results

In total, 30 patients with 30 HCCs (mean, 1.2 cm; range, 0.6-1.7 cm) were included, among which 25 (83.3%) became conspicuous on fusion imaging with CEUS at the time of the planning US and/or RFA procedure. Of those 25 HCCs, RFA was considered feasible for 23 (92.0%), which were thus treated. The technical success and major complication rates were 91.3% (21/23) and 4.3% (1/23), respectively.

Conclusions

Fusion imaging with CEUS and CT/MR imaging is highly effective for percutaneous RFA of very-early-stage HCCs inconspicuous on fusion imaging with B-mode US and CT/MR imaging.     

Efficacy of radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic liver disease without cirrhosis

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of death for compensated chronic liver disease.     

A case of hemocholecyst associated with hemobilia following radiofrequency ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is performed as an alternative to surgical resection for primary or secondary liver malignancies. Although RFA can be performed safely in most patients, early and late complications related to mechanical or thermal damage occur in 8-9.5% cases. Hemocholecyst, which refers to hemorrhage of the gallbladder, has been reported with primary gallbladder disease or as a secondary event associated with hemobilia. Hemobilia, defined as hemorrhage in the biliary tract and most commonly associated with accidental or iatrogenic trauma, is a rare complication of RFA. Here we report a case of hemocholecyst associated with hemobilia after RFA for hepatocellular carcinoma that was successfully managed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Renal artery changes in patients with primary renal cell carcinoma

Arterial fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a noninflammatory, nonatherosclerotic, occlusive condition of the systemic arteries, most frequently affecting renal arteries. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) might be associated with arterial hypertension; however, there are no data in the literature regarding the relationship between RCC and associated renal artery changes. We analyzed a consecutive series of 57 (35 male and 22 female) patients aging from 35 to 79 years (mean 58.9 years) who underwent nephrectomy due to RCC in the year 2003. The patients had RCC measuring from 2 to 16 cm (mean 7.1 cm). Specimens were routinely fixed, embedded in paraffin, cut, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Mallory trichrome method, and orcein. Renal arteries of 26 patients (20 male, 6 female) showed no changes. In these patients, RCC measured 2.5–11 cm in largest diameter (mean 6.6 cm). In 24 patients (10 male, 14 female), renal arteries showed FMD. RCCs in these patients measured between 2 and 16 cm (mean 8.0 cm). Seven patients had atherosclerotic changes in renal arteries. In this series, FMD was found in a significant proportion of patients with RCC, mainly in women. The cause of such changes and their relationship with RCC and systemic hypertension should be further analyzed. Presented in part at the XXV International Academy of Pathology Congress, Brisbane, Australia, October 10–15, 2004.     

Ataxia-telangiectasia with renal cell carcinoma and hepatoma

Summary This paper reports the occurrence of renal cell carcinoma, hepatoma and malignant hepatic mixed tumor in a 22-year-old male with ataxiatelangiectasia (AT). Incidence of various malignant neoplasms is high in the patients with AT. The majority of these are lymphoreticular tumors and leukemia, and epithelial tumors are rare. This report is the first case with renal cell carcinoma and the second with hepatoma. The reason for a low incidence of epithelial tumors in AT is still obscure. It is possible that as the result of abnormal aging the tumors expected in the aged will occur in longer survivors with AT.     

Morphometric analysis of renal arteries in patients with renal cell carcinoma

The aim of this study was to analyze morphometric parameters of renal arteries (longest diameter and tunica media thickness) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), to look into their relationship to tumor necrosis and to compare them with morphometric parameters recorded in a control group. We analyzed archival cases of RCC diagnosed in 2003 that also contained routinely sampled specimens of distal segments of renal artery. The control group consisted of specimens from both renal arteries obtained from 16 patients at routine autopsy during 2004-2005. Autopsy, as well as further histological analysis, did not disclose any malignant disease in the control group. Morphometric analysis of diameter and thickness of the renal artery tunica media was performed using Issa 3.1 software (Vamstek 2002, Zagreb, Croatia). The comparison of tunica media thickness showed that renal arteries from RCC cases were significantly thicker compared to distal parts of renal arteries in the control group (p=0.0002). Although renal artery samples from cases with necrotic tumor areas were thicker than those without tumor necrosis, the difference was not statistically significant. It is concluded that significantly thicker tunica media characterizes renal arteries in the group of patients with RCC when compared with the control group.     

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma: Incidence,morphological features,immunohistochemical profile,and biologic behavior: A single institution study

This study was undertaken to determine the incidence and the clinicopathologic characteristics of those tumors that qualify as clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCPRCC) by the current definitions. From January 1, 2003 to April 30, 2013, a total of twenty-eight CCPRCC were identified (28/648, 4.3%). CCPRCC showed variable architectural patterns including cystic, papillary, tubular, and acinar. Irrespective of the architecture, the tumors were composed of cuboidal or columnar cells with clear cytoplasm, small vesicular, round or oval nuclei, and inconspicuous nucleoli. Variably thick bundles of smooth muscle actin-positive soft tissue encircled the whole tumors, forming a continuous pseudocapsule. CCPRCC strongly expressed PAX8, CA-IX, CK7, cytokeratin 34betaE12, and vimentin, and were negative for RCC, P504s/AMACR, and TFE3. On ultrastructural examination, CCPRCC showed short microvilli, cytoplasmic interdigitations, nuclear pseudoinclusions, and stromal myofibroblasts. To the best of our knowledge, this is first comprehensive ultrastructural study of CCPRCC in the literature. The major differential diagnostic considerations are clear cell renal cell carcinoma, multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma with clear cell changes, and Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma. CCPRCC seems to have a favorable prognosis. In the current series, none of the patients had local recurrence or metastatic disease.     

Multifocal renal cell carcinoma: A cytogenetic study

Summary A case of multifocal renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is reported. A detailed cytogenetic study revealed diverse clonal chromosomal aberrations in both tumours and demonstrated the multiple origin of these tumours. The tool of chromosome analysis in discriminating between multifocal renal cell tumours and local metastasis, as well as in the determination of renal adenomas and carcinomas is discussed.     

高频电刺激指导肾动脉射频消融的实验研究

目的:用电刺激的方法指导肾脏去神经术(renal denervation,RDN)中射频消融靶点的选择,同时比较电刺激与射频消融时血压变化的异同。方法:成年健康昆明犬6只,行肾动脉造影排除肾动脉畸形后,每侧肾动脉从远段开始,由远及近选择数个位点进行电刺激并消融。连续记录术中血压的变化,术后通过软件分析血压的变化情况。采用常规HE和Masson染色观察肾动脉壁结构及其周围组织;采用酪氨酸羟化酶(tyrosine hydroxylase,TH)免疫组化染色观察消融后肾动脉去神经效果。结果:本实验中刺激/消融位点共计50个,其中对电刺激有反应的位点占34%,无反应位点占66%。对有反应位点进行120 s电刺激时,其收缩压按每20 s分段与基线血压相比分别变化(0.34±3.38)、(0.41±3.04)、(10.47±5.73)、(13.27±3.63)、(10.17±1.87)和(0.78±1.87)mm Hg;将120 s连续消融时的收缩压数据同样按每20 s与基线血压相比,变化分别为(0.88±3.44)、(-1.64±3.47)、(13.17±3.12)、(12.82±3.21)、(9.50±2.68)和(-6.09±2.21)mm Hg。无反应位点进行电刺激和射频消融时均无明显血压升高。组织病理学检查显示,有反应位点肾动脉神经面积为(0.51±0.28)mm~2,无反应位点处为(0.09±0.06)mm~2,差异有统计学显著性(P0.01);免疫组化染色表明消融部位神经TH的表达显著低于未消融部位(P0.01)。结论:高频电刺激可以标测肾交感神经,且电刺激指导下的射频消融能对肾动脉交感神经造成有效损伤。     

Thrombocytopenia represents a risk for deterioration of liver function after radiofrequency ablation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Aims

We evaluated changes in liver function parameters and risk factors for the deterioration of liver function 12 months after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The subjects in this retrospective study comprised 102 patients with HCC who had undergone RFA therapy and exhibited no recurrence of HCC 12 months thereafter. Serial changes in serum total bilirubin and albumin, prothrombin time, and Child-Pugh score were evaluated before RFA and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months thereafter. Deterioration of liver function was defined when the Child-Pugh score increased by at least 2 at 12 months after RFA therapy. We determined the factors related to aggravation of liver function after RFA therapy.

Results

Liver function had deteriorated 12 months after RFA in 29 patients (28.4%). Serum albumin levels decreased significantly from before (3.7±0.1 g/dL, mean±SD) to 12 months after RFA therapy (3.3±0.1 g/dL, P=0.002). The Child-Pugh score increased significantly during the same time period (from 6.1±0.2 to 7.2±0.3, P<0.001). Pre-RFA thrombocytopenia (≤100,000/mm³) was revealed as a significant risk factor for the deterioration of liver function after RFA. However, no patients had episodes of bleeding as a complication of RFA.

Conclusions

Among the liver-function parameters, serum albumin level was markedly decreased in HCC patients over the course of 24 months after RFA therapy. A pre-RFA thrombocytopenia represents a major risk factor for the deterioration of liver function.     

Renal immunopathology in renal cell carcinoma

Summary Signs of glomerulopathy, especially a nephrotic syndrome can occur in cancer patients, but the exact frequency of glomerular lesions is not well known in these patients. To define this frequency in a given type of malignancy we have studied the nephrectomy kidneys in 40 patients with renal cell carcinoma. Proteinuria, which was present in 7 cases, ranged from 0.15 to 1.5 g per 24 h. Reduction of the creatinine clearance greater than 50% was observed in 5 patients. Circulating immune complexes were detected in 11 of the 15 patients studied. Carcinoembryonic antigens were noted in 2 of 9 patients investigated. Research of alpha 1 foetoprotein carried out in 12 patients was always negative. HBs antigen or Hbs antibodies were detected in 6 of 29 patients studied. Light microscopic examination of the normal uninvolved kidney tissue showed obvious glomerular lesions (mesangial hypertrophy with or without deposits, with or without cell proliferation) in 7 patients (17.5%). Amyloid deposits were never observed. Immunofluorescence study revealed mesangial deposits in 35% of patients versus 5.4% of control subjects (P < 0.0001). These deposits included C3 and/or IgM in 13 cases, IgA and C3 in one case. No fixation was observed, neither on tubules of normal tissue nor on carcinoma lesions. This report demonstrates that glomerular deposits are usually found in approximately one third of patients with renal cell carcinoma and that these deposits are located in the mesangial areas and not in the subepithelial space as it is often observed when glomerulonephritis is expressed by clinical symptoms.This work is supported by INSERM n^oCSSV, 78.5.206.5     

肝癌的射频消融治疗进展

目的：探讨射频消融在肝癌治疗中的治疗进展。方法：查阅相关中外文献,对射频消融治疗肝癌的效果进行综述。结果：射频消融治疗肝癌疗效确切、微创小,发展迅速。射频消融联合其他治疗进一步扩大了治疗范围,提高了治疗效果。结论：射频消融是治疗手术不能切除的肝癌的理想方法。