Management of multiple intrahepatic recurrences after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma with rhenium-188-HDD-lipiodol.

We tried to evaluate the role of dosimetry-guided transarterial radionuclide therapy (TART) with rhenium-188 (Re-188)-4-hexadecyl 1-2,9,9-tetramethyl-4,7-diaza-1,10-decanethiol (HDD)-lipiodol in a patient with multiple intrahepatic recurrences after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The dosimetry helped in delivering the maximum possible activity of Re-188, thus the radiation-absorbed dose, safely to the tumour without jeopardizing other organs. There was no procedure-related complication and the patient tolerated therapy well with no adverse effects. The lesions were completely ablated with a single dose of Re-188 and the patient has been disease free for the past 18 months. TART with Re-188-HDD-lipiodol appears to be a promising therapeutic option in patients with HCC who experience recurrence after percutaneous ablative therapy.