Brief Article
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Feb 14, 2009; 15(6): 748-752
Published online Feb 14, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.748
Combined therapy with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and percutaneous microwave coagulation for small hepatocellular carcinoma
Wei-Zhu Yang, Na Jiang, Ning Huang, Jing-Yao Huang, Qu-Bin Zheng, Quan Shen
Wei-Zhu Yang, Na Jiang, Ning Huang, Jing-Yao Huang, Qu-Bin Zheng, Quan Shen, Interventional Radiology Department, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
Author contributions: Yang WZ designed the research and wrote the paper; Jiang N, Huang N, Huang JY, Zheng QB performed the research; and Shen Q analyzed data.
Correspondence to: Na Jiang, Interventional Radiology Department, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China. hjy999@126.com
Telephone: +86-591-83357896
Fax: +86-591-83357896
Received: August 25, 2008
Revised: December 5, 2008
Accepted: December 12, 2008
Published online: February 14, 2009
Abstract

AIM: To assess the efficacy of combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: Thirty-five patients with a total of 41 HCC nodules (≤ 3 cm in diameter) were treated with TACE followed by computed tomograghy (CT)-guided percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) within 1-3 wk.

RESULTS: By biopsies and enhanced CT scans, complete necrosis of the tumor and 3-5 mm of the surrounding non-cancerous area were observed in 34 foci. In seven foci, incomplete necrosis of the surrounding parenchyma was observed. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels returned to normal 10 d after treatment in 25 patients who originally had high serum AFP levels. The follow-up period was 6-31 mo, and all patients remained alive. One patient had a recurrence in the subsegments of the liver, and another patient had a recurrence near the original lesion.

CONCLUSION: Combined therapy with TACE and PMCT is a safe and effective treatment without severe complications for small HCC.

Keywords: Liver neoplasms; Therapy; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization; Microwave coagulation therapy; Percutaneous local treatment