Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) as a Predictor of HCC Recurrence After Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Magnetic Resonance Elastography Score Reflecting Hepatic Fibrosis as an Independent Predictor for Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy

The purpose of this study is to determine:

• The efficacy of MRE score as a predictor of HCC recurrence within 2 years after RFA treatment
• The efficacy of each indicator (MRE score, non-invasive serum markers) compared to the gold-standard histology score predicting hepatic fibrosis

To evaluate whether MRE score reflecting hepatic fibrosis can predict the recurrence of HCC within 2 years after RFA treatment

• Local recurrence/intrahepatic distant recurrence
• Multivariable analysis including several related factors to find whether MRE score is an independent predictor of HCC recurrence even after adjusting other factors (etiology of liver disease, size of HCC, vessel invasion, HBsAg titer, etc.)

To find the efficacy of each indicator (MRE score, non-invasive serum markers) compared to the gold-standard histology score predicting hepatic fibrosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed as single hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma initially
• AJCC stage I HCC
• Child-Pugh class A
• Planning radiofrequency ablation for HCC
• Voluntary agreement for this study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Decreased kidney function (GFR < 70 mL/min/kg)
• Contraindication to MRI (pacemaker, defibrillator)
• Contrast media hypersensitivity
• Other primary malignancy
• Acute viral hepatitis
• Prior history of liver transplantation
• Thrombosis in splenic vein or portal vein
• Patients who were enrolled to other clinical trials within 4 weeks
• Other severe chronic disease or psychiatric disease
• Pregnant or milk-feeding women
• Patients with coagulopathy, high risk of bleeding for the liver biopsy
• Patients who disagree to participate in this study