Percutaneous radio-frequency thermal ablation of nonresectable hepatocellular carcinoma after occlusion of tumor blood supply

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of percutaneous radio-frequency (RF) thermal ablation of nonresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after occlusion of the tumor arterial supply. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients with cirrhosis and biopsy-proved HCC underwent RF ablation after interruption of the tumor arterial supply by means of occlusion of either the hepatic artery with a balloon catheter (40 patients) or the feeding arteries with gelatin sponge particles (22 patients). RESULTS: After a single RF procedure in 56 patients and after two procedures in six patients, spiral computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a nonenhancing area corresponding in shape to the previously identified HCC, which was suggestive of complete necrosis. No major complications occurred. Two patients subsequently underwent surgical resection; the remaining 60 patients were followed up with spiral CT. During a mean follow-up of 12.1 months, 11 HCC nodules showed areas of local progression; 49 were identified as nonenhancing areas with a 40%-75% reduction in maximum diameter. The 1-year estimate of failure risk was 19% for local recurrence and 45% for overall intrahepatic recurrence. The estimated 1-year survival was 87%. Histopathologic analysis of one autopsy and two surgical specimens revealed more than 90% necrosis in one specimen and 100% necrosis in two. CONCLUSION: HCC nodules 3.5-8.5 cm in diameter can be ablated in one or two RF sessions after occlusion of the tumor arterial supply.