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01-08-2012 | Original article

Ablative zone size created by radiofrequency ablation with and without chemoembolization in small hepatocellular carcinomas

Authors: Takashi Yamanaka, Koichiro Yamakado, Haruyuki Takaki, Atsuhiro Nakatsuka, Katsuya Shiraki, Hiroshi Hasegawa, Yoshiyuki Takei, Kan Takeda

Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology | Issue 7/2012

Abstract

Purpose

We retrospectively evaluated whether combined use of chemoembolization expands ablative zone sizes created by radiofrequency (RF) ablation in patients with small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs).

Materials and methods

Fifty-seven patients treated with single RF ablation for solitary HCC measuring ≤2 cm were assessed. RF ablation alone was done in nine patients and in 48 patients following chemoembolization, with an interval of 0 days in 6, 1–14 days in 27, 15–28 days in 6, and ≥4 weeks in 9. Ablative zone sizes, disappearance of tumor enhancement, and creation of sufficient ablative margins (>5 mm) were evaluated on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images.

Results

Both mean long-axis (4.2–4.7 vs. 3.6 ± 0.4 cm, p < 0.04) and short-axis (3.3–3.8 vs. 2.3 ± 0.5 cm, p < 0.03) diameters were expanded significantly when RF ablation was done until 4 weeks after chemoembolization than with RF ablation alone. Tumor enhancement disappeared in all patients. Frequency of achieving sufficient ablative margins was significantly higher when RF ablation was done until 4 weeks after chemoembolization than with RF ablation alone (74.0–83.3 vs. 22.2 %, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Ablative zones created by RF ablation with chemoembolization become larger than RF ablation alone, leading to secure ablative margins.

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Title: Ablative zone size created by radiofrequency ablation with and without chemoembolization in small hepatocellular carcinomas
Authors: Takashi Yamanaka
Koichiro Yamakado
Haruyuki Takaki
Atsuhiro Nakatsuka
Katsuya Shiraki
Hiroshi Hasegawa
Yoshiyuki Takei
Kan Takeda
Publication date: 01-08-2012
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Japanese Journal of Radiology / Issue 7/2012
Print ISSN: 1867-1071
Electronic ISSN: 1867-108X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-012-0087-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Ablative zone size created by radiofrequency ablation with and without chemoembolization in small hepatocellular carcinomas

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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