Predictors for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after microwave ablation

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Oncology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence post-treatment impacts patient prognosis.
• Microwave ablation (MWA) is a promising treatment for early-stage HCC.
• Predictive markers for HCC recurrence after MWA are crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) score for HCC recurrence after MWA.
• To assess the role of Aurora B kinase (AURKB) expression in predicting HCC recurrence following MWA.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 25 early-stage HCC patients treated with MWA.
• Tumor biopsies assessed for pathological grade and AURKB expression; AFP score calculated.
• Patients followed for 1 year post-ablation using triphasic CT to monitor for recurrence.

Main Results:

• AFP score significantly predicted HCC response to MWA and was associated with tumor pathological grade.
• Serum AFP levels and AFP score demonstrated predictive capability for MWA response.
• AURKB was over-expressed in tumors and correlated with tumor size, nodule number, and grade, but not recurrence.

Conclusions:

• AFP score is a valuable predictor of HCC recurrence risk after MWA.
• AURKB expression is not a reliable predictor of HCC recurrence following MWA.