The British journal of surgery
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of survival and disease recurrence after radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Despite being one of the commonest causes of cancer-related death around the world, only 20 per cent of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are amenable to curative treatment (surgical resection or liver transplantation). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a popular therapy for unresectable HCC. There is evidence that the disparity in survival after curative RFA and surgery for HCC, especially tumours smaller than 3 cm in diameter, is narrowing. This review examined the survival and disease recurrence rates after RFA for HCC over the past decade. ⋯ RFA provides a valuable treatment option for patients with unresectable HCC. It improves survival in those previously considered to have advanced disease. As progress continues to be made, RFA is gradually being used to treat resectable HCC.