[Radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients]

The efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were compared between elderly (age≥75 years, n=82) and non-elderly groups (age<75 years, n=158). No significant differences were observed in complications between the two groups. Elderly patients had a lower survival rate compared to the non-elderly patients. Multivariate analysis showed that age was not a significant factor for survival on tumor recurrence. Matching by propensity score revealed no significant differences were observed in survival on tumor recurrence rate. The prognosis of elderly patients undergoing RFA might be considered poorer than that of non-elderly patients. However, when considering the clinical background, RFA might be safe and effective in elderly patients, as well as non-elderly patients.