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Lee B, Han HS, Yoon YS, Cho JY, Lee HW, Lee JH, Park Y, Kang M, Kim J. Treatment strategies for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma: comparative outcomes of radiofrequency ablation vs. laparoscopic liver resection based on tumor location. Surg Endosc 2025:10.1007/s00464-025-11566-y. [PMID: 39904791 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-025-11566-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2025] [Indexed: 02/06/2025]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment of early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become increasingly complex. This study evaluates the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for treating solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 3 cm, with a focus on tumor location and depth. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients treated for solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm in the right liver lobe from 2004 to 2022. Tumor depth was categorized into three zones based on proximity to portal vein branches: Zone I (near first-order branches), Zone II (adjacent to second-order branches), and Zone III (near third-order branches). Outcomes were measured using overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates. RESULTS Of the 662 patients, for Zone I, II, and III, 240 (65 LLR, 175 RFA); 174 (100 LLR, 74 RFA); and, 248 patients were treated (244 LLR, 4 RFA), respectively. Statistically significant differences in the treatment outcomes based on the tumor depth were observed. For Zone I, LLR demonstrated superior OS (p = 0.043) and RFS rates (p = 0.030) than did RFA. For Zone II, both treatments had comparable survival outcomes, with no statistically significant differences in the OS (p = 0.460) and RFS (p = 0.358). For Zone III, LLR was principally favored, due to easier surgical access and cleaner margins. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted the importance of including tumor location and depth, in addition to the tumor size and liver function, in the management of early stage HCC. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for treatment planning and optimizing survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-Dong, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 463-707, Korea.
| | - Ho-Seong Han
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-Dong, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 463-707, Korea
| | - Yoo-Seok Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-Dong, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 463-707, Korea
| | - Jai Young Cho
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-Dong, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 463-707, Korea
| | - Hae Won Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-Dong, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 463-707, Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-Si, Korea
| | - Yeshong Park
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-Dong, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 463-707, Korea
| | - MeeYoung Kang
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-Dong, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 463-707, Korea
| | - Jinju Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 300 Gumi-Dong, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 463-707, Korea
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Tran A, Nezami N, Khorshidi F, Shahbazian H, Kokabi N. Development and management of iatrogenic biloma post microwave ablation of solitary metastatic breast cancer lesion in the liver. Radiol Case Rep 2025; 20:151-157. [PMID: 39469598 PMCID: PMC11513687 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.08.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Thermal ablation is used to treat liver metastasis including those from breast cancer. The ablation is associated with pain, hemorrhage, and biliary structure damage leading to bilomas. Biloma is a collection of bile that can occur inside or outside the biliary system, which could happen as a rare complication of surgery (from procedures like abdominal surgery or diagnostic procedures), trauma, or spontaneously. We report a case of biloma development after microwave ablation (MWA) of a metastatic lesion in the liver. We present a 66-year-old female diagnosed with stage 4 intraductal carcinoma of the right breast with metastasis to the liver. She developed biloma and infarction of the left lobe of the liver following MWA, which was treated with percutaneous internal/external biliary drain placement. Her symptoms and liver function tests were completely resolved after 3 months, and her left hepatic lobe completely atrophied in the same period. Biloma is a rare but concerning complication of MWA, therefore high suspicion should be maintained in patients presenting with cholestatic symptoms and fever postprocedure. When identified, drainage with antibiotic therapy can effectively treat biloma and resolve the symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tran
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nariman Nezami
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fereshteh Khorshidi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haneyeh Shahbazian
- Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nima Kokabi
- Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Liu Q, Zhang C, Chen X, Han Z. Modern cancer therapy: cryoablation meets immune checkpoint blockade. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1323070. [PMID: 38384806 PMCID: PMC10881233 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1323070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryoablation, as a minimally invasive technology for the treatment of tumors, destroys target tumors with lethal low temperatures. It simultaneously releases a large number of tumor-specific antigens, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and nucleoproteins, known as "danger signals", activating the body's innate and adaptive immune responses. However, tumor cells can promote the inactivation of immune effector cells by reprogramming immune checkpoints, leading to the insufficiency of these antigens to induce an immune response capable of eradicating the tumor. Immune checkpoint blockers rejuvenate exhausted T cells by blocking immune checkpoints that induce programmed death of T cells, and are therefore considered a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance the immune effects of cryoablation. In this review, we provide a detailed explanation of the immunological mechanisms of cryoablation and articulate the theoretical basis and research progress of the treatment of cancer with cryoablation combined with immune checkpoint blockers. Preliminary data indicates that this combined treatment strategy exhibits good synergy and has been proven to be safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Navy Clinical College, the Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuxin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihai Han
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Navy Clinical College, the Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- College of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Sheng Y, Sun X, Sun H, Qi J, Li H, Luan J, Zhai D. Fusion imaging versus ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation of liver cancer: a meta-analysis. Acta Radiol 2023; 64:2506-2517. [PMID: 37501655 DOI: 10.1177/02841851231187638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation has become an alternative treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent evidence suggests that fusion imaging (FI) may improve the feasibility and efficacy of thermal ablation for HCC, while the clinical evidence remains limited. PURPOSE To compare FI versus ultrasound-guided thermal ablation for HCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Relevant cohort or randomized controlled trials were found by searching Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The pooling of results was performed using a random-effects model incorporating heterogeneity. RESULTS In this meta-analysis, 15 studies involving 1472 patients (1831 tumors) for FI-guided ablation and 1380 patients (1864 tumors) for ultrasound-guided ablation were included. Pooled results showed that compared to conventional HCC ablation guided by ultrasound, the FI-guided procedure showed a similar technique efficacy rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-1.02, P = 0.25; I2 = 30%). However, FI-guided tumor ablation was associated with a lower incidence of overall complications (RR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.50-0.97, P = 0.03; I2 = 0%). Moreover, patients receiving FI-guided tumor ablation had a lower risk of local tumor progression during follow-up than those with ultrasound-guided ablation (RR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.47-0.78, P < 0.001; I2 = 13%). Subgroup analysis according to FI strategy, imaging techniques in controls, and tumor diameter showed consistent results (p for subgroup difference all >0.05). CONCLUSION FI-guided thermal ablation may be more effective and safer than ultrasound-guided ablation for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangang Sheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou City, PR China
| | - Xueke Sun
- Department of Medical Imaging, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou City, PR China
| | - Hongmei Sun
- Department of Nursing, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou City, PR China
| | - Jinyan Qi
- Department of Ear-nose-throat, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou City, PR China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou City, PR China
| | - Jiankui Luan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou City, PR China
| | - Deyin Zhai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou City, PR China
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Kim JH, Kim HS, Yoon JH, Joo I, Yoon JH, Kim YJ, Yu SJ, Lee JM. Anatomical ablation for small hepatocellular carcinomas using multiple applicators: a preliminary study. Cancer Imaging 2023; 23:78. [PMID: 37605251 PMCID: PMC10440891 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-023-00597-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anatomical ablation, defined as thermal ablation of tumor-bearing small portal territories, may provide excellent local tumor control in peripherally-located small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), which has been a major concern with percutaneous ablation alone. PURPOSE To evaluate the technical feasibility and therapeutic outcomes of anatomical ablation using multiple radiofrequency (RF) applicators for the ablation of tumor-bearing small portal territories of peripherally-located small (≤ 4 cm) HCCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with peripherally-located single HCCs (≤ 4 cm) to be treated with anatomical ablation using multiple RF applicators between January 2020 and March 2022 were enrolled in this prospective study. Anatomical ablation was performed for the index tumor under real-time US-CT/MR fusion imaging guidance, with one or two clustered electrode needles placed across the tumor-bearing portal vein branches. Technical success and complications of anatomical ablations were assessed. Cumulative incidence of local tumor progression (LTP) and recurrence-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Fifty-five HCCs (mean size, 1.77 ± 0.59 cm) in 55 participants (mean age, 66.4 ± 7.7 years; 39 men, 16 women) were treated with anatomical ablation; 98.2% (54/55) technical success was achieved. No major complications were noted. Among the 55 participants, LTP occurred in only one patient who had experienced technical failure of anatomical ablation. Estimated 1- and 2-year cumulative incidences of LTP were 0% and 3.7%, respectively. Five patients developed intrahepatic remote recurrence during the median follow-up period of 19.2 months (range, 3.7-28.8 months); therefore, estimated 1- and 2-year recurrence-free survival was 91.7% and 85.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION Anatomical ablation using multiple RF applicators provided the excellent results of local tumor control in patients with peripherally-located small (≤ 4 cm) HCCs. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrial.gov identifier: NCT05397860.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyun Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Soo Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hee Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Ijin Joo
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jong Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Min Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Wang L, Liu BX, Long HY. Ablative strategies for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:515-524. [PMID: 37206650 PMCID: PMC10190693 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i4.515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the third leading cause of all diseases worldwide. Liver transplantation, surgical resection and ablation are the three main curative treatments for HCC. Liver transplantation is the optimal treatment option for HCC, but its usage is limited by the shortage of liver sources. Surgical resection is considered the first choice for early-stage HCC, but it does not apply to patients with poor liver function. Therefore, more and more doctors choose ablation for HCC. However, intrahepatic recurrence occurs in up to 70% patients within 5 years after initial treatment. For patients with oligo recurrence after primary treatment, repeated resection and local ablation are both alternative. Only 20% patients with recurrent HCC (rHCC) indicate repeated surgical resection because of limitations in liver function, tumor location and intraperitoneal adhesions. Local ablation has become an option for the waiting period when liver transplantation is unavailable. For patients with intrahepatic recurrence after liver transplantation, local ablation can reduce the tumor burden and prepare them for liver transplantation. This review systematically describes the various ablation treatments for rHCC, including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, laser ablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, cryablation, irreversible electroporation, percutaneous ethanol injection, and the combination of ablation and other treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bao-Xian Liu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hai-Yi Long
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
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Trotovsek B, Hadzialjevic B, Cemazar M, Sersa G, Djokic M. Laparoscopic electrochemotherapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: Technological advancement. Front Oncol 2022; 12:996269. [PMID: 36439427 PMCID: PMC9686426 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.996269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy is an effective treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Electrochemotherapy for HCC was initially used in the setting of open surgery. Recently, with the development of newer electrodes, percutaneous approaches have also been performed. However, laparoscopic application of electrochemotherapy for HCC has not yet been described. Two patients with unresectable HCC were enrolled in the study. The first patient was not suitable for the percutaneous approach because the tumor was located close to the gallbladder. He also had symptomatic gallstones. The second patient had HCC in close proximity to the stomach and was therefore not suitable for percutaneous access or any other ablative technique. Thus, the laparoscopic approach was chosen, using newly developed Stinger electrodes for the application of electric pulses. After intravenous administration of bleomycin, several sets of electric pulses were delivered to the whole tumor mass in both patients. Ultrasonographically, the coverage of the whole tumor was verified, as described previously. Cholecystectomy was also performed in the first patient. Follow-up abdominal computed tomography showed a complete response of the treated lesions in both patients. Minimally invasive laparoscopic electrochemotherapy is safe, feasible and effective method for the treatment of HCC. It could be used in patients in whom the percutaneous approach is unsafe (proximity to other organs) and in patients with concomitant symptomatic gallstones in whom cholecystectomy is already indicated. This technological approach thus allows broader and minimally invasive clinical applicability of electrochemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaz Trotovsek
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Benjamin Hadzialjevic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mihajlo Djokic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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