The efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization combined with microwave ablation for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Changes in Microwave Ablation Zone Dimensions after Transarterial Embolization in an Ex Vivo Human Kidney Perfusion Model

PURPOSE

To utilize a novel ex vivo perfused human renal model and quantify microwave ablation (MWA) size differences in renal tissue when combining MWA with transarterial embolization (TAE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human kidneys (n = 5) declined for transplantation were obtained and connected to a fluoroscopy-compatible ex vivo perfusion system. Two ablations-1 standard MWA and 1 TAE-MWA-were performed in each kidney for 2 minutes at 100 W using a MWA system (Solero Angiodynamics). MWA alone was performed in the upper pole. In the lower pole, MWA was performed after TAE with 40-90 μm radiopaque microspheres to achieve angiographic stasis. Ablation zones of coagulative necrosis were sectioned along the long axis and segmented for maximal short-axis diameter (SAD) and long-axis diameter (LAD) measurements.

RESULTS

A total of 10 ablations (5 MWAs and 5 TAE-MWAs) were performed in 5 human kidneys. TAE-MWA resulted in significantly increased SAD, LAD, volume, and sphericity compared with standard MWA ± SD, with mean measurements as follows (5 standard MWAs ± SD vs 5 TAE-MWAs ± SD, 2-tailed t-test): (a) SAD, 1.8 cm (SD ± 0.1) versus 2.5 cm (SD ± 0.1) (P < .001); (b) LAD, 2.9 cm (SD ± 0.3) versus 3.2 cm (SD ± 0.1) (P = .039); (c) volume, 5.0 mL (SD ± 0.5) versus 11.0 mL (SD ± 0.7) (P < .001); and (d) sphericity, 0.4 (SD ± 0.2) versus 0.6 (SD ± 0.1) (P = .049). Histology demonstrated no differences in TAE-MWA other than concentrated microspheres.

CONCLUSIONS

This ex vivo human kidney perfusion model confirmed that combined MWA-TAE significantly increased ablation size and spherical shape compared with MWA alone.

The combination of transarterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation is superior to microwave ablation alone for liver metastases from colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the combination therapy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and microwave ablation (MWA) with MWA alone in treating liver metastases from colorectal cancer (LMCRC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, a total of 251 patients with unresectable and not to chemotherapy responding LMCRC were included. Group A consisted of 184 patients (104 male and 80 females; mean age: 64 ± 11.4 years) with 442 metastases who received a combination of TACE and MWA. A total of 67 patients (49 male and 18 females; mean age: 63.2 ± 11.8 years) with 173 metastases patients were included in group B, who received only MWA. Parameters assessed were local tumor progression (LTP), hepatic distant tumor progression (hDTP), hepatic progression-free survival (hPFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The rate of LTP was 4.9% in group A and 4.5% in group B (p-value: 0.062). The rate of hDTP was 71.7% and 83.6% for groups A and B (p-value: 0.81), respectively. The mean hPFS was 13.8 months (95% CI 10.9-16.8) for group A and 8.1 months (95% CI 6.1-10.1) for group B (p-value: 0.03). The median OS time for group A was 30 months (95% CI 26-34), with 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year OS rates of 84.2%, 61.1%, 40.8% and 31.3%, respectively. In group B however, the median OS time was 26 months (95% CI 18-34) with 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year OS rates of 82.3%, 53.2%, 34.6% and 28.2%, respectively (p-value: 0.67).

CONCLUSION

The combination therapy of TACE and MWA is superior to the monotherapy of MWA for LMCRC, especially regarding hDTP, hPFS and OS.

New advances in the treatment of intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, affecting millions of people worldwide. Due to the complexity and variability of the disease, there are major challenges in the treatment of HCC in its intermediate and advanced stages; despite advances in various treatment modalities, there are still gaps in our understanding of effective therapeutic strategies. Key findings from several studies have shown that the combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy has a synergistic anti-tumor effect, which can significantly enhance efficacy with a favorable safety profile. In addition, other studies have identified potential biomarkers of therapeutic response, such as tumor protein 53 (TP53) and CTNNB1 (encoding β-conjugated proteins), thus providing personalized treatment options for patients with intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this article is to review the recent advances in the treatment of intermediate and advanced HCC, especially targeted immune-combination therapy, chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CAR-T cell therapy), and gene therapy for these therapeutic options that fill in the gaps in our knowledge of effective treatment strategies, providing important insights for further research and clinical practice.

Microwave ablation followed by cTACE in 5-cm HCC lesions: does a single-session approach affect liver function?

PURPOSE

Microwave ablation (MWA) and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) are locoregional treatments commonly performed in very early, early and intermediate stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite combined locoregional approaches have shown encouraging results in obtaining complete tumor necrosis, their application in a single session is poorly described. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-session MWA and cTACE treatment in 5-cm HCCs and its influence on liver function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All 5-cm HCCs treated by MWA and cTACE performed in a single-session in our Interventional Radiology unit between January 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively recorded and analyzed. Patients with poor or missing pre- and post-treatment imaging were excluded. Technical success, clinical success, and complications rate were examined as primary endpoints. Pre- and post-treatment liver function laboratory parameters were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 15 lesions (mean lesion diameter, 5.0 ± 1.4 cm) in 15 patients (11 men; mean age, 67.1 ± 8.9 years) were retrospectively evaluated. Technical and clinical success were 100% and 73%, respectively. Four (27%) cases of partial response and no cases of progressive or stable disease were recorded. AST and ALT values have found to be significantly higher in post-treatment laboratory tests. No other significant differences between pre- and post-treatment laboratory values were registered. AST and ALT pre- and post-treatment higher differences (ΔAST and ΔALT) were significantly associated with a lower clinical success rate.

CONCLUSION

MWA and cTACE single-session approach is safe and effective for 5-cm HCCs, without significant liver function impairment. A post-treatment increase in AST and ALT values may be a predictor for clinical failure.

Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Lenvatinib Plus Sequential Microwave Ablation for Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma Beyond Up-to-Seven Criteria: A Retrospective Cohort Study

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with Lenvatinib plus sequential microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond up-to-seven criteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study assessed the medical records of patients with large HCC who underwent TACE combined with Lenvatinib plus sequential MWA (TLM) or TACE plus sequential MWA (TM). Lenvatinib was administered to patients within 3-5 days after TACE and sequential MWA was performed once they met the criteria for curative ablation after TACE or the combination therapy. The progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and treatment-related complications were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

Of the 81 patients who underwent TLM or TM, 64 who met the eligibility criteria were included in this study. Among them, 28 patients underwent TLM and 36 underwent TM. The inverse probability weighting method (IPTW) was used to balance differences between two groups. The TLM group had longer PFS than the TM group (median, before IPTW: 18.53 vs. 5.62 months, p < 0.001; median, after IPTW: 28.27 vs. 5.30 months, p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that TLM and the maximum tumor diameter were independent prognostic factors for PFS. The overall incidence rate of minor complications related to TACE or MWA was lower in the TLM group (32.1% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

TACE combined with Lenvatinib plus sequential MWA can prolong the progression-free survival of patients with large HCC beyond up-to-seven criteria.

[Ablation of liver tumors : From pre-interventional imaging to post-interventional assessment]

The aim of this article is to provide an overview on the most frequently applied image-guided, percutaneous, local ablative techniques for treatment of primary and secondary liver tumors. The technical procedures of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are presented. The pre-interventional diagnostics, indications and feasibility are also discussed, taking the current national guidelines into consideration. Finally, treatment outcomes and recommendations on post-interventional imaging following local tumor ablation are presented.

Percutaneous microwave ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for serum tumor markers and prognostics of middle-late primary hepatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) has an insidious onset and is usually diagnosed in the middle and late stages. Although transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the preferred option for treating middle- and advanced-stage PHC, it has limited efficacy in killing tumor cells and poor long-term efficacy. TACE plus percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) is more effective than interventional therapy alone and can improve survival time. However, there are few reports on the effects of TACE and PMCT on serum marker levels and the prognosis of patients with advanced PHC.

AIM

To investigate the effect of PMCT + TACE on serum tumor markers and the prognosis of middle-late PHC.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 150 patients with middle-late PHC admitted to Zhongshan People's Hospital between March 2018 and February 2021. Patients were divided into a single group (treated with TACE, n = 75) and a combined group (treated with TACE + PMCT, n = 75). Before and after treatment, the clinical efficacy and serum tumor marker levels [carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)] of both groups were observed. The 1-year survival rates and prognostic factors of the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The combined group had 21 and 35 cases of complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR), respectively. The single group had 13 and 25 cases of CR and PR, respectively. After 4 wk of treatment, the serum CA19-9, CEA, and AFP levels in the single and combined groups decreased, with the decrease in the combined group being more significant (P < 0.05). The 1-year survival rate of the combined group (80.00%) was higher than that of the single group (60.00%) (P < 0.05). The average survival time within 1 year in the combined group was 299.38 ± 61.13 d, longer than that in the single group (214.41 ± 72.97 d, P < 0.05). COX analysis revealed that tumor diameter, tumor number, and the treatment method were prognostic factors for patients with middle-late PHC (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TACE + PMCT is effective in treating patients with mid-late PHC. It reduces the levels of tumor markers, prolongs survival, and improves prognosis.

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer (2022 Edition)

Background

Primary liver cancer, of which around 75-85% is hepatocellular carcinoma in China, is the fourth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of tumor-related death, thereby posing a significant threat to the life and health of the Chinese people.

Summary

Since the publication of Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer in China in June 2017, which were updated by the National Health Commission in December 2019, additional high-quality evidence has emerged from researchers worldwide regarding the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of liver cancer, that requires the guidelines to be updated again. The new edition (2022 Edition) was written by more than 100 experts in the field of liver cancer in China, which not only reflects the real-world situation in China but also may reshape the nationwide diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer.

Key Messages

The new guideline aims to encourage the implementation of evidence-based practice and improve the national average 5-year survival rate for patients with liver cancer, as proposed in the "Health China 2030 Blueprint."

Recent Advances in Locoregional Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for 90% of primary hepatic cancer cases, and its incidence with associated morbidity and mortality is growing worldwide. In recent decades, there has been a revolution in HCC treatment. There are three main types of locoregional therapy: radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolisation, and transarterial radioembolisation. This article summarises recent advances in locoregional methods.

Efficacy and safety of computed tomography-guided microwave ablation with fine needle-assisted puncture positioning technique for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

In microwave ablation (MWA), although computed tomography (CT) scanning can overcome gas interference, it cannot achieve real-time localization. Therefore, the puncture technique is more important in CT-guided ablation.

AIM

To compare the fine needle-assisted puncture (FNP) positioning technique and the conventional puncture (CP) technique for the safety and efficacy of CT-guided MWA in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 124 patients with 166 tumor nodules from February 2018 and June 2021. Seventy patients received CT-guided MWA under the FNP technique (FNP group), and 54 patients received MWA under the CP technique (CP group). Intergroup comparisons were made regarding local tumor progression (LTP), recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and complications. The influencing variables of LTP and RFS were analyzed through univariate and multivariate regressions.

RESULTS

The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative incidences of LTP in the FNP group were significantly lower than those in the CP group (7.4%, 12.7%, 21.3% vs 13.7%, 32.9%, 36.4%; P = 0.038). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year RFS rates in the FNP group were significantly higher than those in the CP group (80.6%, 73.3%, 64.0% vs 83.3%, 39.4%, and 32.5%, respectively; P = 0.008). The FNP technique independently predicted LTP and RFS. Minor complications in the FNP group were lower than those in the CP group (P < 0.001). The difference in median OS was insignificant between the FNP and CP groups (P = 0.229).

CONCLUSION

The FNP technique used in CT-guided MWA may improve outcomes in terms of LTP, RFS, and procedure-related complications for HCC.

Single-session transarterial chemoembolization combined with percutaneous thermal ablation in liver metastases 3 cm or larger

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with percutaneous thermal ablation in patients with liver metastases 3 cm in diameter or larger.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 39 patients with a total of 46 liver metastases treated. There were 14 men and 25 women, with a mean age of 55 ± 13.3 (SD) (age range: 28-77 years). All patients were treated with a combination of TACE and thermal ablation in a single session. Primary outcome was local tumor progression. Secondary outcomes were procedure related complications and systemic disease progression.

RESULTS

Mean tumor size was 3.6 ± 0.6 (SD) cm (range: 3-5 cm). Conventional TACE was performed in 32 liver metastases (32/46; 70%) and drug-eluting beads-TACE in 14 liver metastases (14/46; 30%) followed by radiofrequency ablation in 34 (34/46; 74%), microwave ablation in 11 (11/46; 24%) and cryoablation in one (1/46; 2%) metastasis. Four grade 2 (4/39; 10%) complications were observed. After a mean follow up of 31.9 ± 26.1 (SD) months (range: 2-113 months) overall local tumor progression rate was 15% (7/46). Local tumor progression rate at 12 months was 13% (6/46). Overall systemic disease progression was seen in 29 patients (29/39; 74%) with a systemic disease progression rate at 12 months of 59% (23/39).

CONCLUSION

Treatment of large liver metastases with TACE and thermal ablation in a single session is safe and achieves high local control rate.

Local and Regional Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Future Combinations

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.

Combined radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation with transarterial chemoembolization can increase efficiency in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma without more complication: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are widely used in combination with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in clinical practice. We aim to compare the efficacy and safety of TACE combined with RFA or MWA versus TACE monotherapy for intermediate-stage HCC.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies. The outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local tumor control (LTC) rate, and major complication. Subgroup analysis for different TACE combination therapies was performed.

RESULTS

Ten studies with 1799 patients with intermediate-stage HCC were included. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for OS was in favor of TACE combination therapy (HR, 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.62). Specifically, the TACE combination therapy was associated with higher 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates. Regarding tumor progression, the TACE combination therapy showed significantly better PFS (HR, 0.47, 95% CI, 0.37-0.61) and higher 1-, 2- and 3-year PFS rates than TACE monotherapy. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for the LTC was also in favor of TACE combination therapy (OR, 0.36, 95% CI, 0.24-0.53). No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the major complication rate (OR, 1.26, 95% CI, 0.74-2.16). These results were consistent across subgroups of TACE + RFA versus TACE and TACE + MWA versus TACE.

CONCLUSION

TACE combined with RFA or MWA can provide significantly better OS, PFS and LTC than TACE monotherapy for patients with intermediate-stage HCC, without increasing the risk of major complications.

Comparison of combined transarterial chemoembolization and ablations in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the efficacy of three combination therapies, including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), and cryoablation (CRA) for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Online databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched.

RESULTS

Forty-two studies with 5468 pooled patients (TACE + RFA: 21 studies with 3398 patients, TACE + MWA:14 studies with 1477 patients, and TACE + CRA: 7 studies with 593 patients) reported combination therapy versus TACE alone. The TACE + MWA subcohort had the best odds of long-term overall survival (OR 4.81, 95% CI 1.44, 16.08, P = 0.011) and objective response rate (OR 3.93, 95% CI 2.34, 6.61, P < 0.001) compared with the other two combination subcohorts. The TACE + RFA and TACE + MWA subcohorts had approximately similar odds of 1-year recurrence-free survival (OR 5.21, 95% CI 2.13, 12.75, P < 0.001 and OR 4.61, 95% CI 1.70, 12.51, P = 0.003, respectively). The disease control rate was similar between the TACE + MWA and TACE + CRA subcohorts (OR 4.01, 95% CI 2.66, 6.04, P < 0.001 and OR 4.05, 95% CI 1.68, 9.74, P = 0.002) but greater than the TACE + RFA subcohort (OR 3.23, 95% CI 2.14, 4.86, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the TACE + MWA subcohort had the best efficacy and outcomes, especially for younger patients (less than 60-year-old) with tumor size of ≤ 3 cm, compared with the TACE + RFA or TACE + CRA subcohorts.

Drug-eluting bead trans-arterial chemoembolization combined with microwave ablation therapy vs. microwave ablation alone for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a preliminary investigation of clinical value

Purpose

To assess the clinical value of drug-eluting bead trans-arterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) combined with microwave ablation (MWA) vs. MWA treatment alone for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and methods

Consecutive data from 102 HCC patients at early stage who were referred to our hospital from December 2014 to May 2016 were retrospectively collected. Forty-seven patients underwent DEB-TACE combined with MWA treatment, whereas 55 patients underwent MWA alone. After 1 month of treatment, the tumour responses of the patients were assessed using the mRECIST criteria. Treatment-related complications and hepatic function were also analysed for the two groups. In addition, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated and compared.

Results

Patients in the combined treatment group (DEB-TACE combined with MWA) presented a better objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) compared with those in the monotherapy group (MWA treatment). The median OS and PFS were longer in the combined treatment group compared with the monotherapy group. Multivariate Cox’s regression further illustrated that DEB-TACE + MWA vs. MWA was an independent protective factor for PFS and OS. No serious treatment-related complications were observed in any of the patients.

Conclusion

Combined treatment with DEB-TACE appeared to have advantages in prolonging OS and PFS compared to MWA. Therefore, combined treatment was efficient and should be strongly recommended to early stage HCC patients.

Heating technology for malignant tumors: a review

The therapeutic application of heat is very effective in cancer treatment. Both hyperthermia, i.e., heating to 39-45 °C to induce sensitization to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and thermal ablation, where temperatures beyond 50 °C destroy tumor cells directly are frequently applied in the clinic. Achievement of an effective treatment requires high quality heating equipment, precise thermal dosimetry, and adequate quality assurance. Several types of devices, antennas and heating or power delivery systems have been proposed and developed in recent decades. These vary considerably in technique, heating depth, ability to focus, and in the size of the heating focus. Clinically used heating techniques involve electromagnetic and ultrasonic heating, hyperthermic perfusion and conductive heating. Depending on clinical objectives and available technology, thermal therapies can be subdivided into three broad categories: local, locoregional, or whole body heating. Clinically used local heating techniques include interstitial hyperthermia and ablation, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), scanned focused ultrasound (SFUS), electroporation, nanoparticle heating, intraluminal heating and superficial heating. Locoregional heating techniques include phased array systems, capacitive systems and isolated perfusion. Whole body techniques focus on prevention of heat loss supplemented with energy deposition in the body, e.g., by infrared radiation. This review presents an overview of clinical hyperthermia and ablation devices used for local, locoregional, and whole body therapy. Proven and experimental clinical applications of thermal ablation and hyperthermia are listed. Methods for temperature measurement and the role of treatment planning to control treatments are discussed briefly, as well as future perspectives for heating technology for the treatment of tumors.

What's New in Percutaneous Ablative Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Colorectal Hepatic Metastases? 2020 Update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ablation techniques are now well-established treatment options available for the management of primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. Currently available ablative techniques include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation (IRE). Along with advances in navigational devices and targeting technologies, ablation combined with other therapies may be the next therapeutic option in thermal ablation. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current status of ablative technologies in interventional and medical oncology for management of liver malignancies.

RECENT FINDINGS

With the use of combination techniques (i.e., ablation and transarterial embolization procedures), thermal ablation is now moving toward treating tumors larger than 3 cm in size or tumors with macrovascular invasion. Ongoing trials are examining the optimum timing of combination therapies. Thermal ablation combined with hepatic resection may increase the number of patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma to the liver who qualify for curative surgery. Combination therapies of thermal ablation and transarterial embolization allow for promising treatment responses for larger HCC. Surgery combined with thermal ablation can potentially increase the number of patients with metastatic colon cancer to the liver who qualify for curative surgery.

Does additional resection of a positive microscopic ductal margin benefit patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The incidence of a positive microscopic ductal margin (R1) after surgical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) remains high, but the beneficial of additional resection has not been confirmed by any meta-analysis and randomized clinical trials (RCT), which also increased the risk of morbidity and mortality. Hence, a systematic review is warranted to evaluate the clinical value of additional resection of intraoperative R1 for pCCA.

Methods

Eligible studies were searched by PubMed, MedLine, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, from Jan.1^st 2000 to Nov.30^th 2019, evaluating the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of additional resection of intraoperative pathologic R1 for pCCA. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine the effect size by a randomized-effect model.

Results

Eight studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 179 patients in the secondary R0 group, 843 patients in the primary R0 group and 253 patients in the R1 group. The pooled OR for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rate between secondary R0 group and primary R0 group were 1.03(95%CI 0.64~1.67, P = 0.90), 0.92(95%CI 0.52~1.64, P = 0.78), and 0.83(95%CI 0.37~1.84, P = 0.65), respectively. The pooled OR for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rate between secondary R0 group and R1 group were 2.14(95%CI 1.31~3.50, P = 0.002), 2.58(95%CI 1.28~5.21, P = 0.008), and 3.54(95%CI 1.67~7.50, P = 0.001), respectively. However, subgroup analysis of the West showed that the pooled OR for the 1-, and 3-year OS rate between secondary R0 group and R1 group were 2.05(95%CI 0.95~4.41, P = 0.07), 1.91(95%CI 0.96~3.81, P = 0.07), respectively.

Conclusion

With the current data, additional resection should be recommended in selected patients with intraoperative R1, but the conclusion is needed further validation.