术前经动脉化疗栓塞对肝细胞癌细胞凋亡的影响

目的 评价术前经导管动脉化疗栓塞(17ACE)对肝细胞癌(HCC)细胞凋亡的影响。资料与方法经手术病理证实的HCC136例，其中行1～5次TACE后Ⅱ期手术切除79例(TACE组)，按治疗方式不同分4组，A组：仅灌注化疗药物ll例，治疗1～4次；B组：化疗药 碘化油栓塞33例，治疗1～5次；C组：化疗药 碘化油 明胶海绵颗粒栓塞23例，治疗1—3次；D组：化疗药 碘化油、无水乙醇、明胶海绵颗粒栓塞12例，治疗1～3次。单纯手术57例(非TACE组)，用TUNEL(terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick—end labeling)法检测凋亡细胞，用免疫组织化学检测各标本Bcl-2和Bax蛋白表达。结果 TACE组的A、B、C、D各组HCC细胞凋亡指数及Bax蛋白表达均显著高于非TACE组；而Bcl-2蛋白表达及Bcl-2和Bax蛋白表达比值TACE组的A、B、C、D各组均显著低于非TACE组。结论 术前TACE通过上调Bax蛋白表达，下调Bcl-2蛋白表达及Bcl-2和Bax蛋白表达比值使HCC细胞发生凋亡。     

Extrahepatic Blood Supply to Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Angiographic Demonstration and Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization

Purpose To evaluate the incidence of each extrahepatic collateral pathway to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to assess technical success rates and complications of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) through each collateral. Methods We retrospective evaluated extrahepatic collateral pathways to HCC on angiography in 386 procedures on 181 consecutive patients. One hundred and seventy patients had previously undergone TACE. TACE through extrahepatic collaterals using iodized oil and gelatin sponge particles was performed when a catheter was advanced into the tumor-feeding branch to avoid nontarget embolization. Results A single collateral was revealed in 275 TACE procedures, two were revealed in 74, and three or more were revealed in 34. Incidences of collateral source to HCC were 83% from the right inferior phrenic artery (IPA), 24% from the cystic artery, 13% from the omental artery, 12% from the right renal capsular artery (RCA) and left IPA, 8% from the right internal mammary artery (IMA) and right intercostal artery (ICA), and 7% from the right inferior adrenal artery (IAA). Technical success rates of TACE were 53% in the right ICA, 70% in the cystic artery, 74% in the omental artery, 93% in the left IPA, 96% in the right IPA, and 100% in the right RCA, right IMA, and right IAA. Complications included skin necrosis after TACE through the right IMA (n = 1), cholecystitis after TACE through the cystic artery (n = 1), and ulcer formation after TACE through the right gastric artery (n = 1), in addition to pleural effusion and basal atelectasis after TACE through the IPA and IMA. Conclusion Our study suggests that TACE through extrahepatic collaterals is possible with high success rates, and is also relatively safe.     

Local Therapeutic Results of Computed Tomography-Guided Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results of 265 Tumors in 79 Patients

Purpose To elucidate the local therapeutic results of computed tomography (CT)-guided transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) as initial treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to verify factors which affect local therapeutic results. Methods From 1992 to 2002, 265 tumors of 79 HCC patients were treated by 139 sessions of CT-guided TACE as initial treatment. Among these 265 tumors, 182 constituted multiple new lesions, and the remaining 83 tumors were single new lesions. Local recurrence was retrospectively ascertained on follow-up CT images obtained after TACE. Results The overall local recurrence-free rates (LR-FRs) after a single TACE session at 6, 12, and 36 months were 67%, 49%, and 28%; those of the single new lesions were 80%, 66%, and 32%; and those of tumors with complete lipiodol accumulation were 82%, 68%, and 41%, respectively. LR-FRs of tumors of the single new lesions, and those of tumors with complete lipiodol accumulation, were significantly higher than the LR-FRs of multiple new lesions and tumors with incomplete lipiodol accumulation, respectively. For single new lesions ≤4 cm and the tumors that were one of multiple new lesions, there were no significant differences in the LR-FRs regarding the number of TACE sessions on the basis of patient, tumor location, or tumor size. Conclusion Local therapeutic results of single new lesions were better than those of multiple new lesions, and the local therapeutic effect of TACE was not affected by the number of treatments on the basis of patient, tumor location, or tumor size.     

肝癌TAE疗效与碘油乙醇乳剂用量的相关性研究

目的　探讨肝癌经皮肝动脉栓塞术 (TAE)的疗效与碘油乙醇乳剂用量的相关性 ,进一步提高TAE在肝癌治疗中的疗效。材料与方法　 3 5例肝癌患者 ,分成两组。第一组 17例 ,按肿瘤直径与碘油乙醇乳剂剂量等比例行TAE治疗 ;第二组 18例 ,按碘油乙醇乳剂最大剂量法进行治疗 ,并进行对比分析。结果　第一组和第二组 1、2年生存率分别为 5 8.82 %、2 3 .5 3 %和 77.78%、44.44% (P <0 .0 5 )。结论　对于适合TAE的肝癌患者 ,肝癌TAE疗效与碘油乙醇乳剂用量成明显正相关。     

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Inferior Vena Cava and Right Atrial Tumors

Advanced hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) with invasion of venous systems usually indicates not only a poor prognosis but also a contraindication for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). This study evaluated the feasibility of TACE for advanced HCC with inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrium (RA) tumors and, also, to search for the ideal embolization particle size. Twenty-six patients who had HCC invasion into the IVC included five patients with coexistent RA tumors that were treated with TACE. The chemoembolization method was cisplatin, doxorubicin, and mitomycin C mixed with Lipiodol and Ivalon. The selection of Ivalon particles was divided into two groups based on their size: (A) >180 μm, N = 9; and (B) 47–180 μm, N = 17. The overall response rate was 53.8% (14/26). Based on the response to TACE, the median survival period of the entire group was 4.2 months (range, 1.5 to 76.7 months). The median survival period of the 14 responders was 13.5 months (1.5–76.7 months), and that of the 12 nonresponders, 3.3 months (2.1 to 24.3 months) (p < 0.002). Comparing the two Ivalon particle sizes, the response rate was 12.5% (1/9 patients) for group A and 76.5% for group B (13/17 patients) (p < 0.02). No serious complication was observed post-chemoembolization. In conclusion, TACE is a safe and effective treatment for advanced HCC with IVC and RA tumors, and small Ivalon particles (47–180 μm) are superior to large ones (>180 μm). An erratum to this article can be found at     

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Invading the Main Portal Vein: Treatment with Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization and Portal Vein Stenting

To retrospectively analyze the therapeutic results of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein stenting (PTPVS) and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment in 58 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invading the main portal vein (MPV). A total of 58 procedures of PTPVS were performed, immediately after which TACE was undertaken to control HCC. The clinical effects, complications, digital subtraction angiographic appearance, stent patency rates, cumulative survival rates, and predictive factors for survival were evaluated. The Kaplan–Meyer method and the log rank test were used for survival analysis. Multivariable analysis was also conducted by the Cox proportional hazard model. No patient died during stent placement or within the first 24 h. No severe procedure-related complications were observed. After stent placement, the mean ± standard deviation portal venous pressure levels decreased from 41.43 ± 8.56 cmH₂O to 37.19 ± 7.89 cmH₂O (p < 0.01). At the time of analysis, 9 of the 58 patients survived. The 60-, 180-, 360-, and 720-day cumulative patency rates were 98.1%, 71.0%, 52.6%, and 42.1%, respectively, with a mean patency time of 552.9 ± 88.2 days and a median patency time of 639.00 ± 310.00 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 31.40–1246.60) days. The 60-, 180-, 360-, and 720-day cumulative survival rates for the total study population were 74.1%, 27.1%, 17.2%, and 13.8%, respectively, with a median survival time of 113 ± 27.29 (95% CI, 59.51–166.49) days. In the univariate analysis, the following six variables were significantly associated with the prognosis: (1) HCC type; (2) Child-Pugh grade; (3) MPV stenosis/occlusion; (4) arteriovenous shunt; (5) iodized oil deposition; and (6) number of TACE procedure. In addition, having diffuse-type HCC and Child-Pugh grade B disease were each independent factors associated with decreased survival time in the multivariate analysis. PTPVS-TACE is feasible and may be useful to control HCC invading the MPV.     

3cm以下肝细胞肝癌碘油栓塞术疗效(附40例手术切除病理研究)

目的:探讨肝癌的分化程度,组织学分类、生长方式、肉眼分类与磺油栓塞术疗效的关系。材料与方法:40例3CM以下小肝细胞癌,经肝动脉注入阿霉素、丝裂霉素、碘化油、明胶海绵后行手术切除,观察肝癌的分化程度、组织学分类、生长方式、肉眼分类等与肝癌坏死程度的关系。结果:碘油栓塞术疗效与细胞异型性及组织学分类无明显关系。33例包膜型肝癌中16例完全坏死,占48.5％,疗效优于浸润型。19例单结节型肝癌中10例完全坏死,占52.6％,疗效优于单结节周围增殖型及多结节融合型。结论:包膜型肝癌其碘油栓塞术疗效优于浸润型,单结节型肝癌疗效优于单结节周围增殖型及多结节融合型。在碘油栓塞术前通过影像学检查了解其肉眼分类、有无包膜,对碘油栓塞疗效的判定及预后的估计很有帮助。     

Radiofrequency Ablation Combined with Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for the Treatment of Single Hepatocellular Carcinoma of 2 to 5 cm in Diameter: Comparison with Surgical Resection

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with surgical resection in patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranging from 2 to 5 cm.

Materials and Methods

The study participants were enrolled over a period of 29 months and were comprised of 37 patients in a combined therapy group and 47 patients in a surgical resection group. RFA was performed the day after TACE, and surgical resection was performed by open laparotomy. The two groups were compared with respect to the length of hospital stay, rates of major complication, and rates of recurrence-free and overall survival.

Results

Major complications occurred more frequently in the surgical resection group (14.9%) than in the combined therapy group (2.7%). However, there was no statistical significance (p = 0.059). The rates of recurrence-free survival at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years were similar between the combined therapy group (89.2%, 75.2%, 69.4% and 69.4%, respectively) and the surgical resection group (81.8%, 68.5%, 68.5% and 65%, respectively) (p = 0.7962, log-rank test). The overall survival rates at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years were also similar between groups (97.3%, 86.5%, 78.4% and 78.4%, respectively, in the combined therapy group, and 95.7%, 89.4%, 84.3% and 80.3%, respectively, in the surgical resection group) (p = 0.6321, log-rank test).

Conclusion

When compared with surgical resection for the treatment of a single HCC ranging from 2 to 5 cm, RFA combined with TACE shows similar results in terms of recurrence-free and overall survival rates.     

超液化碘油混合抗癌药物栓塞治疗中晚期肝癌

本文报告超液化碘油混合抗癌药物经皮肝动脉栓塞治疗51例中晚期肝癌。术后50例临床病情改善,治疗2次后肿瘤显著缩小(>50%)16例,中度缩小(20～50%)21例,轻度缩小(<20%)7例;5例为弥漫型难以判定肿块大小,另2例未复查。所有肿瘤缩小的病例均可见肿瘤血管减少。治疗后3个月、6个月、9个月和1年以上生存率分别为100%、82.4%、59.8%和23.5%,其中生存期大于9个月者均为团块型或多结节型。     

MRI对评价肝癌Lp-TACE治疗的价值

目的 通过影像－病理对照研究,探讨ＭＲＩ尤其是动态增强ＭＲＩ（Ｄ－ＭＲＩ）在肝癌Ｌｐ－ＴＡＣＥ治疗随诊中的价值以及协助临床确定Ｌｐ－ＴＡＣＥ治疗间隔的可行性。材料与方法 １０例Ｌｐ－ＴＡＣＥ治疗后手术切除的肝癌患者,术前行ＣＴ扫描、ＭＲ平扫及早期动态增强扫描、增强晚期和延迟期扫描。术后肿瘤标本作ＭＲＩ、ＣＴ扫描和软Ｘ线照相（８例）,作影像－病理对照研究。结果 （１）病理表现：１０例均发现残留的肝癌     

Usefulness of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography During Ultraselective Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Small Hepatocellular Carcinomas that Cannot be Demonstrated on Angiography

This study evaluated the usefulness of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) during ultraselective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) that could not be demonstrated on angiography. Twenty-eight patients with 33 angiographically occult tumors (mean diameter 1.3 ± 0.3 cm) were enrolled in the study. The ability of CBCT during arterial portography (CBCTAP), during hepatic arteriography (CBCTHA), and after iodized oil injection (LipCBCT) to detect HCC lesions was retrospectively analyzed. The technical success of TACE was divided into three grades: complete (the embolized area included the entire tumor with at least a 5-mm wide margin), adequate (the embolized area included the entire tumor but without a 5-mm wide margin in parts), and incomplete (the embolized area did not include the entire tumor) according to computed axial tomographic (CAT) images obtained 1 week after TACE. Local tumor progression was also evaluated. CBCTAP, CBCTHA, and LipCBCT detected HCC lesions in 93.9% (31 of 33), 96.7% (29 of 30), and 100% (29 of 29) of patients, respectively. A single branch was embolized in 28 tumors, and 2 branches were embolized in five tumors. Twenty-seven tumors (81.8%) were classed as complete, and 6 (18.2%) were classed as adequate. None of the tumors were classed as incomplete. Twenty-five tumors (75.8%) had not recurred during 12.0 ± 6.2 months. Eight tumors (24.2%), 5 (18.5%) of 27 complete success and 3 (50%) of 6 adequate success, recurred during 10.1 ± 6.2 months. CBCT during TACE is useful in detecting and treating small HCC lesions that cannot not be demonstrated on angiography.     

Cerebral Lipiodol Embolism: A Complication of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

We report a case of cerebral lipiodol embolism following transcatheter chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma. A 70-year-old woman with a large unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma underwent TACE. Her level of consciousness deteriorated after the procedure, and magnetic resonance imaging and non-contrast computed tomography revealed a cerebral lipiodol embolism. Despite intensive care, the patient died 2 weeks later. The complication might have been due to systemic-pulmonary shunts caused by previous surgeries and/or direct invasion of the recurrent tumor.     

γ-谷氨酰胺转肽酶对中期原发性肝癌患者预后的意义

目的探讨肝动脉化疗栓塞（TACE）治疗HCC患者血清γ-谷氨酰胺转肽酶（GGT）的预后判断价值。 方法回顾性研究2008年8月至2011年12月解放军总医院介入放射科收治的176例接受TACE治疗的BCLC分期B期HCC患者,按术前血清GGT水平分为两组：高GGT组130例,正常GGT组46例,比较其生存情况及预后分析。 结果高GGT组和正常GGT组TACE治疗前GGT水平分别为176.1±138.8 U/L和33.0±9.3 U/L,具有统计学意义（P<0.001）,两组患者的1、2、3年生存率分别为52.3%、35.4%、23.1%和86.6%、55.3%、40.4%。两组患者中位生存时间分别为17.0个月和32.0个月,具有统计学差异,P=0.001。单因素分析显示术前GGT水平、肝硬化、Child分级、肿瘤大小、肿瘤数目及血清AFP水平是影响HCC患者预后的危险因素;多因素分析显示：术前GGT水平及肿瘤大小是中期HCC患者生存的独立危险因素。 结论TACE术前血清GGT水平可以作为判断TACE治疗BCLC分期B期HCC患者生存的独立预后因素。     

肝癌门静脉癌栓内碘油沉积的CT表现和意义

目的　研究经皮肝动脉碘油化疗栓塞 (lipiodoltranscatheterarterialchemoembolization ,Lp -TACE)治疗肝癌后门静脉癌栓碘油沉积CT表现和意义。方法　 42例肝癌患者行Lp -TACE ,灌注碘油 5～ 2 0ml不等 ,碘油用量以肿瘤内基本上被碘油完全充满为止。经螺旋CT 3期薄层扫描发现门静脉内碘油沉积。结果　在 42例患者中巨块型肝癌 3 4例、多结节性 8例 (包括术后复发 4例 ) ;3 6例为多血供 ,6例少血供 ;DSA时 3 1例有动静脉瘘 ,11例无明显动静脉瘘 ;碘油沉积于门静脉右支 18例、左支 9例和左右支及主干 15例 ,6例随着Lp -TACE的次数增加 ,门静脉癌栓内碘油量也增加 ;门静脉内碘油表现为条片状 16例 ,混合状 10例 ,团状和“双轨”状各 6例 ,点状 4例。结论　Lp -TACE可使碘油进入门静脉 ,碘油沉积于门静脉癌栓内呈现不同的表现 ,并可起到一定的治疗作用。     

PET-CT同机融合显像在肝癌TACE治疗后的应用价值

目的探讨18F脱氧葡萄糖(FDG)PET-CT同机融合显像在肝动脉化疗栓塞(TACE)治疗原发性肝癌后的应用价值。方法15例原发性肝癌患者,肿瘤直径4~10cm,经TACE后3个月内完成18F-FDGPET-CT检查,与DSA和临床随访结果对照。结果15例患者TACE后PET显像均可见放射性缺损区,有11例肝内可见18F-FDG放射性增高灶,4例患者PET显像肝内未见明显18F-FDG放射性增高灶。18F-FDG放射性增高灶主要位于放射性缺损区周边,融合显像显示18F-FDG摄取增高灶与碘油沉积无对应关系。临床随访证实,11例18F-FDG摄取增高灶为残存肿瘤灶;经过再次TACE治疗或利用融合显像结果制定计划进行三维适形放疗后,18F-FDGPET-CT显像显示原18F-FDG浓聚灶范围缩小或消失。4例肝内未见明显18F-FDG放射性增高患者DSA显示肿瘤边缘仍有肿瘤染色。结论中晚期肝癌栓塞化疗后病灶边缘部分仍有肿瘤存活或残留,18F-FDGPET-CT显像可对大部分残存肿瘤定性定位,指导进一步治疗并监测疗效,但部分患者残存病灶18F-FDGPET-CT显像不能检出。     

Radiofrequency Ablation for Viable Hepatocellular Carcinoma around Retained Iodized Oil after Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization: Usefulness of Biplane Fluoroscopy Plus Ultrasound Guidance

Objective

To assess the technical feasibility and local efficacy of biplane fluoroscopy plus US-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for viable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) around retained iodized oil after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Materials and Methods

Our prospective study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent was obtained from all participating patients. For patients with viable HCC around retained iodized oil after TACE, biplane fluoroscopy plus US-guided RFA was performed. We evaluated the rate of technical success and major complications on a post-RFA CT examination and local tumor progression with a follow-up CT.

Results

Among 40 consecutive patients, 19 were excluded due to one of the following reasons: poorly visible HCC on fluoroscopy (n = 13), high risk location (n = 2), RFA performed under monoplane fluoroscopy and US guidance (n = 2), and poorly identifiable new HCCs on US (n = 2). The remaining 21 patients with 21 viable HCCs were included. The size of total tumors ranged from 1.4 to 5.0 cm (mean: 3.2 cm) in the longest diameter. Technical success was achieved for all 21 HCCs, and major complications were observed in none of the patients. During the follow-up period (mean, 20.3 months; range, 6.5-29.9 months), local tumor progression was found in two patients (2/21, 9.5%). Distant intrahepatic metastasis developed in 76.2% (16/21) of patients.

Conclusion

When retained iodized oil around the tumor after TACE hampers the targeting of the viable tumor for RFA, biplane fluoroscopy plus US-guided RFA may be performed owing to its technical feasibility and effective treatment for viable HCCs.     

Clinicopathologic Features and Results of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Osteosarcoma

Purpose To evaluate the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for osteosarcoma and to describe the clinicopathologic features produced by TACE as well as the effect of different embolic materials. Methods From January 1998 to December 2003, preoperative TACE was carried out in 32 patients. The preoperative and postoperative clinical response, levels of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), leukocyte count, and clinicopathologic features were recorded. We also compared the effect of different embolic materials: adriblastine gelatin microspheres, anhydrous alcohol, common bletilla tuber, and gelatin sponge particles. Results The levels of AKP were significantly decreased after treatment (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the leukocyte count. Large areas of necrosis were found histologically within 85.5% tumors after TACE. Embolic agents such as adriblastine microspheres, anhydrous alcohol, and common bletilla tuber have better clinical effects than gelatin sponge particles, but there was no significant difference among the first three embolic materials. After treatment, no serious complications were noted. During successful follow-up for 86 months, the survival rate after TACE at 1, 2, and 5 years was 95.5%, 72%, and 42% respectively. Conclusion TACE accelerated tumor necrosis and shrank the tumor volume, thus making adequate tumor resection possible. The optimal time to operate is 10–14 days after TACE. TACE in combination with limb salvage surgery and postoperative periodical chemotherapy may be beneficial for increasing local control rates.     

经膈下动脉介入化疗栓塞术治疗原发性肝癌

目的观察膈下动脉形成肝癌侧枝血供的因素和几率。方法在对137例患者介入治疗中,造影寻找膈下动脉,并超选形成肿瘤血供的膈下动脉,进行化疗栓塞。结果137例患者中有21例经膈下动脉介入治疗(占15.3%),其中原发性肝癌手术切除后复发2例(9.5%),首次介入治疗出现膈下动脉供血3例(14.3%),2次或多次介入治疗后出现膈下动脉供血16例(76.2%)。结论膈下动脉是原发性肝癌的最重要侧枝供血动脉,经膈下动脉介入化疗栓塞原发性肝癌成功率高而且并发症少。     

原发性肝癌TACE前后血清VEGF与CT灌注参数间相关性的研究

目的 探讨原发性肝癌(HCC)患者TACE前后血清血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)水平和CT灌注参数之间的关系. 资料与方法 对17例HCC患者于TACE术前1天及术后7～10天测量血清VEGF水平,同时行CT灌注扫描,计算肝血流量(HBF)、肝动脉灌注分数(HAF),肝动脉灌注量(HAP)、门静脉灌注量(PVP). 结果 原发性肝癌TACE前后HBF、HAP差异有统计学意义,血清VEGF与HBF、HAF、HAP呈正相关. 结论 血清VEGF水平及CT灌注可帮助评价肝癌TACE疗效.     

Radiofrequency Ablation Combined with Chemoembolization for Intermediate-Sized (3-5 cm) Hepatocellular Carcinomas Under Dual Guidance of Biplane Fluoroscopy and Ultrasonography

Objective

To assess the technical feasibility and local efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for an intermediate-sized (3-5 cm in diameter) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under the dual guidance of biplane fluoroscopy and ultrasonography (US).

Materials and Methods

Patients with intermediate-sized HCCs were treated with percutaneous RFA combined with TACE. RFA was performed under the dual guidance of biplane fluoroscopy and US within 14 days after TACE. We evaluated the rate of major complications on immediate post-RFA CT images. Primary technique effectiveness rate was determined on one month follow-up CT images. The cumulative rate of local tumor progression was estimated with the use of Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Twenty-one consecutive patients with 21 HCCs (mean size: 3.6 cm; range: 3-4.5 cm) were included. After TACE (mean: 6.7 d; range: 1-14 d), 20 (95.2%) of 21 HCCs were visible on fluoroscopy and were ablated under dual guidance of biplane fluoroscopy and US. The other HCC that was poorly visible by fluoroscopy was ablated under US guidance alone. Major complications were observed in only one patient (pneumothorax). Primary technique effectiveness was achieved for all 21 HCCs in a single RFA session. Cumulative rates of local tumor progression were estimated as 9.5% and 19.0% at one and three years, respectively.

Conclusion

RFA combined with TACE under dual guidance of biplane fluoroscopy and US is technically feasible and effective for intermediate-sized HCC treatment.