Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation Research Articles

Downstaging and laparoscopic hepatectomy plus intraoperative radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of initially unresectable multifocal hepatocellular carcinomas.

Using TKIs plus anti-PD-1 antibodies combined with TACE in the treatment of patients with initially unresectable multiple HCCs has a high tumour response rate, and using laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) combined with intraoperative RFA for radical treatment of multiple HCCs after successful downstaging treatment has not been reported. Consecutive patients with multiple HCCs (≤4 lesions) who were downstaged with TKIs plus anti-PD-1 antibodies combined with TACE were analysed. Imaging examinations were performed monthly, and RECIST v1.1 criteria were used to evaluate treatment effect and resectability. Forty-five consecutive patients with multiple HCCs who met the inclusion criteria received downstaging treatment with TKIs plus anti-PD-1 antibodies combined with TACE. Nine patients were successfully downstaged and met the R0 resection criteria, and 8 patients underwent surgery. Among the patients, 5 patients had BCLC stage C, and 3 patients had BCLC stage B. There were 2 lesions in 5 patients, 3 lesions in 2 patients, and 4 lesions in 1 patient. The average size of the main HCC was 8.5 cm (range: 5.4-9.1 cm), and the diameter of the remaining HCCs was 1.6 cm (range: 0.8-2.9 cm). The average time from the start of downstaging therapy to surgery was 81 days (range: 60-210 days). All 8 patients underwent LH of the main HCC, and the remaining HCCs were targeted with RFA. The mean operation time was 220 min (range 150-370 min), the average intraoperative blood loss was 260 ml (range 100-750 ml), there was no case conversion to laparotomy, and the average postoperative hospital stay was 9 days (range 7-25 days). The incidence of postoperative complications was 37.5% and there were no deaths. The average follow-up time was 18.2 months (range 6.1-22.4 months), 5 patients survived tumour-free, 2 patients had tumour recurrence, and 1 patient died. After successful downstaging of multiple HCCs by treatment with TKIs plus anti-PD-1 antibodies and TACE, LH combined with RFA for radical surgery is safe and feasible, and the treatment effect is satisfactory. It is worthy of clinical reference, and its long-term effects require further research for confirmation.

SAT307 Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation Of An Unresectable Abdominal Paraganglioma Promoted Objective Tumor Response And Complete Biochemical Remission

Abstract Disclosure: I.P. de Magalhães: None. B.S. Boger: None. N.L. Gomes: None. G.L. Martins: None. L.A. Bomfim Jr: None. G.F. Fagundes: None. A.F. Afonso: None. J. Petenuci: None. F.M. Coelho: None. V. Srougi: None. F.Y. Tanno: None. J.L. Chambo: None. A. Latronico: None. M.B. Fragoso: None. A.O. Hoff: None. B.B. Mendonca: None. M.R. Menezes: None. M.Q. Almeida: None. Background: Metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) are incurable neuroendocrine tumors. Few reports demonstrated the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in achieving tumor control of metastatic lesions (usually <3 cm). However, intraoperative RFA of large and unresectable primary PPGLs was not previously demonstrated. Case Report: A 31-year-old male patient was diagnosed with symptoms of catecholamine excess, high levels of plasma metanephrines and a 9 cm retroperitoneal tumor. The patient underwent an open laparotomy, which revealed unresectable disease. Anatomopathological and immunohistochemical analysis was compatible with the diagnosis of paraganglioma. The patient was treated with 13 cycles of cytotoxic chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, vincristine and dacarbazine) without objective tumor response by RECIST. Then, he was referred to our Institution for evaluation of additional therapies. Blood pressured was well controlled with doxazosin 16 mg/d, propranolol 40 mg/d and losartan 100 mg/d. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an extensive retroperitoneal mass with 9.0 x 8.6 x 6.0 cm (208 ml) that involved the inferior portion of the vein inferior vena cava, inferior mesenteric artery and infrarenal aorta. Biochemical evaluation demonstrated very high levels of plasma normetanephrine (20.2 nmol/L; normal range <0.9 nmol/L) and normal metanephrine level (0.2 nmol/L; <0.5 nmol/L). The genetic investigation showed the germline pathogenic variant c.1591delC (p.Ser198Alafs*22) in SDHB gene. I131-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy was negative and Ga68-dotatate PET-CT scan displayed a high uptake in the abdominal mass without metastatic disease. Unfortunately, lutetium177 treatment is not available in our Institution. Due to the lack of alternative therapies, we proposed a debulking open laparotomy with intraoperative RFA in the remaining tumoral lesion. Nevertheless, the tumor did not present a clear cleavage plane with the large vessels and had a large caliber intratumoral vasculature. Intraoperative RFA was performed by a very experienced team (interventional radiologist and anesthesiologist to control blood pressure during the procedure). After 2 months, the dose of doxazosin decreased from 16 mg to 8 mg (50% reduction), plasma normetanephrines dropped to 4.6 nmol/L (79%), and the largest tumor diameter at MRI reduced to 6.8 cm (88.8 ml, 57% reduction). After 7 months of the RFA procedure, the tumor continues shrinking (4.8 cm, 45 ml, 78% reduction) and plasma normetanephrine completely normalized. Conclusion: This is the first report of intraoperative RFA of a large primary unresectable paraganglioma. The patient presented a striking clinical success, complete biochemical remission and an objective tumor response. Support: Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) grant 2019/15873-6 (to M.Q. Almeida). Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Repeat hepatic resection combined with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation versus repeat hepatic resection alone for recurrent and multiple hepatocellular carcinoma patients meeting the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A: A propensity score-matched analysis.

The surgical indications and therapeutic strategies for early-stage multifocal and recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC) remain controversial. This study compared the long-term outcome of patients with recurrent and multifocal HCC meeting the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A with repeat hepatectomy (RH) and RH combined with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (RFA). A total of 109 consecutive patients with intrahepatic early-stage multifocal rHCC within BCLC stage A following RH or RH + RFA were retrospectively collected from April 2010 to May 2020. Propensity score matching, subgroup analysis, and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Overall survival after recurrence (rOS) and recurrence-free survival after recurrence (rRFS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year rOS and rRFS of the combination group and the RH group were similar (p=.699; p=.587, respectively). The similar results also appeared in matched population. Subgroup analyses indicated that there was no significant difference between patients with two tumors and three tumors, but the RH group was associated with better rRFS than the combination group for patients whose tumors were located in the same lobe (p=.045). Multivariate analysis revealed that time to recurrence (TTR) ≤ 2 years and intrahepatic metastasis (IM) pathologically were independent risk factors. For multifocal rHCC patients meeting the BCLC stage A, tumor which is difficult to be surgically resected could be treated by RFA in order to avoid complications or bleeding. Tumors which were located in the same lobe may be more suitable to be treated by RH alone.

Is Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation a Therapeutic Alternative for Solitary Pancreatic Insulinoma of Difficult Position? A Clinical Case Report

Is Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation a Therapeutic Alternative for Solitary Pancreatic Insulinoma of Difficult Position? A Clinical Case Report

Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation for Contralateral Benign Nodules in Unilateral Thyroid Cancer Patients to Relieve Anxiety.

For unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with contralateral benign nodules, optimal extent of surgery remains controversial. This retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate the life quality of patients who underwent lobectomy alone and lobectomy with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). From October 2014 to October 2018, unilateral PTC patients with contralateral benign nodules reported by fine-needle aspiration cytology who encountered anxiety about contralateral nodule progression underwent lobectomy for PTC and intraoperative RFA for contralateral nodules. The patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy were matched for sex, age at time of surgery, number, size, and location of primary tumors and contralateral nodules to the patients who underwent lobectomy with intraoperative RFA. Three questionnaires were used to evaluate life quality in the two groups. The complications and rate of patients who were not required to receive thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapy were recorded. One hundred forty-eight patients with 194 contralateral nodules underwent RFA in the lobectomy plus RFA group, and age- and sex-matched patients underwent thyroid lobectomy alone. The mean volume reduction ratio was 67.7% at 12mo and 95.2% at 24mo. After a median follow-up of 4.2y, nine patients (6.1%) in the lobectomy plus RFA group and 17 (11.5%) in the thyroid lobectomy-alone group underwent completion thyroidectomy (P=0.100). Patients who underwent lobectomy plus RFA had a better quality of life in terms of anxiety, physiological health, social and family aspects, and psychological and sensory features that were measured cross-sectionally at 6mo using three instruments. Intraoperative RFA is effective in terms of volume reduction of contralateral nodules and improved quality of life for unilateral PTC patients with anxiety about disease progression.

Surgical Resection plus Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation versus Chemoembolization for the Treatment of Intermediate-Stage (BCLC B) Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Preserved Liver Function: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Simple SummarySurgical resection plus intraoperative radiofrequency ablation showed better survival outcomes than transarterial chemoembolization in selected patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and Child–Pugh class A liver function. These findings suggest that surgical resection plus intraoperative radiofrequency ablation may provide an opportunity for curative treatment to selected patients deemed eligible only for palliative treatment.The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of surgical resection (SR) plus intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (IORFA) with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with intermediate-stage HCC and Child–Pugh class A liver function. Treatment-naïve patients who received SR plus IORFA (n = 104) or TACE (n = 513) were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were subjected to a maximum 1:3 propensity score matching (PSM), yielding 95 patients who underwent SR plus IORFA and 252 who underwent TACE. Evaluation of the entire study population showed that progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly better in the SR plus IORFA than in the TACE group. After PSM, the median PFS (18.4 vs. 15.3 months) and OS (88.6 vs. 56.2 months) were significantly longer, and OS rate significantly higher (HR: 0.65, p = 0.026), in the SR plus IORFA group than in the TACE group. Stratified Cox regression analysis and doubly robust estimation revealed that treatment type was significantly associated with both OS and PFS. Rates of major complications were similar in the SR plus IORFA and TACE groups. In conclusion, SR plus IORFA showed better survival outcomes than TACE. SR plus IORFA may provide curative treatment to patients with intermediate-stage HCC with ≤4 tumors and Child–Pugh class A.

Hepatic Resection Combined with Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Hepatic Resection Alone for Selected Patients with Moderately Advanced Multifocal Hepatocellular Carcinomas.

The role of hepatic resection (HR) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus HR alone remains unclear for patients with multifocal hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of selected patients with moderately advanced multifocal HCCs after HR combined with intraoperative RFA versus HR alone. A total of 304 selected patients with multifocal HCCs (three or fewer lesions, with the largest lesion > 4.5cm and the residual lesion[s] ≤ 3cm) who underwent HR plus RFA (HR+RFA group) or HR alone (HR group) were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for baseline differences. Multivariable and subgroup analyses estimated the effects of clinical factors on survival. Both overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were comparable between both groups before and after PSM. Subgroup analysis showed that HR was associated with better RFS than HR+RFA for those patients with two tumors, or with all lesions located in the same lobe or without microvascular invasion (MVI) [all p < 0.05]. Moreover, en bloc resection provided a higher RFS than separate resection for those with all lesions in the same lobe (p = 0.039). For selected patients with moderately advanced multifocal HCCs, HR+RFA may offer similar OS and RFS as HR alone. However, HR may be more suitable for those with two tumors, or with all lesions in the same lobe or without MVI. Moreover, en bloc resection may be recommended for those with all lesions in the same lobe.

Prognostic factors affecting the success of conversion chemotherapy in patients with unresectable liver metastases from initially colorectal cancer

Objective: To investigate the factors affecting the success of conversion therapy in patients with initially unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) in order to provide evidence-based medical evidence for formulating individualized treatment strategies for patients. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was used in this study. Clinical data of 232 patients with initially unresectable CRLM receiving first-line systemic treatment in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January 2013 to January 2020 were collected, including 98 patients of successful conversion and 134 patients of failed conversion as control. Conversion therapy scheme: 38 patients received FOLFOXIRI regimen chemotherapy (irinotecan, oxaliplatin, calcium folinate and fluorouracil), 152 patients received FOLFOX regimen (oxaliplatin, calcium folinate and fluorouracil), 19 patients received FOLRIRI regimen (irinotecan, calcium folinate and fluorouracil), 23 patients received systemic chemotherapy combined with fluorouridine hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy; 168 patients received targeted therapy, including 68 of bevacizumab and 100 of cetuximab. Logistics analysis was used to compare the factors affecting the success of conversion therapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate progression-free survival (PFS), and the Log-rank test was used for survival comparison. Results: Among 232 patients, 98 patients had successful conversions and 134 patients had failed conversions with a successful conversion rate of 42.2%, meanwhile 30 patients underwent simple hepatectomy and 68 underwent hepatectomy combined with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation. After first-line chemotherapy, 111 patients (47.8%) were partial remission, 57 patients (24.6%) were stable disease, and 64 patients (27.6%) were progression disease. During the median follow-up of 18.8 (1.0-87.9) months, 148 patients were dead or with tumor progression. The median PFS time of patients with successful conversion was longer than that of patients with failed conversion (31.0 months vs. 9.9 months, P<0.001). Univariate analysis found that the bilobar distribution of liver tumors (P=0.003), elevated baseline carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (P=0.024), tumor invasion of the portal vein (P=0.001), number of metastatic tumor>8 (P<0.001), non-FOLFOXIRI (P=0.005), and no targeted therapy (P=0.038) were high risk factors for the failed conversion therapy. The results of multivariate logistics analysis indicated that the number of metastatic tumor >8 (OR=2.422, 95%CI: 1.291-4.544, P=0.006), portal vein invasion (OR=2.727, 95%CI: 1.237-4.170, P=0.008) were the independent risk factors for failed conversion therapy, while FOLFOXIRI regimen (OR=0.300, 95%CI: 0.135-0.666, P=0.003) and targeted drugs (OR=0.411, 95%CI: 0.209-0.809, P=0.010) were independent protective factors for successful conversion therapy. Conclusions: The number of metastatic tumor and portal vein invasion are key factors that affect the outcomes of conversion therapy for initially unresectable CRLM. If a patient can tolerate chemotherapy, a combination program of three-drug and targeted therapy is preferred for the active conversion therapy.

Total thyroidectomy versus hemithyroidectomy with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation for unilateral thyroid cancer with contralateral nodules: A propensity score matching study

BackgroundFor unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with contralateral benign nodules, optimal treatment decisions are made according to patient preference and the disease’s pathological features. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and complications of hemithyroidectomy with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (RFA) compared with total thyroidectomy.MethodsPatients with unilateral PTC and cytologically benign contralateral nodules were enrolled from 2014 to 2018. Total thyroidectomy or hemithyroidectomy with intraoperative RFA of the contralateral nodule was offered to patients who had anxiety regarding their disease. The operation-related parameters, transient or permanent nerve injury, hypocalcemia and disease recurrence, were recorded and compared between the two groups.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, 191 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and 224 contralateral nodules in 191 patients underwent hemithyroidectomy with intraoperative RFA (HTRFA) were included. The volume reduction ratios of the contralateral nodules were 67.7% at 12 months and 95.8% at 24 months. The total thyroidectomy group reported significantly higher hypocalcemia than HTRFA within one year (7.8% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.022). Supplemental levothyroxine was not required in 28.3% (54/191) of the patients one year after HTRFA. With a median follow-up of 4.1 years, three recurrences (1.6%) were observed in the HTRFA, and no recurrence occurred in the total thyroidectomy group (p = 0.246).ConclusionsHemithyroidectomy for unilateral PTC and intraoperative RFA for contralateral nodules were acceptable and effective treatment approaches and did not increase the risk of complications.Graphical

Combined liver resection and radiofrequency ablation for bilobar multiple colorectal liver metastasis

Combined liver resection and radiofrequency ablation for bilobar multiple colorectal liver metastasis

Rescue radiofrequency ablation or percutaneous ethanol injection: a strategy for failed RALPPS stage-1 in patients with cirrhosis-related hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundThe future liver remnant (FLR) faces a risk of poor growth in patients with cirrhosis-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after stage-1 radiofrequency-assisted ALPPS (RALPPS). The present study presents a strategy to trigger further FLR growth using supplementary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI).MethodsAt RALPPS stage-1 the portal vein branch was ligated, followed by intraoperative RFA creating a coagulated avascular area between the FLR and the deportalized lobes. During the interstage period, patients not achieving sufficient liver size (≥ 40%) within 2–3 weeks underwent additional percutaneous RFA/PEI of the deportalized lobes (rescue RFA/PEI) in an attempt to further stimulate FLR growth.ResultsSeven patients underwent rescue RFA/PEI after RALPPS stage-1. In total five RFAs and eight PEIs were applied in these patients. The kinetic growth rate (KGR) was highest the first week after RALPPS stage-1 (10%, range − 1% to 15%), and then dropped to 1.5% (0–9%) in the second week (p < 0.05). With rescue RFA/PEI applied, KGR increased significantly to 4% (2–5%) compared with that before the rescue procedures (p < 0.05). Five patients proceeded to RALPPS stage-2. Two patients failed: In one patient the FLR remained at a constant level even after four rescue PEIs. The other patient developed metastasis. Except one patient died after RALPPS stage-2, no severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIb) occurred among remaining six patients.ConclusionsRescue RFA/PEI may provide an alternative to trigger further growth of the FLR in patients with cirrhosis-related HCC showing insufficient FLR after RALPPS stage-1.Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

Short- and long-term outcomes of hepatectomy combined with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation for patients with multiple primarily unresectable colorectal liver metastases: a propensity matching analysis

BackgroundHepatectomy combined with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (IORFA) is a strategy to eliminate all tumors in patients with multiple colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This study aimed to evaluate the surgical and oncological outcomes of hepatectomy + IORFA for multiple unresectable CRLM. MethodsWe included patients who underwent combined hepatectomy and IORFA for multiple unresectable CRLM (n = 67) or hepatectomy alone (n = 268) for CRLM. Patients were matched in a 1:1 propensity score analysis to compare the short- and long-term outcomes between groups. ResultsPatients in hepatectomy + IORFA group had a median number of 10 liver lesions. Postoperative morbidity and the rate of major complications was similar between groups (P = 0.362, P = 1.000). The median overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and hepatic recurrence free survival (HRFS) was similar between groups (3-year OS: 54.2% versus 60.9%, P = 0.389; 3-year PFS: 7.9% versus 19.6%, P = 0.148; 3-year HRFS: 16.7% versus 31.5%, P = 0.202). Re-hepatectomy or radiofrequency ablation was used to treat 47.5% of hepatic recurrences, and the median OS was significantly higher than for patients treated with systemic treatment alone (P < 0.001). ConclusionsCombining hepatectomy and IORFA could provide comparable survival rates for patients with multiple unresectable CRLM compared to those with resectable CRLM treated with hepatectomy alone.

Long-term Outcome of Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Introduction: We conducted this study to identify long-term outcomes following intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (IO-RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to reveal independent prognostic factors for survival. Method: From December 1998 to February 2019, 183 patients underwent IO-RFA for HCC. These patients were divided into two groups according to whether RFA was done as a first-line (1-RFA group, n=106) or secondary-line (2-RFA group, n=77) treatment. Furthermore, we compared the survival outcomes between the 1-RFA and 2-RFA groups. Result: There were no significant differences in type of surgical approaches between the two groups (p=0.079). The number of tumors and largest tumor size were not significantly different between the two groups. Overall recurrence rate was 53%, and the 2-RFA group showed a higher recurrence rate (46.2% in 1-RFA group versus 62.3% in 2-RFA group; p=0.031). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates of all the patients were 75.2% and 27.9%, respectively. The OS and DFS rates were significantly higher in the 1-RFA group. The 5-year OS rates were 83.6% and 64.9% in the 1-RFA and 2-RFA groups, respectively (p=0.010), whereas the 5-year DFS rates were 32.2% and 21.6%, respectively (p=0.012). On multivariate analysis, HBV-LC, 2-RFA, recurrence, and postoperative complications were independent predictive factors for survival. Conclusion: Therapeutic outcomes of IO-RFA were comparable to those of surgical resection. Additionally, 1-RFA might be an alternative treatment for naïve HCC in patients with uncompensated liver function and severe comorbidities.

Accuracy and reliability of a novel saline-coupled intraoperative radiofrequency ablation and coagulation device on in vivo porcine liver

Accuracy and reliability of a novel saline-coupled intraoperative radiofrequency ablation and coagulation device on in vivo porcine liver

Safety of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Seven Ipsilateral Lung lesions

Our patient is a 48-year-old gentleman who initially was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer on presentation. He had a history of multiple lines of systemic therapy, primary local resection, radioembolization treatments to the liver, along with liver metastasectomy with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation. He initially presented and completed single-isocenter stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to five right lung metastases with a treatment response and then completed SBRT to two additional right lower lung metastases. Since completion of his SBRT, he has remained disease free. Integration of SBRT to multiple ipsilateral lung lesions achieved a complete clinical response and assisted in keeping him disease free with the support of systemic therapy, and thus improved quality of life.

ASO Author Reflections: What Role Does Hepatic Resection Combined With Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation Play in Treatment of Multifocal Hepatocellular Carcinomas?

ASO Author Reflections: What Role Does Hepatic Resection Combined With Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation Play in Treatment of Multifocal Hepatocellular Carcinomas?

Comparison of Hepatic Resection Combined with Intraoperative Radiofrequency Ablation, or Hepatic Resection Alone, for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Multifocal Tumors Meeting the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Criteria: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Whether hepatic resection (HR) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or HR alone is the treatment of choice for early or moderately advanced multifocal hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) is a matter of debate. This study compared the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with multifocal tumors meeting the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria after HR plus intraoperative RFA or HR alone. A total of 261 consecutive patients with multifocal HCCs meeting the UCSF criteria from January 2010 to January 2018, who underwent combined treatment (n = 51) or HR (n = 210), were included. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for baseline differences. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated, and subgroup analysis, along with univariate and multivariate analyses, were performed. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates after combined treatment or HR alone were 86.3%, 66.6%, and 34.2%, and 92.8%, 67.1%, and 37%, respectively (p = 0.423); combined treatment provided similar RFS rates as HR at 1, 3, and 5years (78.4%, 35.8% and 20.9% vs. 82.6%, 50.4% and 24.5%, respectively; p = 0.076). The propensity matching model showed similar results. Subgroup analysis showed that HR was associated with better RFS than HR plus RFA for patients with two tumors or major tumors ≤ 3cm. Multivariate analysis revealed that portal hypertension and three tumors are independent risk factors. For multifocal HCC patients meeting the UCSF criteria, combined treatment may offer similar OS and RFS as HR; however, HR may be more suitable than combined treatment for patients with two tumors or major tumors ≤ 3cm.

Combination of intraoperative radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection for treatment of cholangiocarcinoma: feasibility and long-term survival.

PURPOSE Most patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are not eligible for surgical resection due to advanced stage. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, local tumor control, and long-term survival of intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (IORFA) with surgical resection to treat unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). METHODS From 2009 to 2016, 20 consecutive patients (12 primary ICC, 8 recurrent ICC) underwent curative IORFA with hepatic resection for surgically unresectable ICC. Patients were not qualified to undergo surgical resection due to multiple lesions causing postoperative hepatic insufficiency and undesirable tumor locations for surgical resection or percutaneous RFA. Of the 51 treated tumors (mean, 2.6±0.9 tumors/patient), 24 were treated by IORFA and 27 were surgically removed. The technical success and effectiveness, overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), and complications were assessed retrospectively. The overall survival and PFS rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS The technical success and effectiveness of IORFA were 100%. The overall survival rates at 6 months, 1, 3, and 5 years were 95%, 79%, 27%, and 14%, respectively. The median overall survival time was 22.0±3.45 months. The PFS rates at 6 months, 1, 3, and 5 years were 70%, 33%, 13%, and 13%, respectively. The median PFS was 9.0±1.68 months. The prognosis was significantly worse for patients with recurrent ICC than for patients with primary ICC. One patient (5%) had major complications due to IORFA such as liver abscess and biliary stricture. CONCLUSION IORFA with surgical resection can be a feasible option for ICC cases that are not amenable to treatment with surgical resection alone. This strategy provides acceptable local tumor control and overall survival.

Outcome of combined partial liver resection and intraoperative radiofrequency ablation in colorectal liver metastases

Background Liver metastases occur in 40% of patients with colorectal cancer. A minority of the patients are eligible for resection, with 5-year survival rates of 18–38%. Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (IRFA) could be an alternative for resection to reduce loss of liver remnant. A median survival of 36 months was achieved by using multidisciplinary approach, doubling the survival rate. Patients and methods This is a prospective consecutive study. Between June 2016 and June 2018, 32 patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) were divided into group A, comprising 15 patients with unilateral CRLM that can be resected with adequate residual volume, and group B, comprising 17 patients with unilateral CRLM that cannot be resected, but they are still eligible for complete hepatic clearance using combined liver resection and IRFA. All were followed up for 6 months. Results Fifteen patients underwent anatomical liver resection and 17 patients had partial resection combined with IRFA. The Clavien’s complication rate was significantly lower in group B (35%) vs 60% in group A, and most complications were minor. Only two patients in group A had a grade III complication, where they underwent pigtail insertion for biliary leakage. Liver progress in IRFA group was seen in one patient. Liver recurrence was seen in 13 and 17.5% in groups A and B, respectively. During the first 3 months, complete hepatic response was observed in 14 patients in group A and 15 patients in group B (93 and 88%, respectively). After 6 months, all patients were alive, without liver tumor burden in 11 (73%) patients in group A and 17 (70%) patients in group B, but three patients developed colonic tumor recurrence. Conclusion Combined IRFA and liver resection augments the number of patients who can be treated surgically.

Long-term outcome of intraoperative radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma and its efficacy as a primary treatment.

Backgrounds/AimsWe conducted this study to identify long-term outcomes following intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (IO-RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to reveal independent prognostic factors for survival.MethodsFrom December 1998 to February 2019, 183 patients underwent IO-RFA for HCC. These patients were divided into two groups according to whether RFA was done as a first-line (1-RFA group, n=106) or secondary-line (2-RFA group, n=77) treatment. Furthermore, we compared the survival outcomes between the 1-RFA and 2-RFA groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in type of surgical approaches between the two groups (p=0.079). The number of tumors and largest tumor size were not significantly different between the two groups. Overall recurrence rate was 53%, and the 2-RFA group showed a higher recurrence rate (46.2% in 1-RFA group versus 62.3% in 2-RFA group; p=0.031). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates of all the patients were 75.2% and 27.9%, respectively. The OS and DFS rates were significantly higher in the 1-RFA group. The 5-year OS rates were 83.6% and 64.9% in the 1-RFA and 2-RFA groups, respectively (p=0.010), whereas the 5-year DFS rates were 32.2% and 21.6%, respectively (p=0.012). On multivariate analysis, HBV-LC, 2-RFA, recurrence, and postoperative complications were independent predictive factors for survival.ConclusionsTherapeutic outcomes of IO-RFA were comparable to those of surgical resection. Additionally, 1-RFA might be an alternative treatment for naïve HCC in patients with uncompensated liver function and severe comorbidities.