TY - JOUR
T1 - Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with decompensated cirrhosis
AU - Wakuta, Akiko
AU - Nouso, Kazuhiro
AU - Kariyama, Kazuya
AU - Nishimura, Mamoru
AU - Kishida, Masayuki
AU - Wada, Nozomu
AU - Mizushima, Takaaki
AU - Higashi, Toshihiro
AU - Tanimoto, Mitsune
PY - 2011/9
Y1 - 2011/9
N2 - Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to treat early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but is sometimes avoided in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis because of the possible side effect of deterioration of liver function. Aims: In this study, we report the safety and effects of RFA for treating HCC patients with Child-Pugh B/C liver cirrhosis. Methods: Sixty-six consecutive HCC patients with Child-Pugh B/C cirrhosis, who were treated by RFA, were enrolled in this study. We analyzed patient outcomes, the complications of RFA, and changes in liver function and tumor markers. Results: Fifty-six patients were classified as Child-Pugh class B, and 10 were classified as class C. The overall survival rates in patients with Child-Pugh B and C cirrhosis were 82 and 83% at 1 year and 47 and 31% at 3 years, respectively. Serum total bilirubin (T.Bil), albumin, prothrombin time, ascites, and encephalopathy were unchanged at 1, 3, and 6 months after RFA in patients with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis; however, serum T.Bil levels increased significantly at 6 months after RFA in 6/10 (60%) patients with Child-Pugh C cirrhosis. Hemothorax and rupture of esophageal varices were observed in 2 patients; however, there were no complications related to poor liver function. Conclusion: RFA is a useful modality for treating HCC in patients with poor liver function such as Child-Pugh B and C, but careful monitoring after RFA must be needed.
AB - Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to treat early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but is sometimes avoided in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis because of the possible side effect of deterioration of liver function. Aims: In this study, we report the safety and effects of RFA for treating HCC patients with Child-Pugh B/C liver cirrhosis. Methods: Sixty-six consecutive HCC patients with Child-Pugh B/C cirrhosis, who were treated by RFA, were enrolled in this study. We analyzed patient outcomes, the complications of RFA, and changes in liver function and tumor markers. Results: Fifty-six patients were classified as Child-Pugh class B, and 10 were classified as class C. The overall survival rates in patients with Child-Pugh B and C cirrhosis were 82 and 83% at 1 year and 47 and 31% at 3 years, respectively. Serum total bilirubin (T.Bil), albumin, prothrombin time, ascites, and encephalopathy were unchanged at 1, 3, and 6 months after RFA in patients with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis; however, serum T.Bil levels increased significantly at 6 months after RFA in 6/10 (60%) patients with Child-Pugh C cirrhosis. Hemothorax and rupture of esophageal varices were observed in 2 patients; however, there were no complications related to poor liver function. Conclusion: RFA is a useful modality for treating HCC in patients with poor liver function such as Child-Pugh B and C, but careful monitoring after RFA must be needed.
KW - Decompensated cirrhosis
KW - Hepatocellular carcinoma
KW - Radiofrequency ablation
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U2 - 10.1159/000331411
DO - 10.1159/000331411
M3 - Article
C2 - 21912196
AN - SCOPUS:80052581782
VL - 81
SP - 39
EP - 44
JO - Oncology
JF - Oncology
SN - 0030-2414
IS - 1
ER -