Microwave ablation with chemoembolization for large hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the safety and long-term outcomes of microwave ablation (MWA) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in a single stage for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a maximum diameter of 5.0–10.0 cm.Methods: From January 2013 to December 2016, 84 consecutive HCC patients with cirrhosis from two medical centers who underwent MWA-TACE as a first-line treatment for up to three HCCs with maximum diameters of 5.0–10.0 cm were included. Feasibility, safety and effectiveness were evaluated. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox regression models were used to identify the prognostic factors.Results: The technique was successfully performed in all the patients. Grade 3 complications consisted of two cases of hemoperitoneum requiring blood transfusions and embolization. The cumulative incidence of local tumor progression was 25.8% at 3 years, with tumor size found to be the only significant pr...