Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization alone versus combined with microwave ablation for recurrent small hepatocellular carcinoma after resection: a retrospective comparative study

Abstract

PurposeTo compare the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with microwave ablation (TACE–MWA) versus TACE alone for the treatment of recurrent small hepatocellular carcinoma (sHCC) after resection.Materials and methodsFrom June 2015 to January 2020, a total of 45 patients with recurrent sHCC (size ≤ 3 cm) treated by TACE–MWA or TACE were included in this study. The radiological response at 1-, 3-, 6-month after initial treatment [modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST)], progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and complications were evaluated.ResultsThe TACE–MWA group showed better 1-, 3-, 6-month tumor response rates than TACE group. The corresponding 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS rates were 76.5%, 70.6%, and 70.6% for the TACE–MWA group, and 56.1%, 15.0%, and 15.0% for the TACE group (P = 0.003). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 100.0%, 82.1%, and 61.5% for the TACE–MWA group, and 89.0%, 58.1%, and 50.8% for the TACE group (P = 0.389), respectively. Moreover, no major complications related to treatment were observed in either of the groups. Compared with the TACE group, the TACE–MWA group had a significantly lower number of re-TACE sessions (P = 0.003).ConclusionsAlthough TACE alone provides equivalent effectiveness for recurrent sHCC in terms of OS rates, TACE–MWA had better 1-, 3-, 6-month tumor response rates and may prolong tumor PFS time.