Ablation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparative study between radiofrequency and microwave ablation.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to retrospectively evaluate and compare the therapeutic response of Radiofrequency (RF) and Microwave (MW) ablation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

53 consecutive patients (42 males, 11 females; mean age 59 years, range: 40-68, SD: 4.2) underwent CT-guided percutaneous RF and MW ablation of 68 HCC liver lesions. The morphologic tumor response (number, location and size) was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. The follow-up protocol was 24 h post-ablation then within 3 monthly intervals post-ablation in the first year and 6 monthly intervals thereafter.

RESULTS

Complete therapeutic response was noted in 84.4% (27/32) of lesions treated with RFA and in 88.9% (32/36) of lesions treated with MW ablation (P = 0.6). Complete response was achieved in all lesions ≤2.0 cm in diameter in both groups. There was no significant difference in rates of residual foci of HCC lesions between RF and MW ablation groups (P = 0.15, Log-rank test). Recurrence rate for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months in patients with HCC who underwent RF ablation compared with MW ablation were 6.3%, 3.1%, 3.1% versus 0%, 5.6%, 2.8%, and 2.8%. Progression-Free Survival rates for treated patients with RF ablation of 1, 2, and 3 years were 96.9%, 93.8%, and 90.6% and treated with MW ablation therapy were 97.2%, 94.5%, and 91.7, respectively (P = 0.98).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, RF and MW ablation therapy showed no significant difference in the treatment of HCC regarding the complete response, rates of residual foci of untreated disease, and recurrence rate.