Radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization for subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective cohort study

Objective

This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of using radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization to treat hepatocellular carcinoma in a subcapsular location, given the increased risk of complications when using radiofrequency ablation alone.

Materials and methods

From January 2000 to December 2011, 1213 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (up to three nodules) were screened. Of these, 132 patients with 132 subcapsular nodules (mean size, 3.0 cm; range, 1.2–5.0 cm) were enrolled in the study. After transarterial chemoembolization, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was performed under ultrasound or C-arm cone-beam computed tomography guidance, on the same day or within 3 days. Local recurrence and survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Technical success of treatment was achieved in 130 patients (98.5%). Major complications, including pleural effusion, secondary peritonitis, and liver abscess, occurred in 3 patients (2.3%); the incidence of complications was associated with the number of needle insertions (1–2 vs. 3–4, P = 0.039, Fisher's exact test). No patients developed permanent sequelae, tumor seeding, or tumor bleeding. The 3-year local recurrence rate was 9.7%. Local recurrence was associated with the pretreatment serum des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin level (≤200 mAU/mL vs. >200 mAU/mL, P = 0.019, log-rank test). The 3-, 5-, and 7-year overall survival rates in treatment-naïve cases (n = 82) were 79.3%, 60.6%, and 50.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Combination therapy using radiofrequency ablation and transarterial chemoembolization was a safe and useful therapeutic option for patients with subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma.