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Percutaneous Ablation-Induced Immunomodulation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Lucile Dumolard1,2, Julien Ghelfi3, Gael Roth1,2,4
1Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 25, 2020
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatments like radiofrequency and microwave ablation show limited success due to high recurrence. Combining these thermal ablation therapies with immunotherapy may enhance anti-tumor immune responses for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, with increasing incidence.
- Percutaneous thermal ablation techniques, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA), are standard treatments for small HCC.
- Despite their use, high recurrence rates (~70% at five years) limit the long-term effectiveness of these therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunomodulatory effects of RFA and MWA in HCC treatment.
- To explore the potential of combining thermal ablation with immunotherapy to improve anti-tumor immunity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating thermal ablation and immunotherapy in HCC.
- Analysis of immune system changes induced by RFA and MWA.
- Evaluation of synergistic effects between ablation and immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Thermal ablation techniques induce tumor destruction and some immunomodulation.
- Current immunomodulatory effects are insufficient to elicit a robust anti-tumor immune response.
- Combining ablation with immunotherapy presents a promising strategy to enhance anti-tumor immunity.
Conclusions:
- RFA and MWA trigger specific immune alterations in the tumor microenvironment.
- Combination therapy of thermal ablation and immunotherapy holds potential for synergistic anti-tumor effects.
- Further research is warranted to optimize combined treatment strategies for HCC.
