Radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization for treating of hepatic metastases

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Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for treating of hepatic metastasis. Methods From Mar. 2005 to Oct. 2010, 22 males and 14 females with hepatic metastasis were enrolled in this study. Mean age of the patients was 63±12 (42-82) years. Tumor size was (4.5±2.4) cm (min.1.5 cm, max. 12.0 cm). Totally 47 lesions were treated with single metastasis in 29 cases and multiple ones in 7 cases. All cases were failed to chemotherapy or could not stand for the side effect of chemotherapy. Contrast enhanced CT scan was given to all patients before RFA+TACE. For lesions with rich blood supply, TACE was given and then RFA. For those with poor blood supply, RFA was given first and then TACE. For multiple lesions, RFA+TACE was given one by one for each lesion. As for follow up, ultrasound and blood check was given monthly. Enhanced CT scan was given every 3 month. For residual lesions or recurrent lesions, RFA+TACE were given repeatedly. The whole patients was divided into two groups according to the image follow up including complete ablation group and partial ablation group. For complete ablation group, no further treatment was given. For partial ablation group, if it was not suitable for further RFA, repeated TACE was given there after. The end point of follow up was death event. Survival of the whole group and the two subgroups was analyzed statistically by Kaplan-Meier method. Results All RFA procedures was given under intravenous anesthesia and local anesthesia, no severe complication was noted. Lesions in 16 patients were completely ablated after single or multiple sections of RFA+TACE. Twenty patients were in the partially ablated group. Follow up time was 25±10 (10-40) months. Twenty-three patients died and 13 kept alive during the follow up time. The estimated median survival time was 27 month (95%CI: 24-32 months). Survival ration at 1, 2, 3 years for the whole group was 91.7%(33/36),55.5%(20/36),36.1%(13/36) for the whole group. The 3 years survival for complete and partial ablation group was 75.0%(12/16),5.0%(1/20),there was a significant difference between the two groups(P<0.01). Conclusion For patients with hepatic metastasis, RFA+TACE can effectively control the local lesion. Complete ablation is the key point for a better survival. Key words: Liver neoplasms; Neoplasm metastasis; Catheter ablation; Embolization, therapeutic