Percutaneous radio-frequency ablation therapy using a clustered electrode for malignant liver tumors

Goals: To examine the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous radio-freque ncy ablation therapy (PRAT) for malignant liver tumors, using a needle with cluster radio-frequency (RF) electrodes. Study: The subjects were 13 patie nts with solitary malignant liver tumors: 10 had hepatocellular carcinoma a nd 3 had metastatic liver tumors. One session of PRAT with cluster RF elect rodes was performed until roll-off occurred two times. Dynamic computed tom ography (CT) and fine needle tumor biopsy under ultrasonographic guidance H are conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy, Aspartate aminotransfera se, alanine aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, and total bilirubin wer e evaluated before and 1, 3. and 7 days after PRAT. Results: There were no serious complications. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase , and lactic dehydrogenase levels peaked I day after PRAT and decreased the reafter. No icterus occurred. Of the 13 tumors, 12 showed complete necrosis on dynamic CT, however, one of them showed histologically incomplete necro sis in the tumor biopsy. In bath of the ineffective cases, the tumors were located near relatively large vessels. There was no recurrence in the liver in all cases of PRAT that were effective (oxygenation periods: 6-14 months ; mean, 10 months). Conclusions: Prrcutanecaus radio-frequency ablation the rapy using a clustered electrode is a safe and effective treatment of malig nant liver tumors. if the tumor is not located near the large vessels.