Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with simultaneous cone beam computed tomography-guided multipolar microwave ablation for massive hepatocellular carcinoma (≥10 cm): Safety and primary clinical results

PURPOSE: To explore the safety and clinical efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)combined with simultaneous cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided multipolar microwave ablation (MWA)in the treatment of massive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of nine patients who underwent TACE combined with simultaneous CBCT-guided multipolar MWA for massive HCC, between January and June 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. Technical success rate, blood levels of liver function indicators, complications, and tumor response one month after treatmentwere investigated. RESULTS: The technical success rate of TACE combined with simultaneous MWA was 100%. The mean procedure time was 195.0 min (range, 125–350 min), the mean hospital stay after the treatment was 4.0 ± 1.0 days (range, 3–7 days), and no serious complications occurred. Minor complications were experienced by some patients but were relieved after conservative treatment. One month after treatment, enhanced CT revealed a complete response rate of 66.7% (6/9), a partial response rate of 22.2% (2/9), and a stable disease rate of 11.1% (1/9). Mild and reversible injury of liver function occurred in these patients. CONCLUSION: TACE combined with simultaneous CBCT-guided MWA for massive HCC was feasible and safe, and yielded a high response rate.