Multi-pronged Ethanol Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation of Early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Ethanol Ablation Using a Multi-pronged Needle and Radiofrequency Ablation of Early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Randomized Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of percutaneous ethanol ablation using a multi-pronged needle (QFEA) with that of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Patients with early-stage (single tumor no more than 5 cm or up to 3 tumors each no more than 3 cm in size) primary hepatocellular carcinoma will be randomized into two percutaneous ablation treatment arms, including radiofrequency ablation and multi-pronged ethanol ablation. The local treatment responses, complications,and long-term disease-free survivals and overall survivals are analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary hepatocellular carcinoma, single tumor ≤5 cm or up to 3 tumors each ≤3 cm
• Ultrasound detectable tumor
• Liver function classified as Child-Pugh A or B
• Platelet count > 50,000/mm3, or prothrombin activity > 50%
• Not suitable for resection or patient refused surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Vascular invasion and extrahepatic spread
• Patients allergic to ethanol