TACE combined with DynaCT-guided MWA in the treatment of high-risk location liver cancers with ≤5 cm tumor size - Report - MDSpire

TACE combined with DynaCT-guided MWA in the treatment of high-risk location liver cancers with ≤5 cm tumor size

  • By

  • Daqian Han

  • Gezhen Wang

  • Fangzheng Li

  • Chao Liang

  • Jiacheng Wang

  • Yangyang Niu

  • Hao Li

  • Shuguang Ju

  • Manzhou Wang

  • Xuhua Duan

  • May 7, 2026

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Combination of TACE and DynaCT-Guided MWA for Liver Tumors ≤5 cm

Overview

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of combining transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with DynaCT-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for treating liver tumors ≤5 cm in high-risk locations. Results indicate a high objective response rate and favorable survival outcomes, suggesting this combination therapy is a promising option for patients with unresectable liver cancer.

Background

Liver cancer is a significant global health concern, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most prevalent type. Many patients are not candidates for surgical resection due to underlying health conditions or tumor locations. Combining TACE with local ablation therapies like MWA may enhance treatment efficacy, particularly in high-risk areas where traditional methods face limitations.

Data Highlights

OutcomeValue
Mean Overall Survival (OS)41.0 months (95% CI: 39.6–42.5)
Mean Progression-Free Survival (PFS)31.2 months (95% CI: 30.7–31.7)
Objective Response Rate (ORR)96.4%
Disease Control Rate (DCR)98.2%
Cumulative Survival Rates at 36 months74.5%

Key Findings

  • Combination treatment of TACE and MWA was successfully performed on all participants.
  • Adverse events were primarily classified as grade 1 or 2, indicating mild complications.
  • The mean OS for patients was 41.0 months, with a mean PFS of 31.2 months.
  • The ORR one month post-treatment was 96.4%, and the DCR was 98.2%.
  • Cumulative survival rates at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 98.1%, 94.5%, 85.4%, and 74.5%, respectively.

Clinical Implications

The findings support the use of TACE combined with DynaCT-guided MWA as a viable treatment strategy for patients with liver tumors in high-risk locations. Clinicians should consider this approach for patients who are not suitable for surgical resection, as it demonstrates high efficacy and manageable safety profiles.

Conclusion

The combination of TACE and DynaCT-guided MWA presents a safe and effective treatment option for liver tumors ≤5 cm in high-risk locations, potentially improving patient outcomes in this challenging clinical scenario.

References

  1. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Treatment for intermediate and advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: does systemic therapy synergize the therapeutic efficacy of TACE?
  2. Surgical Endoscopy, 2024 -- Initial Outcomes of Laparoscopic Ablation for Hepatic Malignancies at a High-Volume Scandinavian HPB Center
  3. The ASCO Post, 2026 -- Ablative Radiotherapy May Improve Outcomes for Patients With ‘Supermassive’ Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
  4. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, 2025
  5. Outcomes of Combined Resection and Ablation Compared to Resection Alone in Patients with Four or More Colorectal Liver Metastases
  6. Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma at specific anatomic sites of the liver: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
  8. Application of Cone-beam Computed Tomography in Interventional Therapies for Liver Malignancy: A Consensus Statement by the Chinese College of Interventionalists

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