Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in the presence of portal vein thrombosis

Priming of Sorafenib Prior to Radiofrequency Ablation Does Not Increase Treatment Effect in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Preclinical studies have shown that modulation of the tumor microvasculature with anti-angiogenic agents decreases tumor perfusion and may increase the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Retrospective studies suggest that sorafenib given prior to RFA promotes an increase in the ablation zone, but prospective randomized data are lacking.

AIMS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy of a short-course of sorafenib prior to RFA for HCC tumors sized 3.5-7 cm (NCT00813293).

METHODS

Treatment consisted of sorafenib 400 mg twice daily for 10 days or matching placebo, followed by RFA on day 10. The primary objectives were to assess if priming with sorafenib increased the volume and diameter of the RFA coagulation zone and to evaluate its impact on RFA thermal parameters. Secondary objectives included feasibility, safety and to explore the relationship between tumor blood flow on MRI and RFA effectiveness.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were randomized 1:1. Priming with sorafenib did not increase the size of ablation zone achieved with RFA and did not promote significant changes in thermal parameters, although it significantly decreased blood perfusion to the tumor by 27.9% (p = 0.01) as analyzed by DCE-MRI. No subject discontinued treatment owing to adverse events and no grade 4 toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSION

Priming of sorafenib did not enhance the effect of RFA in intermediate sized HCC. Future studies should investigate whether longer duration of treatment or a different antiangiogenic strategy in the post-procedure setting would be more effective in impairing tumor perfusion and increasing RFA efficacy.

Comparison of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization-Radiofrequency Ablation and Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Alone for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Macrovascular Invasion Using Propensity Score Analysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

To compare the efficacies of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (TACE + RFA) and TACE alone in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and macrovascular invasion (MVI).

Methods

In total, 664 patients having HCC with MVI were included. Of these patients, 141 were treated with TACE + RFA, 254 with TACE alone, and 269 with supportive therapy (control group). The overall survival (OS) was compared among these groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed for balancing the characteristics of the three groups.

Results

After one-to-one PSM, the 12-month OS rates were higher in the TACE and TACE + RFA groups than in the control group (p=0.0009 and p=0.0017, respectively). Furthermore, higher 12-month OS rates were observed in the TACE + RFA group than in the TACE group (p=0.0192). The 12-month OS rates of patients were remarkably higher in α-fetoprotein (AFP) < 400 ng/ml, tumor < 3, tumor diameter < 5 cm, or portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) group who were treated with TACE + RFA than in those who were treated with TACE (p=0.0122, p=0.0090, p=0112, and p=0.0071, respectively).

Conclusions

TACE + RFA provides a superior survival outcome than TACE alone in HCC patients, especially in AFP <400 ng/ml, tumor <3, tumor diameter <5 cm, or PVTT group.

Portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis: diagnosis, natural history, and therapeutic challenges

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a frequent complication in cirrhosis and its prevalence increases with disease severity. Several factors are involved in the development and progression of PVT. The challenge for the management of PVT is the precise evaluation of the bleeding risk as opposed to life-threatening extension of thrombosis. Nevertheless, the impact on the progression and outcome of liver disease is unclear. A critical evaluation of the available data discloses that treating PVT in cirrhotics is safe and effective. However, there are open issues, such as which anticoagulant could represent a safer therapeutic option, and when and for how long this treatment should be administered to cirrhotic patients with PVT.

Percutaneous electrochemotherapy in the treatment of portal vein tumor thrombosis at hepatic hilum in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis: A feasibility study

AIM

To treated with electrochemotherapy (ECT) a prospective case series of patients with liver cirrhosis and Vp3-Vp4- portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in order to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of this new non thermal ablative technique in those patients.

METHODS

Six patients (5 males and 1 female), aged 61-85 years (mean age, 70 years), four in Child-Pugh A and two in Child-Pugh B class, entered our study series. All patients were studied with three-phase computed tomography (CT), contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of the thrombus before ECT. All patients underwent ECT treatment (Cliniporator Vitae^®, IGEA SpA, Carpi, Modena, Italy) of Vp3-Vp4 PVTT in a single session. At the end of the procedure a post-treatment biopsy of the thrombus was performed. Scheduled follow-up in all patients entailed: CEUS within 24 h after treatment; triphasic contrast-enhanced CT and CEUS at 3 mo after treatment and every six months thereafter.

RESULTS

Post-treatment CEUS showed complete absence of enhancement of the treated thrombus in all cases. Post-treatment biopsy showed apoptosis and necrosis of tumor cells in all cases. The follow-up ranged from 9 to 20 mo (median, 14 mo). In 2 patients, the follow-up CT and CEUS demonstrated complete patency of the treated portal vein. Other 3 patients showed a persistent avascular non-tumoral shrinked thrombus at CEUS and CT during follow-up. No local recurrence was observed at follow-up CT and CEUS in 5/6 patients. One patient was lost to follow-up because of death from gastrointestinal hemorrage 5 wk after ECT.

CONCLUSION

In patients with cirrhosis, ECT seems effective and safe for curative treatment of Vp3-Vp4 PVTT from HCC.

Clinical implications for imaging of vascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second largest cause of cancer mortality in the world, with vascular invasion being one of the most important prognostic factors. HCC with tumor thrombus was traditionally considered to have very limited treatment options. However, multiple promising treatment strategies have emerged in recent years, with diagnostic and interventional radiologists playing a major role in patient management. We provide a comprehensive update on the diagnosis and management of HCC with vascular invasion and the role of the radiologist in this condition.

Portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis is an important cause of portal hypertension. PVT occurs in association with cirrhosis or as a result of malignant invasion by hepatocellular carcinoma or even in the absence of associated liver disease. With the current research into its genesis, majority now have an underlying prothrombotic state detectable. Endothelial activation and stagnant portal blood flow also contribute to formation of the thrombus. Acute non-cirrhotic PVT, chronic PVT (EHPVO), and portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis are the three main variants of portal vein thrombosis with varying etiological factors and variability in presentation and management. Procoagulant state should be actively investigated. Anticoagulation is the mainstay of therapy for acute non-cirrhotic PVT, with supporting evidence for its use in cirrhotic population as well. Chronic PVT (EHPVO) on the other hand requires the management of portal hypertension as such and with role for anticoagulation in the setting of underlying prothrombotic state, however data is awaited in those with no underlying prothrombotic states. TIPS and liver transplant may be feasible even in the setting of PVT however proper selection of candidates and type of surgery is warranted. Thrombolysis and thrombectomy have some role. TARE is a new modality for management of HCC with portal vein invasion.

Treatment of uterine myomas by radiofrequency thermal ablation: a 10-year retrospective cohort study

Patients' selection criteria, effectiveness, and safety of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA) therapy for uterine myomas (UM) were assessed using a 10-year retrospective cohort study. From July 2001 to July 2011, a total of 1216 patients treated for UM were divided into 2 groups. Group A consisted of 476 premenopause patients, average age 36.5 ± 8.5 years, average number of myomas 1.7 ± 0.9, and average diameter of myomas 4.5 ± 1.5 cm, and group B consisted of 740 menopause patients, average age 48.5 ± 3.5 years, average number of myomas 2.6 ± 1.3, and average diameter of myomas 5.0 ± 2.5 cm. Average follow-up period was 36.5 ± 11.5 months. At 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after RFTA, average diameters of myomas in group A were 3.8, 3.0, 2.7, 2.4, and 2.2 cm, respectively, and 47.7% (227 of 476) of patients had tumor trace at 12 months after RFTA. In group B, the results were 4.7, 3.7, 3.3, 2.3, and 2.3 cm, respectively, and 58.8% (435 of 740) of patients had tumor trace at 12 months after RFTA. Three months after treatment, myoma volumes were significantly reduced in both the groups (P < .01), and group B had higher rate of tumor trace at 12 months after RFTA than group A (P < .05). Clinical symptoms and health-related quality-of-life outcome (HRQL) were significantly improved after RFTA in both groups and the postoperative recurrence rate of UM was significantly higher in group A at 10.7% (51 of 476) than group B at 2.4% (18 of 740; P < .05). Radiofrequency thermal ablation is an excellent minimally invasive treatment for UM smaller than 5.0 cm in diameter.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with radiofrequency ablation can improve survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumour thrombosis: extending the indication for ablation?

AIM

To retrospectively assess long-term survival benefit and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumour thrombosis (PVTT), and to evaluate factors that significantly affect outcomes of these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty-four HCC patients (118 men and 16 women; mean age 54.8 years, range 26-79 years) with PVTT were retrospectively assessed. Patients were treated with TACE combined with RFA. Data analysed included patient demographics, liver volume, Child-Pugh score, and Cancer of the Liver Italian Programme (CLIP) score and imaging findings. Survival time (from occurrence of PVTT to last follow-up) was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, predictive factors and its correlation with survival was assessed using the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression method.

RESULTS

The median overall survival (OS) time was 29.5 months (range 16.6-42.4 months), the 1, 3, and 5 year OS were 63%, 40%, and 23%. Cox hazards regression analysis revealed that functional remnant liver volume (FRLV), remnant liver volume (RLV)/total liver volume (TLV), radiation, tumour number, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) distribution, and gross type were the only independent predictive factors of outcome (p = 0.039, 0.010, 0.009, 0.034, 0.031, and 0.000, respectively).

CONCLUSION

TACE combined with RFA was found to be an effective therapy, FRLV and RLV/TLV have close correlation with survival for HCC patients with PVTT type I, II, or partial III and Child-Pugh A or B.

Review article: the modern management of portal vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an important cause of portal hypertension. It may occur as such with or without associated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Information on its management is scanty.

AIM

To provide an update on the modern management of portal vein thrombosis. Information on portal vein thrombosis in patients with and without cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is also updated.

METHODS

A pubmed search was performed to identify the literature using search items portal vein thrombosis-aetiology and treatment and portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

RESULTS

Portal vein thrombosis occurs because of local inflammatory conditions in the abdomen and prothrombotic factors. Acute portal vein thrombosis is usually symptomatic when associated with cirrhosis and/or superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Anticoagulation should be given for 3-6 months if detected early. If prothrombotic factors are identified, anticoagulation should be given lifelong. Chronic portal vein thrombosis usually presents with well tolerated upper gastrointestinal bleed. It is diagnosed by imaging, which demonstrates a portal cavernoma in place of a portal vein. Anticoagulation does not have a definite role, but bleeds can be treated with endotherapy or shunt surgery. Rarely liver transplantation may be considered.

CONCLUSION

Role of anticoagulation in chronic portal vein thrombosis needs to be further studied.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis: are patients with neoplastic main portal vein invasion eligible for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of both the nodule and the portal venous tumor thrombus?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the results of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of both medium-sized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the accompanying main portal venous tumor thrombus in patients with cirrhosis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

From January 2005 to January 2008, among 1,837 consecutively registered patients with HCC seen at our institution, 412 had HCC and portal venous invasion; 27 of the 412 had a single HCC nodule accompanied by main portal venous tumor thrombus. Thirteen patients (10 men, three women; mean age, 70 years; range, 66-74 years) with 13 HCC nodules 3.7-5 cm in diameter extending into the main portal trunk underwent percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Fourteen matched patients (10 men, four women; mean age, 69 years; range, 67-73 years) with 14 HCC nodules 3.6-4.8 cm in diameter extending into the main portal trunk refused radiofrequency ablation and composed the control group. Diagnosis of main portal venous tumor thrombus was made with fine-needle biopsy in all cases. Radiofrequency ablation was performed first on the main portal venous tumor thrombus and then on the HCC nodule. Efficacy of radiofrequency was defined as complete necrosis of HCC and complete recanalization of the main portal trunk and its branches. HCC necrosis was evaluated with enhanced CT. Recanalization of portal vessels was analyzed with color Doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Radiofrequency ablation was performed under ultrasound guidance with a perfused needle electrode.

RESULTS

Complete necrosis of the HCC associated with complete recanalization of the main portal vein and its branches was achieved in 10 patients (efficacy, 77%). In the other three patients, necrosis of the HCC ranged from 70% to 90%, and recanalization of the main portal trunk was not complete. No major complications occurred. In three cases, mild to moderate ascites and increased aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were found. The follow-up periods ranged from 3 to 36 months among the treated patients and 2 to 10 months among the untreated patients. The cumulative survival rate was 77% 6, 12, and 36 months after procedure in the treated group and 43% and 0% 6 and 12 months after diagnosis in the untreated group (p < 0.0001). All 10 successfully treated patients were alive and the portal system was patent at the end of the follow-up period. All three untreated patients died of progressive disease within 5 months of diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency ablation can destroy both single intraparenchymal medium-sized HCCs and the accompanying main portal venous tumor thrombus with high efficacy and safety and a low rate of complications.

Local recurrence after hepatic radiofrequency coagulation: multivariate meta-analysis and review of contributing factors

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that influence local recurrence after radiofrequency coagulation of liver tumors.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Local recurrence rate varies widely between 2% and 60%. Apart from tumor size as an important risk factor for local recurrence, little is known about the impact of other factors.

METHODS

An exhaustive literature search was carried out for the period from January 1, 1990 to January 1, 2004. Only series with a minimal follow-up of 6 months and/or mean follow-up of 12 months were included. Univariate and multivariate meta-analyses were carried out.

RESULTS

Ninety-five independent series were included, allowing the analysis of the local recurrence rate of 5224 treated liver tumors. In a univariate analysis, tumor-dependent factors with significantly less local recurrences were: smaller size, neuroendocrine metastases, nonsubcapsular location, and location away from large vessels. Physician-dependent favorable factors were: surgical (open or laparoscopic) approach, vascular occlusion, general anesthesia, a 1-cm intentional margin, and a greater physician experience. In a multivariate analysis, significantly less local recurrences were observed for small size (P < 0.001) and a surgical (versus percutaneous) approach (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiofrequency coagulation by laparoscopy or laparotomy results in superior local control, independent of tumor size. The percutaneous route should mainly be reserved for patients who cannot tolerate a laparoscopy or laparotomy. The short-term benefits of less invasiveness for the percutaneous route do not outweigh the longer-term higher risk of local recurrence.

Efficacy of different treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of different treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) and investigate factors influencing prognosis.

METHODS: One hundred and seventy-nine HCC patients with macroscopic PVTT were enrolled in this study. They were divided into four groups and underwent different treatments: conservative treatment group (n = 18), chemotherapy group (n = 53), surgical resection group (n = 24) and surgical resection with postoperative chemotherapy group (n = 84). Survival rates of the patients were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. A log-rank analysis was performed to identify group differences. Cox’s proportional hazards model was used to analyze variables associated with survival.

RESULTS: The mean survival periods of the patients in four groups were 3.6, 7.3, 10.1, and 15.1 mo respectively. There were significant differences in the survival rates among the groups. The survival rates at 0.5-, 1-, 2-, and 3-year in surgical resection with postoperative chemotherapy group were 55.8%, 39.3%, 30.4%, and 15.6% respectively, which were significantly higher than those of other groups (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the strategy of treatment (P<0.001) and the number of chemotherapy cycles (P = 0.012) were independent survival predictors for patients with HCC and PVTT.

CONCLUSION: Surgical resection of HCC and PVTT combined with postoperative chemotherapy or chemoembolization is the most effective therapeutic strategy for the patients who can tolerate operation. Multiple chemotherapeutic courses should be given postoperatively to the patients with good hepatic function reserve.