Therapeutic response and risks of radio-frequency in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with portal hypertension

Objective

To investigate the therapeutic response of radiofrequency ablation for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and the consequence of portal hypertension on the survival final results.

Patients & methods

168 patients with portal hypertension undergo radiofrequency ablation in the act of treatment of HCC (≤5?cm). Therapeutic response and prognostic outcomes were then analyzed. Overall survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis was achieved using the Cox regression model.

Results

Primary and secondary complete ablation of HCC was obtained in 86.3% & 100% of patients respectively. Complication occurred in 13.6% of patients, and thrombocytopenia and prolonged prothrombin time were independent risk factors of complication. Overall survival after the follow-up period of about 25?months was 74.4%. Two elements based on multivariate analysis had been recognized as prognostic factors for poor survival: Thrombocytopenia (HR?=?1.008, P?=?.004), and left lobe location of the tumor (HR?=?0.392, P?≤?.03).

Conclusion

This current study has shown that most cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension can tolerate RF ablation of HCC. The improved patient selection in terms of simple parameters such as platelet count, and prothrombin concentration, we will improve the outcome of RF ablation.