射频消融联合TACE治疗原发性肝癌患者疗效及对外周血T细胞亚群的影响

目的 探讨射频消融联合TACE治疗原发性肝癌患者的疗效及其对外周血T细胞亚群的影响。方法 2014年1月~2016年2月间于我院接受TACE治疗的原发性肝癌患者97例,按照TACE术后是否接受射频消融治疗,将患者分为联合组52例和TACE组45例。采用ELISA法检测血清细胞因子。对两组患者的治疗效果、治疗前后T细胞亚群变化情况以及治疗后生存质量进行比较。结果 联合组总有效率为67.31%,显著高于TACE组的40.00% （P<0.05）;联合组疾病控制率为90.38%,显著高于TACE组的73.33%（P<0.05）;联合组治疗后3个月外周血CD3⁺T细胞、CD4⁺T细胞、CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值分别为（68.40±10.20）%、（45.76±6.83）%和（1.96±0.31）,均明显高于TACE组【（56.14±6.75）%、（33.27±5.16）%和（1.21±0.22）,P<0.05】,联合组CD8⁺T细胞百分比为（22.08±2.55）%,显著低于TACE组【（28.42±3.97）%,P<0.05】;联合组患者治疗后3个月外周血IL-6、IL-8和TNF-α水平分别为（129.45±67.14） pg/mL、（0.49±0.13） ng/mL和（134.78±88.20） pg/mL,均明显低于TACE组【（165.30±65.91）pg/mL、（0.72±0.20） ng/mL和（200.43±84.02）pg/mL,P<0.05】;联合组患者生活质量改善率为55.77%,显著高于TACE组的40.00%（P<0.05）,联合组患者并发症发生率为73.08%,与TACE组的71.11%相比无统计学差异（P>0.05）。结论 射频消融联合TACE治疗原发性肝癌患者近期疗效较好,可改善患者免疫功能,提高生存质量。     

经肝动脉化疗栓塞联合射频消融术和艾迪治疗原发性肝癌患者疗效及其对外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的影响*

目的 探讨采用肝动脉化疗栓塞术（TACE） 联合射频消融（RFA）和艾迪注射液治疗原发性肝癌（PLC）患者的疗效及其对外周血淋巴细胞亚群和炎性因子水平的影响。 方法 2013年1月~2015年1月收治的76例PLC患者,其中36例接受TACE联合RFA和艾康治疗（观察组）,另40例接受TACE和RFA治疗（对照组）。采用酶联免疫吸附法测定血清C反应蛋白（CRP）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）和白介素-6（IL-6）水平,使用流式细胞仪测定外周血T细胞亚群。采用Karnofsky评分评估生存质量改善情况。 结果 在治疗后3 m末,观察组疾病缓解率为69.4%,与对照组的55.0%比,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,但观察组疾病控制率为91.7%,显著高于对照组的72.5%（P<0.05）;观察组血清CRP、TNF-α和IL-6水平分别为（109.8±13.2） mg/L、（0.5±0.2） pg/mL和（13.4±2.2） pg/mL,均显著低于对照组[（156.2±20.4） mg/L、（1.1±0.2） pg/mL和（24.1±4.4）pg/mL,P<0.05];外周血CD3+和CD4+细胞百分比及CD4+/CD8+比值分别为（60.1±9.7）%、（44.3±8.3）%和（1.9±0.5）,均显著高于对照组[（52.2±9.9）%、（36.30±8.6）%和（1.4±0.3）,P<0.05];观察组生存质量改善率为80.5%,显著高于对照组的57.5%（P<0.05）;随访24 m,观察组生存28例（77.8%）,对照组生存29例（72.5%）,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。 结论 采用TACE联合RFA和艾迪注射液治疗PLC患者近期可调节免疫功能,改善患者生活质量,有一定的临床应用价值。     

经导管肝动脉化疗栓塞联合射频消融治疗原发性肝癌患者临床疗效评价*

目的 评价经导管肝动脉化疗栓塞（TACE）与射频消融（RFA）联合治疗原发性肝癌患者的临床疗效。方法 采用随机数字表法将60例原发性肝癌患者分为联合组30例和TACE组30例,分别给予TACE联合RFA或TACE治疗,对比分析两组患者的近期和远期临床疗效。结果 联合组完全缓解和部分缓解率分别为26.7%和50.0%,显著高于TACE组的6.7%和23.3%,差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.05）;联合组患者生存时间为（2.86±0.48）年,显著长于TACE组的（0.93±0.27） 年,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）;联合组患者治疗后1年、2年、3年血清AFP水平分别为（475.4±200.7） μg/L、（416.4±229.0） μg/L、（320.4±243.5） μg/L,显著低于TACE组的（639.1±190.9） μg/L、（623.4±234.6） μg/L、（674.4±300.2） μg/L,差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.05）;联合组患者1 a、2 a、3 a生存率分别为86.7%、66.7%、56.7%,显著高于TACE组的46.7%、26.7%、10.0%,差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 TACE与RFA联合治疗原发性肝癌患者,临床疗效显著。     

超声引导下经皮射频消融与激光消融治疗微小肝癌患者疗效初步比较研究

目的 比较超声引导下经皮激光消融（LA）与经皮射频消融（RFA）治疗微小肝癌患者的临床疗效。方法 54例微小（<2 cm）肝癌患者被分为LA组和RFA组,每组27例。比较两组疗效、肿瘤局部控制（LC）和无进展生存时间（PFS）。结果 LA组近期有效率（RR）为81.5%,与RFA组的77.8%比,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;RFA组一年LC为77.8%,显著高于LA组的51.9%,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）; RFA组PFS为（12.5±6.6）个月,显著长于LA组的（8.7±5.1）个月,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;两组术后局部疼痛、腹腔出血、胆道出血和腹腔感染等并发症发生率无显著性相差（P>0.05）。结论 与LA治疗比,RFA可提高治疗微小HCC患者的肿瘤局部控制率,并延长患者的肿瘤无进展生存时间,具有一定的临床应用价值。     

手术切除与射频消融治疗原发性肝癌患者预后比较

目的 比较手术切除与射频消融（RFA）治疗原发性肝癌患者预后比较。方法 2009年7月~2011年12月我院收治的原发性肝癌患者218例,其中106例实施手术切除肿瘤,另外112例实施RFA。比较两种不同方法治疗患者的预后情况。结果 两组患者病灶清除率均为100%,但RFA组术中无输血患者,而4.7%手术组患者术中实施了输血（P<0.05）,RFA组平均治疗时间为（30.5±7.4）min,平均住院时间为（7.3±0.9）d,均短于手术组的（146.2±30.4）min和（12.4±2.7）d （P<0.05）;RFA组发生胸腔/腹腔积液比例为15.2%,血红蛋白（Hb）≤90g/L比例为15.2%,血清白蛋白（ALB）≤30g/L比例为17.0%,三种并发症比例均低于手术组（31.1%、35.8%和36.8%,均P<0.05）;两组围术期出现体温>38℃患者比例和腹腔感染发生率差异无统计学意义;术后三个月经增强MRI检查两组患者病灶消失情况,显示5.4%RFA组患者存在病灶残留,手术组无病灶残留患者（P<0.05）,RFA组病灶复发比例为9.8%,显著高于手术组的1.9%（P<0.05）;RFA组1 a、3 a和5 a生存率分别为92.9%、39.3%和17.9%,而手术组为97.2%、56.6%和29.2%,其中3 a和5 a生存率存在组间显著差异（P<0.05）;RFA组1 a、3 a和5 a复发转移率分别为39.3%、69.6%和98.2%,而手术组为29.2%、51.9%和86.8%,其中3 a和5 a复发转移率存在组间显著差异（均P<0.05）。结论 RFA治疗原发性肝癌可缩短手术时间,减少并发症发生,但容易有病灶残留,患者长期预后较手术组稍差。     

Comparison of Internally Cooled Wet Electrode and Hepatic Vascular Inflow Occlusion Method for Hepatic Radiofrequency Ablation

Background/Aims

Various strategies to expand the ablation zone have been attempted using hepatic radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The optimal strategy, however, is unknown. We compared hepatic RFA with an internally cooled wet (ICW) electrode and vascular inflow occlusion.

Methods

Eight dogs were assigned to one of three groups: only RFA using an internally cooled electrode (group A), RFA using an ICW electrode (group B), and RFA using an internally cooled electrode with the Pringle maneuver (group C). The ablation zone diameters were measured on the gross specimens, and the volume of the ablation zone was calculated.

Results

The ablation zone volume was greatest in group B (1.82±1.23 cm³), followed by group C (1.22±0.47 cm³), and then group A (0.48±0.33 cm³). The volumes for group B were significantly larger than the volumes for group A (p=0.030). There was no significant difference in the volumes between groups A and C (p=0.079) and between groups B and C (p=0.827).

Conclusions

Both the usage of an ICW electrode and hepatic vascular occlusion effectively expanded the ablation zone. The use of an ICW electrode induced a larger ablation zone with easy handling compared with using hepatic vascular occlusion, although this difference was not statistically significant.     

射频消融术联合DC-CIK治疗中晚期肝细胞癌患者疗效及其对生命质量的影响研究*

目的 探讨采用射频消融术（RFA）联合树突状细胞（DC）-细胞因子诱导的杀伤细胞（CIK）治疗中晚期肝细胞癌（HCC）患者的疗效及其对患者生活质量的影响。方法 2013年9月2016年9月在我院治疗的中晚期（ⅢB~Ⅳ期）HCC患者144例,随机分为联合组72例和对照组72例。给予两组患者DC-CIK治疗,另一组在此基础上行RFA术。采用QLQ-C30生活质量调查表评价患者生活质量。结果 在治疗后,联合组客观有效率（ORR）为70.8%,疾病控制率（DCR）为90.3%,显著高于对照组的40.3%和72.2%,联合组无进展生存期（PFS）为（13.2±3.1）m,显著长于对照组的【（10.5±3.3）m,P<0.05】;联合组血清AFP、CEA和CA-199水平分别为（240.5±28.7） ng/ml、（100.8±20.4） ng/ml和（210.8±52.4） U/ml,均显著低于对照组的【（320.4±70.1） ng/ml、（129.4±30.7） ng/ml和（320.7±40.9） U/ml,P<0.05】;联合组躯体功能、角色功能、情感功能、认知功能和社会功能评分均显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。结论 RFA联合DC-CIK治疗中晚期HCC患者近远期疗效较好,并且能更好地改善患者的生活质量。     

Photodynamic therapy vs radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s dysplasia: Efficacy,safety and cost-comparison

AIM:To compare effectiveness,safety,and cost of photodynamic therapy(PDT)and radiofrequency ablation(RFA)in treatment of Barrett’s dysplasia(BD).METHODS:Consecutive case series of patients undergoing either PDT or RFA treatment at single center by a single investigator were compared.Thirty-three patients with high-grade dysplasia(HGD)had treatment with porfimer sodium photosensitzer and 630 nm laser(130 J/cm),with maximum of 3 treatment sessions.Fifty-three patients with BD(47 with low-grade dysplasia-LGD,6 with HGD)had step-wise circumferential and focal ablation using the HALO system with maximum of 4 treatment sessions.Both groups received proton pump inhibitors twice daily.Endoscopic biopsies were acquired at 2 and 12 mo after enrollment,with 4-quadrant biopsies every 1 cm of the original BE extent.A complete histological resolution response of BD(CR-D)was defined as all biopsies at the last endoscopy session negative for BD.Fisher’s exact test was used to assess differences between the two study groups for primary outcomes.For all outcomes,a two-sided P value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.RESULTS:Thirty(91%)PDT patients and 39(74%)RFA were men(P=0.05).The mean age was 70.7±12.2 and 65.4±12.7(P=0.10)year and mean length of BE was 5.4±3.2 cm and 5.7±3.2 cm(P=0.53)for PDT and RFA patients,respectively.The CR-D was(18/33)54.5%with PDT vs(47/53)88.7%with RFA(P=0.001).One patient with PDT had an esophageal perforation and was managed with non-surgical measures and no perforation was seen with RFA.PDT was five times more costly than RFA at our institution.The two groups were not randomized and had different BD grading are the limitations of the study.CONCLUSION:In our experience,RFA had higher rate of CR-D without any serious adverse events and was less costly than PDT for endoscopic treatment of BD.     

The effect of left atrial remodeling after cryoballoon ablation and radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BackgroundCryoballoon ablation (CBA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are the most common procedures used to treat refractory atrial fibrillation (AF) and are performed through pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Studies have shown that CBA can approximately match the therapeutic effects of RFA against AF. However, few studies have investigated the difference between CBA and RFA of the effects on left atrial remodeling for paroxysmal AF.ObjectiveAtrial remodeling is considered pivotal to the occurrence and development of AF, therefore we sought to assess the influence of atrial remodeling in patients with paroxysmal AF after CBA and RFA in this study.MethodsIn this nonrandomized retrospective observational study, we enrolled 328 consecutive patients who underwent CBA or RFA for refractory paroxysmal AF in May 2014 to May 2017 in our hospital. After propensity score matching, 96 patients were included in the CBA group, and 96 were included in the RFA group. Patients were asked to undergo a 12‐lead electrocardiogram, a 24‐h Holter monitor, and an echocardiogram and to provide their clinical history and symptoms at 6 months and 1, 2, and 3 years postprocedurally. Electrical remodeling of the left atrium was assessed by P wave dispersion (Pdis); structural remodeling was assessed by the left atrium diameter (LAD) and left atrial volume index (LAVI) during scheduled visits.ResultsAs of January 2020, compared with baseline, at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after ablation, the average changes in Pdis (∆Pdis), LAD (∆LAD), and LAVI (∆LAVI) were significant in both the CBA and RFA groups. Six months after ablation, ∆Pdis, ∆LAD, and ∆LAVI were greater in the CBA group than in the RFA group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in AF/flutter recurrence, but the AF/flutter‐free survival time of CBA group may be longer than RFA group after 2 years after ablation. A higher ∆Pdis, ∆LAD, or ∆LAVI at 1 year after ablation may increase AF/flutter‐free survival.ConclusionsAlthough CBA and RFA are both effective in left atrial electrical and structural reverse‐remodeling in paroxysmal AF, CBA may outperform RFA for both purposes 6 months after ablation. However, during long‐term follow‐up, there was no significant intergroup difference.     

Assessment of radiofrequency ablation margin by MRI-MRI image fusion in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the feasibility and clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-MRI image fusion in assessing the ablative margin(AM) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:A newly developed ultrasound workstation for MRI-MRI image fusion was used to evaluate the AM of 62 tumors in 52 HCC patients after radiofrequency ablation(RFA).The lesions were divided into two groups:group A,in which the tumor was completely ablated and 5 mm AM was achieved(n = 32);and group B,in which the tumor was completely ablated but 5 mm AM was not achieved(n = 29).To detect local tumor progression(LTP),all patients were followed every two months by contrast-enhanced ultrasound,contrast-enhanced MRI or computed tomography(CT) in the first year after RFA.Then,the follow-up interval was prolonged to every three months after the first year.RESULTS:Of the 62 tumors,MRI-MRI image fusion was successful in 61(98.4%);the remaining case had significant deformation of the liver and massive ascites after RFA.The time required for creating image fusion and AM evaluation was 15.5 ± 5.5 min(range:8-22 min) and 9.6 ± 3.2 min(range:6-14 min),respectively.The follow-up period ranged from 1-23 mo(14.2 ± 5.4 mo).In group A,no LTP was detected in 32 lesions,whereas in group B,LTP was detected in 4 of 29 tumors,which occurred at 2,7,9,and 15 mo after RFA.The frequency of LTP in group B(13.8%;4/29) was significantly higher than that in group A(0/32,P = 0.046).All of the LTPs occurred in the area in which the 5 mm AM was not achieved.CONCLUSION:The MRI-MRI image fusion using an ultrasound workstation is feasible and useful for evaluating the AM after RFA for HCC.     

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization followed by immediate radiofrequency ablation for large solitary hepatocellular carcinomas

AIM: To assess the technical safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with immediate radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for large hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) (maximum diameter ≥ 5 cm). METHODS: Individual lesions in 18 patients with HCCs (mean maximum diameter: 7.5 cm; range: 5.1-15.5 cm) were treated by TACE combined with percutaneous RFA between January 2010 and June 2012. All of the patients had previously undergone one to four cycles of TACE treatment. Regular imaging and laboratory tests were performed to evaluate the rate of technical success, technique-related complications, local-regional tumor responses, recurrence-free survival time and survival rate after treatment.RESULTS: Technical success was achieved for all 18 visible HCCs. Complete response (CR) was observed in 17 cases, and partial response was observed in 1 case 1 mo after intervention. The CR rate was 94.4%. Local tumors were mainly characterized by coagulative necrosis. During follow-up (2-29 mo), the mean recurrencefree survival time was 16.8 ± 4.0 mo in 17 cases of CR. The estimated overall survival rate at 6, 12, and 18 mo was 100%. No major complications were observed. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the blood of 17 patients transiently increased on the third day after treatment (ALT 200.4 ± 63.4 U/L vs 24.7 ± 9.3 U/L, P < 0.05; AST 228.1 ± 25.4 U/L vs 32.7 ± 6.8 U/L, P < 0.05). Severe pain occurred in three patients, which was controlled with morphine and fentanyl. CONCLUSION: TACE combined with immediate RFA is a safe and effective treatment for large solitary HCCs. Severe pain is a major side effect, but can be controlled by morphine.     

Radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in difficult locations:Strategies and long-term outcomes

AIM:To investigate the treatment strategies and longterm outcomes of radiofrequency ablation(RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in difficult locations and to compare the results with non-difficult HCC.METHODS:From 2004 to 2012,a total of 470 HCC patients underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous RFA.Among these HCC patients,382 with tumors located ≤ 5 mm from a major vessel/bile duct(n = 87),from peripheral important structures(n = 232) or from the liver capsule(n = 63) were regarded as difficult cases.There were 331 male patients and 51 female patients,with an average age of 55.3 ± 10.1 years old.A total of 235 and 147 patients had ChildPugh class A and class B liver function,respectively.The average tumor size was 3.4 ± 1.2 cm.Individual treatment strategies were developed to treat these difficult cases.During the same period,88 HCC patients with tumors that were not in difficult locations served as the control group.In the control group,74 patients were male,and 14 patients were female,with an average age of 57.4 ± 11.8 years old.Of these,62 patients and 26 patients had Child-Pugh class A and class B liver function,respectively.Regular follow-up after RFA was performed to assess treatment efficacy.Survival results were generated from Kaplan-Meier estimates,and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression model.RESULTS:Early tumor necrosis rate in the difficult group was similar to that in the control group(97.6% vs 94.3%,P = 0.080).The complication rate in the difficult group was significantly higher than that in thecontrol group(4.9% vs 0.8%,P = 0.041).The followup period ranged from 6 to 116 mo,with an average of 28 ± 22.4 mo.Local progression rate in the difficult group was significantly higher than that in the control group(12.7% vs 7.1%,P = 0.046).However,the 1-,3-,5-,and 7-year overall survival rates in the difficult group were not significantly different from those in the control group(84.3%,54.4%,41.2%,and 29.9% vs 92.5%,60.3%,43.2%,and 32.8%,respectively,P = 0.371).Additionally,a multivariate analysis revealed that tumor location was not a significant risk factor for survival.CONCLUSION:There was no significant difference in long-term overall survival between the two groups even though the local progression rate was higher in the difficult group.     

Effectiveness of impedance monitoring during radiofrequency ablation for predicting popping

AIM:To retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of impedance monitoring for predicting popping during radiofrequency ablation(RFA) using internally cooled electrodes.METHODS:We reviewed 140 patients(94 males,46 females;age range 73.0 ± 11.1 year) who underwent RFA between February 2006 and November 2008 with a modified protocol using a limited power delivery rather than a conventional one to avoid popping.All the patients provided their written informed consent,and the study was approved by the institutional review board.Intraprocedural impedances were measured for the study subjects,and the tumors were classified into three types according to the characteristics of their impedance curves:increasing,flat,or decreasing.The tumors were further sorted into seven subtypes(A-G) depending on the curvature of the impedance curve' s increase or decrease.Relative popping rates were determined for the three types and seven subtypes.A chi-square test was performed to estimate statistical significance.RESULTS:A total of 148 nodules treated by RFA were analyzed.The study samples included 132 nodules of hepatocellular carcinoma,14 nodules of metastatic liver cancer,and two nodules of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.The numbers of nodules with each impedance curve type were as follows:37 increasing-type nodules,43 flat-type nodules,and 68 decreasing-type nodules.Popping occurrence rates were 24.3%,46.5% and 64.7%,respectively.Flat-type nodules exhibited a significantly higher rate of popping compared to increasing-type nodules(P = 0.039).Decreasing-type nodules exhibited a significantly higher rate of popping compared to increasing-type nodules(P 0.0001).Notably,nodules that showed a sharp decrease in impedance in the latter ablation period(subtype E) exhibited a significantly higher rate of popping compared to other subtypes.CONCLUSION:Intraprocedural impedance monitoring can be a useful tool to predict the occurrence of popping during liver tumor RFA performed with internally cooled electrodes.     

Ferucarbotran expands area treated by radiofrequency ablation in rabbit livers

Background and Aim:  Several studies have examined the factors involved with expansion of the coagulation volume following radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Ferucarbotran contains superparamagnetic iron oxide that generates heat in a radiofrequency electric field and may have an effect on the area affected by RFA. We attempted to determine whether ferucarbotran administration expands radiofrequency-ablated volume using a rabbit model.
Methods:  A total of 15 male Japanese white rabbits (16 weeks old) were used and divided into three groups of five each. A 1-mL saline solution was given intravenously into a dorsal ear vein in the control group, whereas 1 mL ferucarbotran solution (0.016 mL/kg bodyweight) was given to the common-dose group and 1 mL of a twofold concentrated ferucarbotran solution (0.032 mL/kg bodyweight) was given to the high-dose group. RFA was performed with a cool-tip electrode 4 h after the administration and immediately thereafter the rabbits were killed, and the volume of the ablated area measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Following the MRI analysis, the rabbit's livers were resected, and the maximum short axis diameter of the ablated area in each was measured.
Results:  None of the rabbits died during the RFA procedure. The volume of the ablated area estimated on MR images in the ferucarbotran-administered groups was larger than that in the control group. Further, our macroscopic assessment showed that the maximum short axis diameter had a tendency to increase with ferucarbotran administration.
Conclusion:  Ferucarbotran may expand the area treated by RFA.     

Ten-year survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation as a first-line treatment

AIM: To investigate the long-term survival and prognostic factors in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation(RFA) as a first-line treatment.METHODS: From 2000 to 2013, 316 consecutivepatients with 404 HCC(1.0-5.0 cm; mean: 3.2 ± 1.1 cm) underwent ultrasonography-guided percutaneous RFA as a first-line treatment. There were 250 males and 66 females with an average age of 60.1 ± 10.8 years(24-87 years). Patients were followed for 1 year to 10 years after RFA(234, 181, 136, and 71 for 3, 5, 7, and 10 years, respectively). Overall local response rates and long-term survival rates were assessed. Survival results were generated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression model. RESULTS: In total, 548 RFA sessions were performed and major complications occurred in 10 sessions(1.8%). Local tumor progression and/or new tumor development were observed in 43.3%(132/305) of the patients during the follow-up period. Overall 5-and 10-year survival rates were 49.7% and 28.4%, respectively. Based on multivariate analysis, three factors were identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival: Child-Pugh classification(HR = 4.054, P 0.001), portal vein hypertension(HR = 2.743, P = 0.002), and tumor number(HR = 2.693, P = 0.003). The local progression-free 5- and 10-year survival rates were 42.7% and 19.5%. In addition to the Child-Pugh classification and the number of tumors, the number of RFA sessions(HR = 1.550, P = 0.002) was associated with local progression-free survival.CONCLUSION: RFA can achieve acceptable outcomes for HCC patients as a first-line treatment, especially for patients with Child-Pugh class A, patients with a single tumor and patients without portal vein hypertension.     

Novel laparoscopic bipolar radiofrequency energy technology for expedited hepatic tumour ablation

Background:

Monopolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a well accepted modality for local control of hepatic tumours, but its effectiveness is challenged by prolonged ablation time, an inconsistent ablation zone and susceptibility to energy loss from convective heat loss from adjacent high-velocity blood flows (‘heat sinks’). Bipolar RFA employs a dual parallel electrode array; the energy wave travels unidirectionally between and not around electrodes. This ‘line-of-sight’ delivery streams energy between two fixed points and concentrates energy delivery to the area between the probes. Bipolar RFA is postulated to yield reduced ablation time and to reduce or eliminate convective heat loss from adjacent high-velocity blood flows. The current study evaluated the feasibility, time and safety of this novel FDA-approved bipolar RFA technology using a laparoscopic approach in human liver tumours.

Methods:

Using the prospectively maintained surgical oncology hepatic-pancreatic-biliary database, 17 consecutive patients (26 liver tumours) who underwent laparoscopic bipolar ablations were reviewed. Electrodes were placed using guidance by intraoperative ultrasound and trajectory planning needles. Ablation time was recorded and postoperative computed tomography scans were obtained.

Results:

A total of 18 lesions (in 12 patients) represented metastatic colorectal cancer. Three lesions (in two patients) were hepatocellular carcinoma. Four lesions (in two patients) represented locally advanced symptomatic gallbladder cancer invading the liver bed or symptomatic intrahepatic liver metastases from gallbladder cancer. One lesion was benign hepatic adenoma. Mean tumour size was 3.07 ± 1.42 cm. Mean ablation time was 358 ± 120 sec. No major complications were observed in the ≤30-day or >30-day periods post-RFA.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic bipolar RFA is a quick, safe technique which adds a new tool to our armamentarium for treating hepatic tumours. Establishing its longterm oncological outcome will require longer follow-up and the exact role of this technique in the current multimodality management remains to be defined.     

超声引导下经皮微波消融治疗原发性肝癌患者疗效分析*

目的 探讨超声引导下经皮微波消融联合胸腺素-α1治疗原发性肝癌（PLC）患者的疗效。方法 2011年3月~2013年3月我院收治的PLC患者104例,随机分为观察组52例和对照组52例。对照组采用超声引导下经皮微波消融术治疗,观察组于术后皮下注射胸腺素-α1 4周。比较治疗前和治疗后外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、肝功能、甲胎蛋白（AFP）水平变化和两组肿瘤复发或转移及3年生存情况。结果 在治疗4周时,观察组外周血CD3⁺、CD4⁺、CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值分别为71.49±6.57%、43.12±2.89%、15.89±3.24,显著高于对照组的43.21±3.74%、24.56±2.36%、5.42±2.13 （P<0.05）;观察组血清白蛋白（ALB）为39.84±2.56 g/L,显著高于对照组的34.12±1.87 g/L,丙氨酸氨基转移酶 （ALT）、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）、AFP水平分别为34.87±3.08 U/L、43.39±2.08 U/L、85.42±10.42 μg/L,显著低于对照组的61.39±3.64 U/L、56.74±3.46 U/L、164.29±14.35 μg/L;随访3年,观察组肿瘤复发率和转移率分别为30.8%和15.4%,显著低于对照组的50.0%和32.7%（P<0.05）,观察组生存率为23.1%（12/52）,显著高于对照组的5.8%（3/52,P<0.05）。结论 超声引导下经皮微波消融后继续接受α-1胸腺素治疗PLC患者效果显著,可降低肿瘤复发或转移,延长生存时间,值得研究。     

肝动脉栓塞化疗联合CT引导精准微波消融治疗原发性肝癌患者疗效及对外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的影响

目的 探讨肝动脉栓塞化疗（TACE）联合CT引导精准微波消融治疗原发性肝癌患者的疗效及对外周血淋巴细胞亚群的的影响。方法 2010年1月~2014年12月新疆维吾尔自治区阿克苏地区第一人民医院肿瘤内科收治的原发性肝癌患者60例,对30例患者行TACE治疗,另30例在行TACE治疗后7天接受CT引导下精准微波消融术。采用酶联免疫吸附法测定血清α-L-岩藻糖苷酶水平,使用流式细胞仪检测外周血T淋巴细胞亚群水平。结果 在治疗3个月后,TACE治疗患者临床有效率为50%（15/30）,显著低于联合治疗组患者的83.3%（25/30,P<0.05）;联合治疗患者2 a生存率为70.0%,显著高于TACE治疗组的43.3% （P<0.05）;联合治疗患者2 a复发率为10%,显著低于TACE的36.7%（P<0.05）;治疗后,联合组外周血CD4⁺、CD8⁺、CD4⁺/CD8⁺比值、血清α-L-岩藻糖苷酶水平分别为（39.05±4.07）%、（21.35±3.24）%、（1.67±0.21）、（17.91±2.98） u/L,较TACE组的（28.63±3.61）%、（35.12±4.62）%、（0.96±0.11）、（26.03±4.75） u/L改善更明显（P<0.05）;治疗期间,两组患者均在TACE术后出现一些轻症反应,如腰酸、腹胀、恶心等,予以对症治疗及护理后均消失。结论 TACE联合CT引导下经皮精准微波消融治疗原发性肝癌患者临床效果确切。与单用TACE治疗比,可提高长期生存率,降低复发率,纠正机体免疫功能紊乱。     

Large radiofrequency ablation lesions can be created with a retractable infusion-needle catheter

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia is sometimes limited by inadequate lesion depth. We report the use of a novel retractable needle-tipped electrode catheter with intramyocardial (IM) saline infusion and IM RF energy delivery to create large myocardial ablation lesions. METHODS: The left ventricle was entered via the femoral artery in 6 and 11 anesthetized goats and swine (32-90 kg) with an 8-F electrode catheter with an extendable 27-gauge needle at the tip (modified for RF ablation by making the needle electrically active). The needle was advanced 5-7 mm intramyocardially and 0.9% saline was infused 1 mL/min x 60 seconds prior to, and throughout a 120-second application of RF via the active needle, with power titrated to 12 W for 9 lesions, and 30-40 W for 37 lesions, followed by a 120-second RF application using the 4-mm-tip electrode, with power titrated to achieve a 10-Omega decrease in impedance. Needle/saline lesions were compared to 18 standard 4-mm-tip control lesions (power titrated to < or =50 W, to achieve a 10-Omega impedance decrease or limited to 60 degrees Celsius) and to 17 irrigated 3.5-mm-tip lesions (power titrated to < or =50 W, temperature limited to 50 degrees Celsius, 30 mL/min infusion rate). Lesions were identified in the excised heart, fixed, serially sectioned from the endocardium, and digitally analyzed to calculate volume. RESULTS: Lesions were homogeneous and had distinct borders. Compared to 4-mm-tip and irrigated-tip lesions, high-power needle/saline lesions were significantly deeper (13 +/- 2 vs 5 +/- 1 and 8 +/- 3 mm, P < 0.001), had significantly larger volumes (1,700 +/- 750 vs 240 +/- 170 and 750 +/- 650 mm(3), P < 0.001), and had larger cross-sectional area at each millimeter depth beyond the 1 mm (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: IM saline infusion and IM RF energy delivery markedly increase RF lesion size as compared to standard RF ablation and is feasible with a percutaneous catheter. This method warrants further investigation because of its potential clinical utility.     

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for early hepatocellular carcinoma: Risk factors for survival

AIM: To evaluate outcomes of radiofrequency ablation(RFA) therapy for early hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and identify survival- and recurrence-related factors. METHODS: Consecutive patients diagnosed with early HCC by computed tomography(CT) or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)(single nodule of ≤ 5 cm, or multi-(up to 3) nodules of ≤ 3 cm each) and who underwent RFA treatment with curative intent between January 2010 and August 2011 at the Instituto do Cancer do Estado de S o Paulo, Brazil were enrolled in the study. RFA of the liver tumors(with 1.0 cm ablative margin) was carried out under CT-fluoro scan and ultrasonic image guidance of the percutaneous ablation probes. Procedure-related complications were recorded. At 1-mo post-RFA and 3-mo intervals thereafter, CT and MRI were performed to assess outcomes of complete response(absence of enhancing tissue at the tumor site) or incomplete response(enhancing tissue remaining at the tumor site). Overall survival and diseasefree survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log rank test or simple Cox regression. The effect of risk factors on survival was assessed by the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: A total of 38 RFA sessions were performed during the study period on 34 patients(age in years: mean, 63 and range, 49-84). The mean follow-up time was 22 mo(range, 1-33). The study population showed predominance of male sex(76%), less severe liver disease(Child-Pugh A, n = 26; Child-Pugh B, n = 8), and single tumor(65%). The maximum tumor diameters ranged from 10 to 50 mm(median, 26 mm). The initial(immediately post-procedure) rate of RFAinduced complete tumor necrosis was 90%. The probability of achieving complete response was significantly greater in patients with a single nodule(vs patients with multi-nodules, P = 0.04). Two patients experienced major complications, including acute pulmonary edema(resolved with intervention) and intestinal perforation(led to death). The 1- and 2-year overall survival rates were 82% and 71%, respectively. Sex, tumor size, initial response, and recurrence status influenced survival, but did not reach the threshold of statistical significance. Child-Pugh class and the model for end-stage liver disease score were identified as predictors of survival by simple Cox regression, but only Child-Pugh class showed a statistically significant association to survival in multiple Cox regression analysis(HR = 15; 95%CI: 3-76 mo; P = 0.001). The 1-and 2-year cumulative disease-free survival rates were 65% and 36%, respectively. CONCLUSION: RFA is an effective therapy for local tumor control of early HCC, and patients with preserved liver function are the best candidates.