Radiofrequency Ablation For Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research Articles

Thermal Injury to the Subhepatic Appendix Following Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report.

We present the first documented case of a fistula between the treated zone and the appendix after RFA in a patient with HCC. Contrast-enhanced CT and MRI revealed a subcapsular hepatic nodule with image findings of HCC located adjacent to the ascending colon and cecum. An ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy was subsequently performed to distinguish between hepatic metastasis and HCC. Post-RFA imaging identified a low-attenuating ablated area adjacent to an air-filled appendix. The patient later experienced complications, including increased liver enzymes and an abscess at the ablation site. Imaging revealed a fistulous tract between the RFA zone and the appendix. Over the following months, the patient underwent conservative treatment involving intravenous antibiotics and repeated percutaneous drainage, exhibiting eventual symptom relief and an absence of the fistulous tract upon subsequent imaging. This case highlights the rare complications that can arise during RFA due to peculiar anatomical variations, such as a subhepatic appendix, resulting from midgut malrotation and previous surgery. It is imperative for operators to be cognizant of potential anatomical variations when considering RFA treatment, ensuring comprehensive pre-procedural imaging and post-procedure monitoring. This case also emphasizes the potential viability of nonoperative management in complex scenarios in which surgical interventions pose significant risks.

Primary versus Salvage Liver Transplantation after Curative-Intent Resection or Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Long-Term Oncological Outcomes.

Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may be performed ab initio, primary liver transplantation (PLT), or for HCC recurrence after previous treatments such as liver resection (LR) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), salvage liver transplantation (SLT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncological outcomes of SLT vs. PLT. For this, a retrospective study was carried out on patients undergoing liver transplantation for HCC. The outcomes of PLT were compared with those of SLT. The primary outcome was disease-free survival (DFS). The secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and major postoperative complications. A sub-analysis of SLT-LR and SLT-RFA was also performed. In total, 141 patients were included: 96 underwent PLT and 45 SLT. Among the SLT group, 25 patients had undergone previous LR while 20 had had RFA. There were no differences in the major postoperative complications. Unadjusted DFS was significantly longer in the PLT group (p = 0.02), as were OS (p = 0.025) and CSS (p = 0.001). There was no difference in DFS between PLT and SLT-LR groups, while a significant difference was found between the PLT and SLT-RFA groups (p = 0.035). Nonetheless, DFS was no different between the SLT-LR and SLT-RFA groups. PLT appears to offer superior long-term oncological outcomes to SLT. Both SLT-LR and SLT-RFA offer acceptable OS and CSS. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results, but the re-direction of grafts and transplant philosophy towards PLT rather than SLT may need to be considered.

Long-term outcome and eligibility of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma over 3.0 cm in diameter

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is effective for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a diameter ≤ 3.0 cm. The present study aimed to elucidate the prognostic factors and clarify the indication of treatment for RFA outcomes in patients with HCC with a diameter > 3.0 cm. Among 2188 patients with HCC who underwent RFA, 100 patients with HCC with a diameter > 3.0 cm were enrolled in this study between August, 2000 and August, 2021. We analyzed local therapeutic efficacy, long-term outcomes, and prognostic factors in patients with HCC with a diameter > 3.0 cm. Among all patients, 77 patients achieved complete ablation in one session. There were no treatment-related deaths or major complications. Local tumor recurrence occurred in 48% (n = 48) of the patients, and distant tumor recurrence occurred in 82% (n = 82) of the patients during the study period. The survival rates at 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-, and 15- years were 93.0%, 66.0%, 40.0%, 15.5%, and 10.2%, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis confirmed that distant tumor recurrence, Child–Pugh class B, and pre-ablation des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels ≥ 200 mAU/mL were independent unfavorable prognostic factors with a hazard ratio of 3.34 (95% CI, 1.57–7.11; P = 0.002), 2.43 (95% CI, 1.35–4.37; P = 0.003), and 1.83 (95% CI, 1.14–2.93; P = 0.012), respectively. In conclusion, patients with HCC with a diameter > 3.0 cm with Child–Pugh class A and DCP levels < 200 mAU/mL might be eligible for RFA treatment.

An evaluation of 20-year survival of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma as first-line treatment

ObjectivesTo evaluate the changes in clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) by investigating a 20-year cohort of patients with HCC who underwent RFA treatment. MethodsFrom 2000 to 2020, 505 consecutive patients with HCC underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous RFA as first-line therapy at a tertiary cancer hospital. We divided the cohort according to the time when hepatitis-B antiviral therapy was covered by national medical insurance coverage (early 2011), including the first decade (2000–2010) and second decade (2011–2020). The prognostic factors for OS were analyzed by the Cox proportional hazard model. OS and PFS in different groups were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. To reduce selection bias, matched groups of patients were selected using the propensity score matching (PSM) method. ResultsIn total, 726 RFA sessions were performed to treat 867 HCC lesions. Patients treated in the second decade were younger (p =.047), had smaller tumors (p <.001), had lower Child-Pugh scores (p <.001), and had a higher proportion of antiviral treatment (p <.001). A total of 96.0% of patients achieved technical efficacy from the initial RFA. After PSM analysis, improved PFS was found for the second decade (median, 68 vs. 49 months, p =.003), but no significant difference in OS was observed between the two groups (median, 71 vs. 65 months, p =.20). ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that improved PFS was achieved in patients with HCC receiving RFA as first-line treatment in the second decade. However, long-term OS was not significantly increased compared to the first decade suggesting that while RFA treatment has improved, it still might not substantially affect OS results.

Contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: a new horizon in endohepatology.

Video 1Contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Synergistic effect of OK-432 in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody for residual tumors after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and aimsRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) often results in incomplete ablation for medium-to-large and irregular tumors. To solve this clinical problem, we proposed a new treatment strategy of OK-432 in combination with an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (αPD-1) antibody for residual tumors after incomplete RFA (iRFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Approach and resultsThe effect of OK-432 on immature dendritic cells (iDCs) was evaluated in vitro. A CCK-8 kit and ELISPOT were used to assess the killing effect of OK-432-induced CD8+ T cells in combination with an αPD-1 antibody on Hepa1–6 cells. We found that OK-432 significantly increased the maturation level of DCs, and OK-432-induced CD8+ T cells in combination with αPD-1 antibody significantly enhanced the function of CD8+ T cells. In the in vivo experiment, HCC model mice were treated with (1) pseudo iRFA + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); (2) iRFA + PBS; (3) iRFA + OK-432; (4) iRFA + αPD-1; or (5) iRFA + OK-432 + αPD-1. We found that the combined therapy of OK-432 with αPD-1 antibody significantly increased the infiltration and function of CD8+ T cells and significantly decreased the number of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in residual tumors after iRFA of HCC. Moreover, the smallest tumor volumes and the longest survival were observed in the triple combination treatment (iRFA+OK-432 +αPD-1 antibody) group compared with the other four groups. ConclusionsThe combined therapy of OK-432 with αPD-1 antibody induced a strong antitumor immune response, which significantly inhibited the residual tumors after iRFA of HCC. This concept may provide a new treatment strategy to increase the curative efficacy of RFA for medium-to-large and irregular HCCs. Availability of data and materialThe data of this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

3D fusion is superior to 2D point-to-point contrast-enhanced US to evaluate the ablative margin after RFA for hepatocellular carcinoma.

To compare the efficiency of three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)-derived techniques in evaluating the ablative margin (AM) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In total, 98 patients with 98 HCCs were enrolled. The 2D CEUS point-to-point imaging (2D CEUS-PI) was conducted by comparing the pre- and post-RFA 2D CEUS images manually, and the 3D CEUS fusion imaging (3D CEUS-FI) was conducted by fusing the pre- and post-RFA 3D CEUS images automatically. These two techniques were compared in distinguishing an adequate AM ≥ 5mm. Risk factors for local tumor progression (LTP) after RFA were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test. The mean registration time of 3D CEUS-FI and 2D CEUS-PI was 5.0 and 9.3min, respectively (p < 0.0001). The kappa coefficient was 0.680 for agreement between 2D CEUS-PI and 3D CEUS-FI in the evaluation of AM (p < 0.0001). Tumors with AM < 5mm by 2D CEUS-PI were all identified as AM < 5mm by 3D CEUS-FI. Nonetheless, 16 (26%) tumors identified as AM ≥ 5mm by 2D CEUS-PI were re-classified as AM < 5mm by 3D CEUS-FI. During a median follow-up time of 31.2months (range, 3.2-66.0months), LTP was identified in 8 tumors. The estimated 1-/2-/3-year cumulative incidence of LTP was 4.4%, 8.1%, and 10.3%, respectively. Higher estimated cumulative incidence of LTP was identified in tumors with AM < 5mm by 2D CEUS-PI (at 3-year, 27.2% vs 0%; p < 0.001), and by 3D CEUS-FI (at 3-year, 20.7% vs 0%; p = 0.004). 3D CEUS-FI excelled in the evaluation of AM when compared with 2D CEUS-PI. With equivalent efficacy in the prediction of LTP, 3D CEUS-FI was superior to 2D CEUS-PI for its automatic and time-saving procedure. 3D CEUS fusion imaging may serve as an effective tool in evaluating ablative margin and predicting local tumor progression after RFA in HCC. • Both 2D and 3D CEUS-derived techniques could evaluate ablative margin (AM) after RFA for hepatocellular carcinoma. • 3D CEUS fusion imaging was more precise in the evaluation of AM compared to 2D CEUS point-to-point imaging, with advantages of its automatic and time-saving procedure. • An inadequate AM < 5mm evaluated by CEUS-derived techniques was the only risk factor of LTP after RFA for hepatocellular carcinoma (p < 0.001 for 2D CEUS point-to-point imaging, and p = 0.004 for 3D CEUS fusion imaging).

Factors associated with increased risk of peritoneal seeding after radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis associated with peritoneal seeding after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for HCC, focusing on viable tumors after previous locoregional treatment, including TACE and RFA. Exactly 290 patients (mean age, 67.9years ± 9.74; 223 men) with 383 HCCs (mean size, 15.9mm ± 5.49) who underwent RFA between June 2012 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 158 had history of previous treatment (mean number, 1.3 ± 1.8) with 109 viable HCCs. Cumulative seeding after RFA was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Independent factors affecting seeding were investigated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Median follow-up was 1175days (range: 28-4116). Seeding incidence was 4.1 (12/290) and 4.7% (17/383) per patient and tumor, respectively. The median time interval between RFA and detection of seeding was 785days (range: 81-1961). Independent risk factors for seeding included subcapsular tumor location (hazard ratio [HR] 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4, 13.0; p = 0.012) and RFA for viable HCC after previous locoregional treatment (HR 4.5; 95% CI 1.7, 12.3; p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis for viable tumors, revealed no significant difference in cumulative seeding rates between the TACE and RFA groups (p = 0.078). Cumulative overall survival rates differed significantly between patients with and without seeding metastases (p < 0.001). Peritoneal seeding after RFA is a rare, delayed complication. Subcapsular-located and viable HCC after previous locoregional treatment are potential risk factors for seeding. Seeding metastases could affect the prognosis of patients who cannot receive local therapy.

THU-118 - Application of deep learning auto-segmentation and unsupervised machine learning in developing a radiomic prognostic score to predict disease recurrence post radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma

THU-118 - Application of deep learning auto-segmentation and unsupervised machine learning in developing a radiomic prognostic score to predict disease recurrence post radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Predictive Factors of Treatment Outcomes After Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Hepatocaval Confluence: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

To compare the efficacy and complications ofultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the hepatocaval confluence with those of HCC in the non-hepatocaval confluence and to explore the risk factors that lead to radiofrequency ablation failure and patient local tumor progression (LTP). From January 2017 to January 2022, 86 patients with HCC in the hepatocaval confluence who had radiofrequency ablation were included. A 1:1 propensity-matched group of patients with HCC in the non-hepatocaval confluence with comparable clinical baseline traits, such as tumor diameter and tumor number, served as the control group. The two groups' complications, primary efficacy rate (PER), technical success rate (TSR), and prognosis were estimated. After PSM, no significant difference of TSR (91.7% vs 95.8%, p=0.491) and PER (95.8% vs 97.2%, p=1.000) and 1-, 3-, and 5-year LTP rate (12.5% vs 9.9%, 28.2% vs 27.7%, 40.8% vs 43.8%, p=0.959) and 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS rate (87.5% vs 87.5%, 62.3% vs 54.2%, 18.1% vs 22.6%, p=0.437) and 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rate (94.3% vs 95.7%, 72.7% vs 69.6%, 20.9% vs 33.6%, p=0.904) was detected between the two groups. The tumor-to-IVC distance was an independent risk factor for radiofrequency ablation failure in HCC patients in the hepatocaval confluence (OR=0.611, p=0.022). Besides, tumor diameter was an independent risk factor for predicting LTP in patients with HCC in the hepatocaval confluence (HR=2.209, p=0.046). HCC in the hepatocaval confluence can be effectively treated with radiofrequency ablation. To maximize treatment efficacy, the tumor-to-IVC distance and tumor diameter should be assessed before the operation begins.

Unexpected Bronchomalacia Combined with Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse was Diagnosed by Intraoperative Bronchoscopy: A Case Report

Expiratory central airway collapse (ECAC) comprises tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) and excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC). ECAC is a progressive disease that can be congenital or acquired, and it can be confirmed by inspiratory-dynamic expiratory chest CT or dynamic bronchoscopy. We present the case of a 65-year-old man who underwent radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma under general anesthesia. After tracheal intubation in the operating room, the respiratory sound in the left lung disappeared, and the respiratory sound in the right lung was clear during chest auscultation. Bronchoscopy revealed complete collapse of the left main bronchus. Intraoperative bronchoscopy confirmed that the patient had ECAC (both TBM and EDAC).

Simulating radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinomas proximal to bare area of liver

Purpose To numerically assess the significance of dextrose 5% in water (D5W) thermo-protection during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) located near the ‘bare area of liver’. Material and methods This study utilises quasi-anatomical structures extracted from CT images. A multi-tine electrode, deployed inside the extracted organs and operated under temperature-controlled mode was used as the source of ablation. Geometrically, D5W was modelled around the ‘bare area’ and sandwiched between the liver and diaphragm. RFA at different sites relative to the ‘bare area’ was simulated to answer when to consider modelling D5W. Results For targets near the edge of ‘bare area’ and at 0.5 mm gap (between the electrode and the ‘bare area’), ignoring D5W and using ground conditions could result in underestimation of ablation volume by almost 25%. The importance of D5W becomes negligible for ablations near the centre of the ‘bare area’. Conclusions Consideration of D5W during RFA of HCCs proximal to the ‘bare area’ can significantly influence the ablation outcome, especially when ablation is performed near the edge of the ‘bare area’.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinomas Adjacent to the Gallbladder Without Isolation Under Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Monitoring: A Comparative Study with Long Term Follow-Up.

This study intends to compare the efficacy and safety between patients undergoing invasive isolation or monitoring measures and patients undergoing intra-operative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) monitoring who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) adjacent to the gallbladder (GB). We retrospectively assessed patients with HCC adjacent to the GB who underwent ultrasound-guided RFA. They were divided into two groups: group A was monitored under intra-operative CEUS, while group B was assisted by invasive auxiliary means. The efficacy, complications and survival were followed up and compared. Thirty-eight patients with 39 HCCs were enrolled into group A and 31 patients with 35 HCCs were enrolled into group B. The technique efficacy rates were both 100% in the two groups. There were no significant differences of the cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year local tumor progression, tumor-free survival and overall survival between the two groups (P = 0.851, 0.081 and 0.700, respectively). There were no significant differences of major and minor complications rates between the two groups (P = 1.000, 0.994, respectively). More importantly, no GB related complications occurred in group A. Intra-operative CEUS monitoring without protective isolation of the GB might be also a potentially safe and effective method for the RFA of HCC adjacent to the GB, when compared with those assisted with invasive auxiliary means.

Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot Placement for Hepatic Abscess and Bronchobiliary Fistula Following Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report.

A bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is an uncommon but severe complication after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). However, the definitive salvage methods are controversial. We herein report a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatic abscess and BBF following RFA. We also review previous reports of BBF after RFA. The patient was a man in his 70s who underwent RFA for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in the subphrenic area. Despite percutaneous transhepatic abscess drainage, bilioptysis persisted. Finally, the BBF was occluded with an endobronchial Watanabe spigot under fiber-optic bronchoscopy. Placing an endobronchial Watanabe spigot should be considered as a salvage therapy for refractory BBF following RFA.

Outcomes of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation versus percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Few studies have compared the therapeutic outcomes in patients with HCC who underwent laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) versus percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this study compared the recurrence and survival outcomes of the two RFA methods in patients with HCC. Recurrence and overall survival outcomes were evaluated in 307 patients who underwent LRFA (n = 151) or PRFA (n = 156) as a treatment method for de novo HCC. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was performed to reduce the impact of treatment selection bias. There were no significant differences in major baseline characteristics between the LRFA and PRFA groups. However, the proportion of cirrhotic patients was higher in the LRFA group, whereas the LRFA group had more tumors and a more advanced tumor-node-metastasis stage. Moreover, the mean tumor size was significantly larger in the LRFA group than in the PRFA group. In a multivariate analysis, serum albumin level, more than three tumors, and the RFA method were identified as significant predictors of recurrence-free survival. Moreover, for the overall survival of HCC patients, serum albumin levels, days of hospital stay during RFA, and the RFA method were independent predictors. In the IPTW-adjusted analysis, the LRFA group showed significantly higher recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Our study revealed that compared with PRFA, LRFA was associated with longer recurrence-free survival and favorable overall survival in patients with HCC. Therefore, LRFA should be considered the primary therapy in patients with HCC eligible for RFA.

Recurrence after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis of the pattern and risk factors.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently relapses after minimally invasive treatment. This study aimed to observe the influencing factors of different recurrence patterns after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of recurrence. The medical records of HCC patients who underwent RFA between January 2010 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. HCC recurrence is classified into three types: local tumour progression (LTP), intrahepatic distant metastasis, and extrahepatic metastasis. Risk factors, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed for each modality. Among the risk factors are age, gender, liver function tests, blood tests, and tumour size. The OS and DFS curves were measured by the Kaplan-Meier method. 406 patients who had undergone RFA were included in the study. The median survival for OS and DFS were 120 and 43.6 months. During follow-up, 39, 312, and 55 patients developed LTP, intrahepatic distant metastasis, and extrahepatic metastatic recurrence, respectively. The independent risk factors for each type were as follows: WBC > 5.55*109/L was an independent risk factor for local recurrence. Multiple tumours, extrahepatic metastases, and AFP > 200 ng/ml were used for intrahepatic metastases. Age (P = 0.030), recurrence pattern (P < 0.001) and Child-Pugh class B (P = 0.015) were independent predictors of OS. According to our classification, each pattern of recurrence has different risk factors for recurrence, OS, and DFS.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases adjacent to the gallbladder

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases adjacent to the gallbladder (GB). Materials and methods A total of 113 patients with 118 liver lesions (63 HCC lesions and 55 liver metastases) adjacent to the gallbladder underwent RFA between March 2011 and June 2019. Gallbladder-related complications and technique effectiveness rates were evaluated based on the classification of liver tumors and the distance between the lesion and the gallbladder. Results Gallbladder-related complications were observed in 13 patients. Among the patients with HCC, there was no significant difference between the ≤0.5 cm and >0.5 cm groups (p = .282). However, among the patients with liver metastases, the incidence of gallbladder-related complications in the ≤0.5 cm group was significantly higher than that in the >0.5 cm group (p = .025). The overall incidence of complications was significantly higher in the ≤0.5 cm group than in the >0.5 cm group (p = .020). Among the patients with lesions ≤3 cm, the technical effectiveness rate in the HCC group was significantly higher than in the liver metastasis group (p = .036). Conclusion RFA is a safe and effective treatment option for liver tumors adjacent to the gallbladder. Patients with lesions ≤0.5 cm from the gallbladder had higher gallbladder-related complications, especially patients with liver metastases. Among patients with lesions ≤3 cm, RFA showed greater technical effectiveness for treating HCC than for treating liver metastases.

Downstaging and Conversation Strategy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Branch Tumor Thrombus: TACE, 125I Seed Implantation, and RFA for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Branch Tumor Thrombus.

Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with 125I seed implantation is an effective treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). However, there are no reports on the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) after downstaging in such patients. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TACE in combination with 125I seed implantation and RFA for the treatment of HCC complicated by PVTT. 49 patients diagnosed with HCC with PVTT between February 2015 and December 2016 were included. All patients were clinically or pathologically diagnosed with advanced HCC, intrahepatic lesions ≤3, and a single tumor diameter ≤70 mm, total diameter ≤100 mm. PVTT was limited to the unilateral portal vein branches. All the patients were treated with TACE combined with PVTT 125I seed implantation. The size and activity of intrahepatic lesions and PVTT were evaluated using enhanced magnetic resonance imaging 3 months after treatment, and other indicators were combined to determine the success of downstaging. A total of 31 patients were successfully downstaged, while 18 patients did not achieve downstaging owing to the progression of intrahepatic lesions or PVTT activity/progression, the success rate of the downstaging was 63.27%. All 31 patients with successful downstaging underwent RFA for intrahepatic lesions. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 90.3%, 80.6%, and 48.4%, respectively. The median overall survival was 36 months (95% CI: 24.7-47.3). 125I seed implantation in combination with TACE can effectively inactivate PVTT and achieve downstaging. Furthermore, the addition of RFA can significantly improve patient survival.

Risk Group Stratification for Recurrence-Free Survival and Early Tumor Recurrence after Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Although the prognosis after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may vary according to different risk levels, there is no standardized follow-up protocol according to each patient's risk. This study aimed to stratify patients according to their risk of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and early (≤2 years) tumor recurrence (ETR) after RFA for HCC based on predictive models and nomograms and to compare the survival times of the risk groups derived from the models. Patients who underwent RFA for a single HCC (≤3 cm) between January 2012 and March 2014 (n = 152) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups based on the total nomogram points for RFS and ETR, respectively, and compared for each outcome. Restricted mean survival times (RMSTs) in the three risk groups were evaluated for both RFS and ETR to quantitatively evaluate the difference in survival times. Predictive models for RFS and ETR were constructed with c-indices of 0.704 and 0.730, respectively. The high- and intermediate-risk groups for RFS had an 8.5-fold and 2.9-fold higher risk of events than the low-risk group (both p < 0.001), respectively. The high- and intermediate-risk groups for ETR had a 17.7-fold and 7.0-fold higher risk than the low-risk group (both p < 0.001), respectively. The RMST in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups 9 months after RFA, and that in the intermediate-risk group became lower than that in the low-risk group after 21 months with RFS and 24 months with ETR. Our predictive models were able to stratify patients into three groups according to their risk of RFS and ETR after RFA for HCC. Differences in RMSTs may be used to establish different follow-up protocols for the three risk groups.

Treatment Outcomes of Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Effects of the Electrode Type and Placement Method.

To investigate the association among the electrode placement method, electrode type, and local tumor progression (LTP) following percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and to assess the risk factors for LTP. In this retrospective study, we enrolled 211 patients, including 150 males and 61 females, who had undergone ultrasound-guided RFA for a single HCC < 3 cm. Patients were divided into four combination groups of the electrode type and placement method: 1) tumor-puncturing with an internally cooled tip (ICT), 2) tumor-puncturing with an internally cooled wet tip (ICWT), 3) no-touch with ICT, and 4) no-touch with ICWT. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors for LTP. The major RFA-related complications were assessed. Overall, 83, 34, 80, and 14 patients were included in the ICT, ICWT, no-touch with ICT, and no-touch with ICWT groups, respectively. The cumulative LTP rates differed significantly among the four groups. Compared to tumor puncturing with ICT, tumor puncturing with ICWT was associated with a lower LTP risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0-0.88, P = 0.034). However, the cumulative LTP rate did not differ significantly between tumor-puncturing with ICT and no-touch RFA with ICT (aHR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.03-1.62, P = 0.188) or ICWT (aHR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0-2.28, P = 0.294). An insufficient ablative margin was a risk factor for LTP (aHR = 6.13, 95% CI = 1.41-22.49, P = 0.019). The major complication rates were 1.2%, 0%, 2.5%, and 21.4% in the ICT, ICWT, no-touch with ICT, and no-touch with ICWT groups, respectively. ICWT was associated with a lower LTP rate compared to ICT when performing tumor-puncturing RFA. An insufficient ablation margin was a risk factor for LTP.