Stereotactic radiofrequency ablation as a valid first-line treatment option for hepatocellular adenomas.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (SRFA) in patients with hepatocellular adenomas (HCA).

METHODS:

Retrospective analyses of all patients referred for SRFA treatment at our institution between January 2010 and October 2020 revealed 14 patients (10 women; mean age 34.4 [range, 17-73 years]) with 38 HCAs treated through 18 ablation sessions. Ablations were considered successful if a safety margin >5 mm was achieved. Demographic, interventional, and outcome data were collected and analyzed. Primary and secondary technical efficacy rates were assessed based on follow-up images consisting of contrast-enhanced CT or MR scans.

RESULTS:

The mean tumor size was 22 mm (range, 7-75 mm). Overall, 37/38 (97.4%) tumors were successfully ablated at the initial SRFA (primary efficacy rate of 97.4%). The median follow-up duration was 49.6 months. No deaths or adenoma-related complications (hemorrhage or malignant transformation) were observed. Disease-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years from the date of the first SRFA were 100%, 85.8%, and 85.8%, respectively. Two patients developed new distant tumors retreated with consecutive re-ablation. No major complications occurred during any of the 18 ablation sessions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Percutaneous thermal ablation is efficient in the treatment of HCAs and may thus be considered a valid first-line treatment option. In addition, SRFA allows for an effective, minimally invasive treatment of large and multiple hepatic tumors within one session.

• Authors: Gregor Laimer, Peter Schullian, Yannick Scharll, Daniel Putzer, Gernot Eberle, Georg Oberhuber, Reto Bale
• Journal: International journal of hyperthermia : the official journal of European Society for Hyperthermic Oncology, North American Hyperthermia Group (Int J Hyperthermia) Vol. 39 Issue 1 Pg. 780-787 ( 2022) ISSN: 1464-5157 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35654476 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adenoma, Liver Cell (surgery)
• Adult
• Carcinoma, Hepatocellular (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Liver Neoplasms (pathology)
• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Retrospective Studies