Short-term Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography for Planning and Image Guidance

Background: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and a minimally invasive alternative to hepatectomy for treating tumour recurrence. RFA is often performed using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and/or ultrasonography. In recent years, angiographic systems with flat panel image detectors and advanced image reconstruction algorithms have broadened the clinical applications of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), including RFA. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of using CBCT for immediate treatment assessments and follow-ups.

Aim: To assess the treatment response to RFA for HCC using CBCT.

Methods: Forty-eight patients (44 men; aged 37-89 years) with solitary HCC [median size: 3.2 (1.2-6.6) cm] underwent RFA and were followed for 25.6 (median; 13.5-35.2) mo. Image fusion of CBCT and pre-operative CECT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for tumour segmentation and needle path and ablation zone planning. Real-time image guidance was provided by overlaying the three-dimensional image of the tumour and needle path on the fluoroscopy image. Treatment response was categorized as complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), or progressive disease (PD). Disease progression, death, time to progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS) were recorded. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed.

Results: Initial post-RFA CECT/MRI showed 38 cases of CR (79.2%), 10 of PR (20.8%), 0 of SD, and 0 of PD, which strongly correlated with the planning estimation (42 CR, 87.5%; 6 PR, 12.5%; 0 SD; and 0 PD; accuracy: 91.7%, < 0.01). Ten (20.8%) patients died, and disease progression occurred in 31 (35.4%, median TTP: 12.8 mo) patients, resulting in 12-, 24-, and 35-mo OS rates of 100%, 81.2%, and 72.2%, respectively, and progression-free survival (PFS) rates of 54.2%, 37.1%, and 37.1%, respectively. The median dose-area product of the procedures was 79.05 Gy*cm (range 40.95-146.24 Gy*cm), and the median effective dose was 10.27 mSv (range 5.32-19.01 mSv). Tumour size < 2 cm ( = 0.008) was a significant factor for OS, while age ( = 0.001), tumour size < 2 cm ( < 0.001), tumour stage ( = 0.010), and initial treatment response ( = 0.003) were significant factors for PFS.

Conclusion: Reliable RFA treatment planning and satisfactory outcomes can be achieved with CBCT.