Expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule are linked with aggressive local recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation therapy.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a widely used therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several reports have demonstrated the aggressive local recurrence of HCC after RFA, suggesting that induction of further malignant transformation of HCC has occurred.

Methods: Eighty-eight (88) patients with HCC who underwent hepatic resection were included in this study.