Hepatocellular carcinoma: US-guided percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Medicine
• Interventional Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with significant global impact.
• Treatment options for HCC aim to improve survival and quality of life.
• Percutaneous therapies offer minimally invasive approaches for liver tumor management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) for hepatocellular carcinoma.
• To assess the effectiveness of MCT for tumor nodules exceeding 2 cm in diameter.
• To explore the impact of electrode insertion techniques on treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Fifty patients with 107 HCC nodules were treated with percutaneous MCT.
• Nodules ranged from 0.8 cm to 6.4 cm in diameter.
• Single electrode insertion was used for nodules ≤2 cm, while multiple electrodes were used for nodules >2 cm.

Main Results:

• Technical success rates at 1 month were 98% for nodules ≤2 cm and 92% for nodules >2 cm.
• Local recurrence rates after 9 months were 2% for smaller nodules and 8% for larger nodules.
• Disease-free survival at 1 and 2 years was 55% and 41%, respectively; overall survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 96%, 83%, and 73%.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy is a safe and effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.
• The multiple electrode insertion technique enhances MCT effectiveness for tumors up to 6 cm.
• MCT offers a valuable therapeutic option for managing liver cancer.