Stereotactic Percutaneous Electrochemotherapy as Primary Approach for Unresectable Large HCC at the Hepatic Hilum

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2021 Sep;44(9):1462-1466. doi: 10.1007/s00270-021-02841-1. Epub 2021 May 25.

Abstract

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a novel non-thermal ablative technique that combines chemotherapy and the application of electric pulses for reversible cell membrane electroporation. This method was recently performed in the treatment of deep-seated liver tumors during open surgery but experience about percutaneous ECT is rare and further developments like combination of percutaneous ECT with stereotactic navigated devices may be very promising. We report on a case of a 4.7 × 4.5 × 3.5 cm unresectable HCC at the hepatic hilum adjacent to the major vessels and the bile duct that was successfully treated using percutaneous ECT in combination with stereotactic navigation. Follow-up imaging 6 weeks and 6 months after ECT showed complete response.

Keywords: HCC; Interventional Oncology; Non-thermal Ablation; Percutaneous Ablation; Percutaneous Electrochemotherapy; Stereotactic Navigation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*
  • Electrochemotherapy*
  • Electroporation
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms* / drug therapy