Abstract
Purpose
To compare MWA and RFA combined with TACE for HCC nodules exceeding 3 cm.
Methods
19 lesions submitted to MWA (G1) were retrospectively compared with a combined treatment group (G2) matching by tumor characteristics (mean size 43 and 45 mm in G1 and G2, respectively). Technical success, complications, complete ablation (CA), and maintained CA (mCA) were evaluated.
Results
Technical success was achieved in all cases. Overall mortality was zero, both in G1 and G2. No significant differences were found in complications rates (3 in G1 and 2 in G2). CA was obtained in 11 (58 %) HCC in G1 and 15 (79 %) in G2 (p = n.s.). CA was obtained in 75.5 % (G1) and 89 % (G2) nodules up to 4 cm, 45 % and 70 % nodules >4 cm, respectively. At statistical analysis, size resulted as predictor for CA only in G1 (mean diameter of CA vs non-CA 39.9 vs. 47.7 mm, p = 0.021). During follow-up (13.1 and 14.4 months in G1 and G2), mCA occurred in 6/19 (32 %) nodules in G1, 8/19 (42 %) in G2.
Conclusion
MWA and combined therapy are comparable as for safety. No significant differences were found in terms of technique effectiveness. Larger randomized studies should be designed to confirm MWA as a valid alternative to combined therapy.
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All the authors declare no conflict of interest.
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This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Written informed consent to undergo the procedure has been obtained by all the patients enrolled in the study. All examinations and treatments were performed in the full respect of the guidelines of our institutional review board and the Helsinki declaration.
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Veltri, A., Gazzera, C., Calandri, M. et al. Percutaneous treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma exceeding 3 cm: combined therapy or microwave ablation? Preliminary results. Radiol med 120, 1177–1183 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-015-0550-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-015-0550-0