| Theme |
Algorithm for Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer |
| Title |
Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma |
| Author |
Shuichiro Shiina |
Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Ryota Masuzaki |
Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Yuji Kondo |
Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Ryosuke Tateishi |
Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Tadashi Goto |
Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo |
| Author |
Kazuhiko Koike |
Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo |
| [ Summary ] |
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) destroys cancer tissue by generating heat around the inserted electrode. RFA is usually done percutaneously with image-guidance, such as ultrasound or CT, but sometimes done with laparoscopy, or laparotomy. RFA is potentially curative, minimally invasive, and easily repeatable for recurrence. To achieve satisfactory results, pretreatment planning, treatment itself, and posttreatment evaluation are all important. A Japanese guideline recommends liver resection more than ablation therapy. However, the number of patients who undergo surgery has been declining while that of patients who receive RFA has been increasing. RFA has achieved considerably good longterm outcomes and has been considered a safe procedure. RFA has a problem that treatment outcomes are markedly different from institute to institute, or from operator to operator, due to insufficient technique or knowledge. However, there is no doubt that local curativeness and longterm survival can be achieved by RFA if it is done properly. Advances in RFA machines, innovations in imaging modalities, establishment of the training program and others will further improve treatment outcomes of RFA, and RFA will play a greater role in the treatment of liver tumors. |