Ongoing Clinical Trials

It has been well accepted that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective local ablation therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Recently a high power microwave coagulation system has been developed and approved by FDA for clinical use in patients with liver tumors. Microwave ablation relies on the interaction of alternating electric field with water molecules to generate heat energy through water vibration and rotation. Microwave ablation has great potential in treating liver tumors close to blood vessels and those of large tumor size. Because of increased amount of energy created by microwave ablation, the procedure time maybe substantially shorter when compared with RFA.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the complete ablation rate of microwave ablation for unresectable HCC patients, as well as the associated morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, liver function and local recurrence rate. The result of this study would help to guide the establishment of the treatment modality for patient with unresectable HCC.

1. Diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
2. No more than 3 HCC lesions and none > 6cm in maximum diameter
3. Have preserved liver function

1. Patients with radiological evidence of venous invasion of major portal vein or hepatic vein branches
2. Patients with local recurrence at site of previous radiofrequency ablation or other local ablation therapies
3. Have extrahepatic disease