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.