Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinomas Larger Than 3 cm in Diameter

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy in the world.¹ Although HCC is more prevalent in Asia and Africa, its incidence is increasing in Western countries.^2,3 Hepatic resection and transplantation are potentially curative treatments for HCC, but only about 20% to 30% of patients are suitable candidates.^4,5 Various locoregional therapies have been developed for patients with localized HCC who are not amenable to surgical treatment.⁶ Such locoregional therapies are particularly important because of the poor response of HCC to systemic therapies.