Optimal Application of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy and Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment for Different Multifocal Hepatocellular Carcinoma Lesions in Patients With Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A4–B1: A Pilot Study

Abstract

BackgroundsIn clinical practice, many hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in Barcelona Clinical Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A4–B1 can not receive curative treatment of liver transplantation, resection and RFA which were recommended options by liver cancer guidelines. Our aim is to study the feasibility of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as curative treatment for different multifocal HCCs in BLCL stage A4–B1 patients. MethodsFrom September 2014 to August 2019, 39 multifocal HCC lesions (median diameter, 16.6 mm) from 15 patients (median age, 73.2 years) were retrospectively enrolled. Among them, 23 were treated by RFA and the other 16 by SBRT because of predictable insufficiency and/or risk for RFA performance. The indicators for evaluating this novel therapy were tumor response, prognosis (recurrence and survivals), and adverse effect (deteriorated laboratory test values and severe complications). ResultsMedian follow-up duration was 31.3 months (range: 15.1–71.9 months). The numbers of one-year complete response, stable disease, and disease progression were 11, 1, and 3, respectively. In total, eight and two patients had confronted intrahepatic and local recurrence, respectively. The one-year progression-free survival rate and local control rate were 80% (12/15 patients) and 97.4% (38/39 lesions), respectively. Median time to progression was 20.1 (2.8–45.1) months. The one- and two-year survival rates were 100%, and 88.9%, respectively. During one week to 3–5 months’ observation, no patient showed severe complications. Seven, four, and two patients had slight changes in white blood cells, platelet count, and albumin–bilirubin grade, respectively. ConclusionsFor patients with BCLC stage A4–B1, RFA and SBRT treatment for different multifocal HCCs may be a potential option because of their favorable prognosis and safety. However, before setting assured application in clinical practice, prospective, controlled, large-scale studies are needed to further confirm our conclusions.

New developments in ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: combination with systemic therapy and radiotherapy

“…However, the probability of TACE achieving complete necrosis is low. If SBRT is performed on the remaining lesion, complete necrosis of all lesions can be achieved (4,5). Wang respectively.…”

“…No patient showed serious complications after up to 5 months of observation. For patients with BCLC stage A4-B1, RFA and SBRT treatment are potential options for different multifocal HCCs because of their good prognosis and safety (5).…”