Oligonodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): MR-guided laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT)

Purpose. To prospectively evaluate the therapeutic potential of MR-guided l aser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) in patients with oligonodular hepatocellu lar carcinoma. Material and methods. 39 patients with 61 intrahepatic lesions were treated with LITT. The Nd:YAG laser fiber was introduced with a percutaneously pos itioned irrigated laser application system. Qualitative and quantitative MR parameters and clinical data were evaluated. Results. All patients tolerated the procedure well under local anesthesia. All observed complications were minor and no further treatment was necessar y. Online MR thermometry allowed exact visualization. Lesions up to 2 cm in diameter could be efficiently treated with a single laser application, lar ger lesions were treated simultaneous multiapplication. In 97.5% we achieve d a complete necrosis of the tumor and a 5 mm safety margin, resulting in a complete destruction of the tumor without local recurrences. Mean survival was 4.4 years (95% CI: 3.6-5.2 years) after the time of diagnoses of the H CC (Kaplan-Meier-method). Conclusion. In intrahepatic oligonodular involvement of hepatocellular carc inoma LITT appears to be an effective therapeutic procedure with a high tum or control rate and better survival data.