The main objectives of this research project concern the identification of microRNAs circulating and of serum metabolites predictive of treatment response in patients with early stage hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing locoregional treatment with thermoablation.

In addition, the molecular mechanisms involved in reprogramming will be identified metabolic via bioinformatics analysis and pretreatment liver biopsy analysis and analysis of screening on patient-derived primary lines for personalized therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18
• Diagnosis of hepatocarcinoma confirmed by radiology (LIRADS criteria/triphasic diagnostics) or by biopsy.
• Indication for thermoablation treatment (for radiofrequency) based on the judgment of the hepatologist/surgeon.
• Informed consent signed by the patient.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of metastatic liver lesions of other origins.
• History of liver transplant.
• Severe, uncorrectable coagulopathy, contraindicating liver biopsy (where necessary) or ablative procedure.
• Patient refusal to participate in the study or inability to obtain informed consent.
• Pregnant women.

Patients diagnosed with HCC and indicated for thermoablation for liver lesions size ≤5 cm.