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Master of Public Health

Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation Transarterial Chemoembolization for Patients with Solitary Hepatocellular Carcinoma ≤3 cm

AUTHORS

Martin AN , Wilkins LR , Das D , Johnston LE , Bauer TW , Adams RB , Zaydfudim VM , . The American surgeon. ; 85(2). 150-155

ABSTRACT

Optimal treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 3 cm remains controversial. Ablation and chemoembolization are considered for nonoperative candidates. This study compares survival among patients with solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Patients diagnosed with HCC ≤ 3 cm between 2005 and 2014 were included. Kaplan-Meier survival functions with log-rank tests were used to estimate recurrence-free survival and overall survival (OS) survival. Among 161 patients with solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm, 145 patients with mean age of 65.2 years (±9.2) and 95 per cent prevalence of cirrhosis had operative treatment or TACE, and/or RFA. From this cohort, 27 (19%) patients had TACE, 27 (19%) patients had RFA, and 15 (10%) patients had TACE/RFA. The patients treated with definitive TACE, RFA, or TACE/RFA had a similar 1-year recurrence-free survival (23% 27% 36%, respectively, = 0.445) and similar 5-year OS (21% 24% 33%, respectively, = 0.287). Thirty-five (24%) patients were bridged to transplantation with TACE and/or RFA. The 5-year OS was significantly improved in patients bridged to transplantation ( < 0.001). Survival does not differ between patients with solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm treated with TACE or RFA. Patients who were bridged to transplantation had significantly greater OS compared with patients who were not transplanted.

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