OBJECTIVE: This study was done to compare percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) and radiofrequency thermoablation (RFA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 4 cm, in patients with liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Thirty patients with single HCC ≤ 4 cm in diameter were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 15 patients were treated with PLA, using a multifibre system connected to a neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser source; 15 patients were treated with RFA, using an expandable needle electrode. Patients were followed up for up to 12 months. RESULTS: A complete response was obtained in 87 % lesions treated with PLA and in 93 % lesions treated with RFA (p = ns). The overall local recurrence-free survival rates at 3, 6 and 12 months were comparable. However, a higher rate of recurrence was observed in the PLA group for lesions ≥ 21 mm (p = 0.0081). A postablation syndrome was documented in 13 patients (1 PLA; 12 RFA). Tumour necrosis factor-α was significantly higher in the RFA group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:RFA is more effective in the treatment of HCC compared to PLA for lesions ≥ 21 mm. However, PLA should be considered a viable treatment option for HCC ≤ 20 mm, in view of the lower incidence of complications.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: This study was done to compare percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) and radiofrequency thermoablation (RFA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 4 cm, in patients with liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with single HCC ≤ 4 cm in diameter were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 15 patients were treated with PLA, using a multifibre system connected to a neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser source; 15 patients were treated with RFA, using an expandable needle electrode. Patients were followed up for up to 12 months. RESULTS: A complete response was obtained in 87 % lesions treated with PLA and in 93 % lesions treated with RFA (p = ns). The overall local recurrence-free survival rates at 3, 6 and 12 months were comparable. However, a higher rate of recurrence was observed in the PLA group for lesions ≥ 21 mm (p = 0.0081). A postablation syndrome was documented in 13 patients (1 PLA; 12 RFA). Tumour necrosis factor-α was significantly higher in the RFA group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: RFA is more effective in the treatment of HCC compared to PLA for lesions ≥ 21 mm. However, PLA should be considered a viable treatment option for HCC ≤ 20 mm, in view of the lower incidence of complications.
Authors: C M Pacella; G Bizzarri; F Magnolfi; P Cecconi; B Caspani; V Anelli; A Bianchini; D Valle; S Pacella; G Manenti; Z Rossi Journal: Radiology Date: 2001-12 Impact factor: 11.105
Authors: Vincenza Granata; Roberta Grassi; Roberta Fusco; Sergio Venanzio Setola; Andrea Belli; Mauro Piccirillo; Silvia Pradella; Marzia Giordano; Salvatore Cappabianca; Luca Brunese; Roberto Grassi; Antonella Petrillo; Francesco Izzo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-30 Impact factor: 3.390