Microwave ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis after transarterial chemoembolization: a prospective study

Aims To prospectively assess the use of microwave ablation (MWA) to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and to evaluate factors that significantly affect treatment outcomes. Methods Sixty patients with HCC [55 male, 5 female; mean age, 54.1 ± 10.2 (range 36–77) years] + PVTT were enrolled. Patients were treated with MWA after TACE. Results were compared with those of 54 patients treated by TACE alone in another retrospective study. Data analyzed included patient demographics, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, liver cirrhosis, liver volume, Child-Pugh class, Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score, and imaging findings. Survival time (from occurrence of PVTT to last follow-up) and predictive factors and their correlation with survival were statistically evaluated. Results The median 3-year overall survival (OS) duration was 13.5 months, and the 1- and 3-year OS rates were 48 and 23 %, respectively. Cox hazards regression analysis revealed that change in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, CLIP score, and treatment efficacy were the only independent predictive factors for outcome ( p = 0.035, 0.024, and 0.000, respectively). Conclusions Combination therapy with MWA after TACE may provide a substantial benefit for patients with HCC + PVTT type I, II, or partial III and Child-Pugh class A or B by reducing the tumor burden. Trial registration number Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR): ChiCTR-ONC-12002689.