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Published in: European Radiology 5/2012

01-05-2012 | Interventional

Hepatocellular carcinoma: computed-tomography-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy (CT-HDRBT) ablation of large (5–7 cm) and very large (>7 cm) tumours

Authors: Federico Collettini, Dirk Schnapauff, Alexander Poellinger, Timm Denecke, Eckart Schott, Thomas Berg, Peter Wust, Bernd Hamm, Bernhard Gebauer

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 5/2012

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Abstract

Objectives

Evaluate the clinical outcome of CT-guided high-dose-rate-brachytherapy (CT-HDRBT) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) larger than 5 cm in diameter with the goal of local tumour control (LTC).

Methods

Thirty-five patients with 35 unresectable HCCs ranging in size from 5 to 12 cm (mean: 7.1 cm) were treated with CT-HDRBT. Tumours were classified into two groups according to diameter: “large lesions” (5–7 cm) and “very large lesions” (>7 cm). Tumour response was evaluated by Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed before, 6 weeks after, and then every 3 months after treatment. Endpoints included local tumour control (LTC), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Nineteen tumours were classified as “large” and 16 as “very large”. Complete tumour enclosure was achieved in all patients after the first CT-HDRBT session. Five patients were lost to follow-up. At a mean follow-up of 12.8 months, two patients had local progression (6.7%), one in each group. Nine patients (30%) experienced distant progression, five (26.3%) in the “large” and four (25%) in the “very large” group. No patients died during the follow-up period. No major complications were recorded.

Conclusions

CT-HDRBT is a promising therapy for HCCs that exceed indications for thermal ablation.

Key Points

Computed Tomography guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy offers new therapeutic options for hepatocellular carcinoma
CT-HDRBT can be safely practised in HCCs exceeding 5 cm in diameter
CT-HDRBT offers high rate of local control where thermal ablation is impossible
CT-HDRBT could be a valid alternative to TACE for intermediate stage HCC
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Metadata
Title
Hepatocellular carcinoma: computed-tomography-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy (CT-HDRBT) ablation of large (5–7 cm) and very large (>7 cm) tumours
Authors
Federico Collettini
Dirk Schnapauff
Alexander Poellinger
Timm Denecke
Eckart Schott
Thomas Berg
Peter Wust
Bernd Hamm
Bernhard Gebauer
Publication date
01-05-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 5/2012
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-011-2352-7

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