Microwave ablation followed by cTACE in 5-cm HCC lesions: does a single-session approach affect liver function?

Purpose: Microwave ablation (MWA) and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) are locoregional treatments commonly performed in very early, early and intermediate stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite combined locoregional approaches have shown encouraging results in obtaining complete tumor necrosis, their application in a single session is poorly described. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-session MWA and cTACE treatment in 5-cm HCCs and its influence on liver function.

Selective internal radiation therapy segmentectomy: A new minimally invasive curative option for primary liver malignancies?

Transarterial radioembolization or selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) has emerged as a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of tumors. This percutaneous technique involves the local, intra-arterial delivery of radioactive microspheres directly into the tumor. Historically employed as a palliative measure for liver malignancies, SIRT has gained traction over the past decade as a potential curative option, mirroring the increasing role of radiation segmentectomy.

Percutaneous insertion of a novel dedicated metal stent to treat malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

Background: Percutaneous bilateral biliary stenting is an established method for the management of unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel uncovered biliary stent, specifically designed for hilar reconstruction.

Methods: This, single-center, retrospective study included 18 patients (mean age 71 ± 11 years; 61.

Endobiliary biopsy.

The differential diagnosis between benign and malignant biliary strictures is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach with the use of serum biomarkers, imaging techniques, and several modalities of endoscopic or percutaneous tissue sampling. The diagnosis of biliary strictures consists of laboratory markers, and invasive and non-invasive imaging examinations such as computed tomography (CT), contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Nevertheless, invasive imaging modalities combined with tissue sampling are usually required to confirm the diagnosis of suspected malignant biliary strictures, while pathological diagnosis is mandatory to decide the optimal therapeutic strategy.

Non-surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Cancer of the biliary confluence also known as hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) or Klatskin tumor, is a rare type of neoplastic disease constituting approximately 40%-60% of intrahepatic malignancies, and 2% of all cancers. The prognosis is extremely poor and the majority of Klatskin tumors are deemed unresectable upon diagnosis. Most patients with unresectable bile duct cancer die within the first year after diagnosis, due to hepatic failure, and/or infectious complications secondary to biliary obstruction.

Worldwide management of hepatocellular carcinoma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted hospital organization, with the necessity to quickly react to face the pandemic. The management of the oncological patient has been modified by necessity due to different allocation of nurses and doctors, requiring new strategies to guarantee the correct assistance to the patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma, considered as one of the most aggressive types of liver cancer, has also required a different management during this period in order to optimize the management of patients at risk for and with this cancer.