Work

Efficacy of Monopolar Radiofrequency or Microwave Ablation in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Retrospective Multicenter Study from Association des Gastro-Entérologues Oncologues (AGEO)

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Several locoregional treatments approaches, including thermoablation, have been tested for the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and have shown encouraging results. However, data are heterogeneous in terms of tumor number, size, and ablation technique. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and prognostic factors in ICC treated by monopolar radiofrequency (RF) or microwave ablation (MW). Methods: This was a retrospective study including patients treated with RF or MW for ICC in six participating centers. DFS and OS were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method and prognostic factors by log-rank test and Cox modeling. Results: From January 2015 to October 2023, 24 patients with 31 nodules were treated with RFA or MW. Overall, 70% had chronic liver disease, with 50% at cirrhosis stage. The median size of lesions was 17 mm (6–35 mm). After a median follow-up of 33 months (5–85), the median DFS was 10.5 months. The median OS was 40.8 months. On univariate and multivariate analysis, only lesion size > 17 mm was associated with a poor OS (HR 3.09; IC [1.02; 9.37] (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Monopolar radiofrequency or microwave ablation is an alternative to surgery for small ICCs. Tumors < 17 mm were associated with better OS.

Source: Cancers

DOI: 10.3390/cancers16223838