Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound may help predict the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma after microwave ablation. (31st December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhan, Yong; Zhou, Fubo; Yu, Xiaoling; Luo, Fei; Liu, Fangyi; Liang, Ping; Cheng, Zhigang; Han, Zhiyu; Yu, Jie
• Is Part Of: International journal of hyperthermia. Volume 35:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 105
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2018-12-31
• Subjects: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound -- microwave ablation -- hepatocellular carcinoma; Thermotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.832
• DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2018.1483533
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-6736

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Previous studies have reported that parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) could predict prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after antiangiogenic therapies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation of DCE-US parameters and the prognosis of HCC patients after microwave ablation (MWA). Materials and methods: Between June 2012 and January 2018, a total of 35 HCC patients who received MWA with a curative intent were enrolled. Pre-ablation DCE-US, liver biopsy, CD34 staining, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) staining were performed. DCE-US parameters were extracted from time-intensity curves using SonoLiver software. The correlation of DCE-US parameters with histopathology results and overall survival (OS) were investigated. Results: Quantitative analysis showed that IMAX, RT, TTP, and mTT of HCC were statistically different with that of reference liver parenchyma (all p ＜ .001). Microvessel density was shown to be positively correlated with IMAX and negatively correlated with TTP ( r = 0.755 and −0.647, both p ＜ .01). Additionally, positive correlations were observed between IMAX and VEGF expression ( r = 0.665, p ＜ .01). After a median follow-up of 22 months (range 6–64 months), local recurrence was detected in three patients. Largest diameter and TTP were shown to help predict OS in univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusion: DCE-US parameter may help predict the outcome of HCC patients after MWA, though further study is still needed.