OUTCOMES OF RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION FOR HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA WITH A MINIMUM 2-YEAR FOLLOW-UP AT BACH MAI HOSPITAL

Thị Thương Lê1, , Le Van Khang2, Nguyen Thi Khoi2, Vu Dang Luu2
1 Trường đại học Y Hà Nội
2 Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Bach Mai Hospital

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers in Vietnam. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a standard treatment for early-stage HCC; however, domestic studies with a minimum 2-year follow-up are limited.


Objectives: (1) To describe clinical, paraclinical, and imaging characteristics; (2) To evaluate RFA outcomes for HCC with a minimum 2-year follow-up at Bach Mai Hospital.


Methods: A retrospective descriptive longitudinal study of 74 HCC tumors (57 patients)  treated with RFA at Bach Mai Hospital, followed for a minimum of 24 months. Endpoints included complete ablation rate, local recurrence rate, OS, DFS at 12, 18, and 24 months, and complication rates.


Results: Mean age 62.4 years (range 23–87), male/female ratio 68/6. Hepatitis B was the main risk factor (82.4%). Mean tumor diameter 18.2 mm (range 6–43 mm); 92% BCLC stage 0 or A. Immediate complete ablation rate was 94.6%. At 2 years, local recurrence rate was 20.3%, OS was 98.2%, and DFS was 57,9%. High-risk location was associated with higher recurrence (33.3% vs. 14.0%). Complication rate was 16.2%, all grade I–II, with no procedure-related mortality.


Conclusion: RFA is a safe and effective treatment for early-stage HCC at Bach Mai Hospital, with high complete ablation rate and high 2-year overall survival.


Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, radiofrequency ablation, RFA, recurrence.

Article Details

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