Laser Thermal Ablation in the Treatment of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results in 74 Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, local effectiveness, and long-term results of laser thermal ablation (LTA) in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two biopsies proved small HCCs (range, 0.8–4.0 cm) in 74 patients who were treated percutaneously with LTA in an outpatient clinic. A laser at a power of 5.0Wwas coupled with one to four fibers that were advanced through 21-gauge needle(s) for 6–12 minutes. All lesions were evaluated with computed tomography (CT) for changes in size and vascular pattern, recurrence rates, and cumulative survival rates. Patients were examined for complications. RESULTS: No major complications occurred in 117 LTA sessions, with an average of 1.3 sessions per tumor. At 3 months, CT scans showed a nonenhancing area (complete necrosis) in 89 (97%) of 92 lesions. During follow-up (range, 6–66 months; mean, 25.3 months), 84 tumors (91%) decreased in size. The local recurrence rates (range, 1–5 years) ranged from 1.6% to 6.0%. Recurrence rates (range, 12–60 months) in other liver segments ranged from 24% to 73%. Cancer-free survival rates (range, 1–4 years) ranged from 73% to 24%. Overall survival rates were 99%, 68%, and 15% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Twenty-one patients (28%) died. CONCLUSION: LTA is a safe and effective treatment for small HCC.