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Wade R, South E, Anwer S, Sharif-Hurst S, Harden M, Fulbright H, Hodgson R, Dias S, Simmonds M, Rowe I, Thornton P, Eastwood A. Ablative and non-surgical therapies for early and very early hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Health Technol Assess 2023; 27:1-172. [PMID: 38149643 PMCID: PMC11017143 DOI: 10.3310/gk5221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A wide range of ablative and non-surgical therapies are available for treating small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with very early or early-stage disease and preserved liver function. Objective To review and compare the effectiveness of all current ablative and non-surgical therapies for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (≤ 3 cm). Design Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Data sources Nine databases (March 2021), two trial registries (April 2021) and reference lists of relevant systematic reviews. Review methods Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials of ablative and non-surgical therapies, versus any comparator, for small hepatocellular carcinoma. Randomised controlled trials were quality assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and mapped. The comparative effectiveness of therapies was assessed using network meta-analysis. A threshold analysis was used to identify which comparisons were sensitive to potential changes in the evidence. Where comparisons based on randomised controlled trial evidence were not robust or no randomised controlled trials were identified, a targeted systematic review of non-randomised, prospective comparative studies provided additional data for repeat network meta-analysis and threshold analysis. The feasibility of undertaking economic modelling was explored. A workshop with patients and clinicians was held to discuss the findings and identify key priorities for future research. Results Thirty-seven randomised controlled trials (with over 3700 relevant patients) were included in the review. The majority were conducted in China or Japan and most had a high risk of bias or some risk of bias concerns. The results of the network meta-analysis were uncertain for most comparisons. There was evidence that percutaneous ethanol injection is inferior to radiofrequency ablation for overall survival (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% credible interval 1.16 to 1.82), progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.36, 95% credible interval 1.11 to 1.67), overall recurrence (relative risk 1.19, 95% credible interval 1.02 to 1.39) and local recurrence (relative risk 1.80, 95% credible interval 1.19 to 2.71). Percutaneous acid injection was also inferior to radiofrequency ablation for progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.63, 95% credible interval 1.05 to 2.51). Threshold analysis showed that further evidence could plausibly change the result for some comparisons. Fourteen eligible non-randomised studies were identified (n ≥ 2316); twelve had a high risk of bias so were not included in updated network meta-analyses. Additional non-randomised data, made available by a clinical advisor, were also included (n = 303). There remained a high level of uncertainty in treatment rankings after the network meta-analyses were updated. However, the updated analyses suggested that microwave ablation and resection are superior to percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acid injection for some outcomes. Further research on stereotactic ablative radiotherapy was recommended at the workshop, although it is only appropriate for certain patient subgroups, limiting opportunities for adequately powered trials. Limitations Many studies were small and of poor quality. No comparative studies were found for some therapies. Conclusions The existing evidence base has limitations; the uptake of specific ablative therapies in the United Kingdom appears to be based more on technological advancements and ease of use than strong evidence of clinical effectiveness. However, there is evidence that percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acid injection are inferior to radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and resection. Study registration PROSPERO CRD42020221357. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR131224) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 29. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ros Wade
- Research Fellow, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | - Emily South
- Research Fellow, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | - Sumayya Anwer
- Research Fellow, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | - Sahar Sharif-Hurst
- Research Fellow, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | - Melissa Harden
- Information Specialist, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | - Helen Fulbright
- Information Specialist, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | - Robert Hodgson
- Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | - Sofia Dias
- Professor in Health Technology Assessment, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | - Mark Simmonds
- Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | - Ian Rowe
- Honorary Consultant Hepatologist, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
| | | | - Alison Eastwood
- Professor of Research, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, UK
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Stereotactic Microwave Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Impact of Tumor Size and Minimal Ablative Margin on Therapeutic Success. Tomography 2022; 9:50-59. [PMID: 36648992 PMCID: PMC9844395 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microwave ablation (MWA) has gained relevance in the treatment of hepatic malignancies and especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it is an important alternative to surgery. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether the minimal ablative margin (MAM) or the initial tumor size has a greater effect on the success of stereotactic MWA of HCC regarding the time to local tumor progression (LTP) and overall survival (OS). METHODS 88 patients, who received stereotactic MWA of 127 tumor lesions with a curative intention were included in this single-center, retrospective study. The MAM was evaluated in a side-by-side comparison of pre- and post-ablative, contrast-enhanced slice imaging. A Cox proportional hazard model with a frailty term was computed to assess the influence of the MAM and the maximum tumor diameter on the time to LTP and the OS. RESULTS The maximum tumor diameter was identified as a significant positive predictor for LTP (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.08, p = 0.03), but it was not a significant positive predictor for the OS (p = 0.20). The MAM did not have a significant influence on LTP-free survival (p = 0.23) and OS (p = 0.67). CONCLUSION For the successful stereotactic MWA of HCC, the MAM and maximum tumor diameter might not have an influence on the OS, but the maximum tumor diameter seems to be an independent predictor of the time to LTP.
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Tang MJ, Eslick GD, Lubel JS, Majeed A, Majumdar A, Kemp W, Roberts SK. Outcomes of microwave versus radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Meta-Anal 2022; 10:220-237. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v10.i4.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies to date comparing outcomes of microwave ablation (MWA) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma have yielded conflicting results, with no clear superiority of one technique over the other. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of MWA with RFA.
AIM To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of MWA with RFA.
METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using Ovid Medline, Embase, PubMed, Reference Citation Analysis, Cochrane Central and Cochrane Systematic Review databases, and Web of Science. Abstracts and full manuscripts were screened for inclusion utilising predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria comparing outcomes of MWA and RFA. A random-effects model was used for each outcome. Meta-regression analysis was performed to adjust for the difference in follow-up period between the studies. Primary outcome measures included complete ablation (CA) rate, local recurrence rate (LRR), survival [local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), overall survival (OS)] and adverse events.
RESULTS A total of 42 published studies [34 cohort and 8 randomised controlled trials (RCT)] with 6719 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. There was no significant difference in tumour size between the treatment groups. CA rates between MWA and RFA groups were similar in prospective cohort studies [odds ratio (OR) 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–3.23] and RCTs (OR 1.18, 95%CI 0.64–2.18). However, retrospective studies reported higher rates with MWA (OR 1.29, 95%CI 1.06–1.57). Retrospective cohort studies reported higher OS (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.15–2.05 and lower LRR (OR 0.67, 95%CI 0.51–0.87). No difference in terms of LRFS or 30-d mortality was observed between both arms. MWA had an increased rate of adverse respiratory events when compared to RFA (OR 1.99, 95%CI 1.07–3.71, P = 0.03).
CONCLUSION MWA achieves similar CA rates and as good or better longer-term outcomes in relation to LRR and OS compared to RFA. Apart from an increased rate of respiratory events post procedure, MWA is as safe as RFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myo Jin Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Medical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guy D Eslick
- Department of Statistics, Clued Pty Ltd, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John S Lubel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ammar Majeed
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Avik Majumdar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Austin Campus, University of Medicine, Melbourne 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - William Kemp
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart K Roberts
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
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Chartampilas E, Rafailidis V, Georgopoulou V, Kalarakis G, Hatzidakis A, Prassopoulos P. Current Imaging Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163997. [PMID: 36010991 PMCID: PMC9406360 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The role of imaging in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has significantly evolved and expanded beyond the plain radiological confirmation of the tumor based on the typical appearance in a multiphase contrast-enhanced CT or MRI examination. The introduction of hepatobiliary contrast agents has enabled the diagnosis of hepatocarcinogenesis at earlier stages, while the application of ultrasound contrast agents has drastically upgraded the role of ultrasound in the diagnostic algorithms. Newer quantitative techniques assessing blood perfusion on CT and MRI not only allow earlier diagnosis and confident differentiation from other lesions, but they also provide biomarkers for the evaluation of treatment response. As distinct HCC subtypes are identified, their correlation with specific imaging features holds great promise for estimating tumor aggressiveness and prognosis. This review presents the current role of imaging and underlines its critical role in the successful management of patients with HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Radiology has traditionally played a central role in HCC management, ranging from screening of high-risk patients to non-invasive diagnosis, as well as the evaluation of treatment response and post-treatment follow-up. From liver ultrasonography with or without contrast to dynamic multiple phased CT and dynamic MRI with diffusion protocols, great progress has been achieved in the last decade. Throughout the last few years, pathological, biological, genetic, and immune-chemical analyses have revealed several tumoral subtypes with diverse biological behavior, highlighting the need for the re-evaluation of established radiological methods. Considering these changes, novel methods that provide functional and quantitative parameters in addition to morphological information are increasingly incorporated into modern diagnostic protocols for HCC. In this way, differential diagnosis became even more challenging throughout the last few years. Use of liver specific contrast agents, as well as CT/MRI perfusion techniques, seem to not only allow earlier detection and more accurate characterization of HCC lesions, but also make it possible to predict response to treatment and survival. Nevertheless, several limitations and technical considerations still exist. This review will describe and discuss all these imaging modalities and their advances in the imaging of HCC lesions in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic livers. Sensitivity and specificity rates, method limitations, and technical considerations will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Chartampilas
- Radiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Vasileios Rafailidis
- Radiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vivian Georgopoulou
- Radiology Department, Ippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Kalarakis
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Division of Radiology, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Adam Hatzidakis
- Radiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panos Prassopoulos
- Radiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Hatzidakis A, Müller L, Krokidis M, Kloeckner R. Local and Regional Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Future Combinations. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102469. [PMID: 35626073 PMCID: PMC9139740 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Percutaneous interventional radiological techniques offer many alternatives for treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) using local anesthesia and sedation. These methods aim to destroy the malignant tumors locally without affecting the non-malignant liver. In this way, complications are kept low and patient recovery is quick. Indications depend on tumor size, type and stage, as well as patient’s condition, liver function and co-morbidities. In recent years, a lot of research has been made in combining such approaches with immune therapy, but there is still much work to be done. This manuscript tries to analyze where we stand today and explain, using a comprehensive algorithm, the treatment options for each different clinical condition. Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be treated by local and regional methods of percutaneous interventional radiological techniques. Indications depend on tumor size, type and stage, as well as patient’s condition, liver function and co-morbidities. According to international classification systems such as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification, very early, early or intermediate staged tumors can be treated either with ablative methods or with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), depending on tumor characteristics. The combination of both allows for individualized forms of treatment with the ultimate goal of improving response and survival. In recent years, a lot of research has been carried out in combining locoregional approaches with immune therapy. Although recent developments in systemic treatment, especially immunotherapy, seem quite promising and have expanded possible combined treatment options, there is still not enough evidence in their favor. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive up-to-date overview of all these techniques, explaining indications, contraindications, technical problems, outcomes, results and complications. Moreover, combinations of percutaneous treatment with each other or with immunotherapy and future options will be discussed. Use of all those methods as down-staging or bridging solutions until surgery or transplantation are taken into consideration will also be reviewed. Conclusion: Local and regional therapies remain a mainstay of curative and palliative treatment of patients with HCC. Currently, evidence on potential combination of the local and regional treatment options with each other as well as with other treatment modalities is growing and has the potential to further individualize HCC therapy. To identify the most suitable treatment option out of these new various options, a repeated interdisciplinary discussion of each case by the tumor board is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hatzidakis
- Department of Radiology, AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Lukas Müller
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (L.M.); (R.K.)
| | - Miltiadis Krokidis
- 1st Department of Radiology, Areteion Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Roman Kloeckner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (L.M.); (R.K.)
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Crocetti L, Scalise P, Bozzi E, Campani D, Rossi P, Cervelli R, Bargellini I, Ghinolfi D, De Simone P, Cioni R. Microwave Ablation of Very-Early- and Early-Stage HCC: Efficacy Evaluation by Correlation with Histology after Liver Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3420. [PMID: 34298633 PMCID: PMC8303326 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Microwave (MW) ablation is a worldwide-diffused technique for the percutaneous ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the efficacy of this technique still needs to be confirmed in pathological specimens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of MW ablation by correlation with histology in excised liver samples at the time of liver transplantation (LT). All patients with MW-ablated HCC who subsequently underwent LT between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. In the explanted livers, the treated lesions were evaluated at pathology, and the necrosis was classified as complete or partial. Thirty-six HCCs were ablated in 30 patients (20.9 ± 6.1 mm, a range of 10-30 mm). Ablations were performed with a single insertion of a MW antenna under ultrasound or CT guidance. A complete radiological response was demonstrated in 30/36 nodules (83.3%) in 24/30 patients (80%) at imaging performed one-month after MW ablation. At pathology, of the 36 treated nodules, 28 (77.8%) showed a complete necrosis, and 8 (22.2%) showed a pathological partial necrosis. Good agreement was found between the imaging performed one-month after treatment and the complete pathological response (Cohen's k = 0.65). The imaging accuracy in detecting a complete response to treatment was 88.9%. All lesions with complete necrosis did not show recurrence at follow-up imaging until transplantation. The rad-path correlation in the explanted livers showed that MW ablation achieved a high rate of complete necrosis if a macroscopical complete ablation was obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Crocetti
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.S.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (R.C.); (I.B.); (R.C.)
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.C.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Paola Scalise
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.S.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (R.C.); (I.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Elena Bozzi
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.S.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (R.C.); (I.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Daniela Campani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.C.); (P.D.S.)
- Division of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Piercarlo Rossi
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.S.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (R.C.); (I.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Rosa Cervelli
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.S.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (R.C.); (I.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Irene Bargellini
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.S.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (R.C.); (I.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Davide Ghinolfi
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Paolo De Simone
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.C.); (P.D.S.)
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Roberto Cioni
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.S.); (E.B.); (P.R.); (R.C.); (I.B.); (R.C.)
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Gaia S, Ciruolo M, Ribaldone DG, Rolle E, Migliore E, Mosso E, Vola S, Risso A, Fagoonee S, Saracco GM, Carucci P. Higher Efficiency of Percutaneous Microwave (MWA) Than Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Achieving Complete Response in Cirrhotic Patients with Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:1034-1044. [PMID: 33669107 PMCID: PMC8025753 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contrasting data are available in the literature regarding the superiority of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in very early or early (BCLA 0 or A) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIMS The primary outcome was to compare the efficacy of RFA and MWA in achieving complete response in cirrhotic patients with early and very early HCC. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate the overall survival and the recurrence rate. METHODS A retrospective, observational, single-center study was performed. Inclusion criteria were liver cirrhosis, new diagnosis of a single node of HCC measuring a maximum of 50 mm or up to three nodules with diameter up to 35 mm, treatment with RFA or MWA. Radiological response was evaluated with multiphasic contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 5-7 weeks after thermal ablation. Complete response was defined when no vital tissue was detected after treatment. RESULTS Overall, 251 HCC patients were included in this study; 81 patients were treated with MWA and 170 with RFA. The complete response rate was similar in MWA and RFA groups (out of 331 nodules, 87.5% (91/104) were treated with MWA and 84.2% (186/221) were treated with RFA, p = 0.504). Interestingly, a subanalysis demonstrated that for 21-35 mm nodules, the probability to achieve a complete response using MWA was almost 5 times higher than for RFA (OR = 4.88, 95% CI 1.37-17.31, p = 0.014). Moreover, recurrence rate in 21-35 mm nodules was higher with RFA with respect to MWA (31.9% versus 13.5%, p = 0.019). Overall survival was 80.4% (45/56) when treated with MWA and 62.2% (56/90) when treated with RFA (p = 0.027). No significant difference was observed between MWA and RFA treatment in the 15-20 mm nodules group. CONCLUSION This study showed that MWA is more efficient than RFA in achieving complete response in HCC nodules with 21 to 35 mm diameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gaia
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University-Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.C.); (E.R.); (E.M.); (S.V.); (A.R.); (G.M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Michela Ciruolo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University-Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.C.); (E.R.); (E.M.); (S.V.); (A.R.); (G.M.S.); (P.C.)
| | | | - Emanuela Rolle
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University-Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.C.); (E.R.); (E.M.); (S.V.); (A.R.); (G.M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Enrica Migliore
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Città della Salute e della Scienza University-Hospital and Center for Cancer Prevention (CPO), 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Elena Mosso
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University-Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.C.); (E.R.); (E.M.); (S.V.); (A.R.); (G.M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Simone Vola
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University-Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.C.); (E.R.); (E.M.); (S.V.); (A.R.); (G.M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Alessandra Risso
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University-Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.C.); (E.R.); (E.M.); (S.V.); (A.R.); (G.M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Sharmila Fagoonee
- Institute for Biostructure and Bioimaging (CNR) at Molecular Biotechnology Center, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Maria Saracco
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University-Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.C.); (E.R.); (E.M.); (S.V.); (A.R.); (G.M.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Patrizia Carucci
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University-Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.C.); (E.R.); (E.M.); (S.V.); (A.R.); (G.M.S.); (P.C.)
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8
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Guiu B. MWA Versus RFA in HCC: Superior? Equivalent? Will We Ever Know? Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2020; 43:1619-1620. [PMID: 32909065 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-020-02635-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Guiu
- Department of Radiology, St-Eloi University Hospital, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, 34295, Montpellier, France.
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