BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Percutaneous thermal ablation using Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Microwave Ablation (MWA) are both widely available curative treatments for @entity157 ( @entity157 ). Despite significant advances, it remains unclear which modality results in better outcomes. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies was undertaken to compare the techniques in terms of effectiveness and safety. METHODS: Electronic reference databases (Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane central) were searched between January 1980 and May 2014 for @entity1 studies comparing RFA and MWA. The primary outcome was the risk of @entity5 progression (LTP); Secondary outcomes were complete ablation (CA), overall survival and major adverse events (AE). The odds ratios (OR) were combined across studies using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Ten studies (2 prospective and 8 retrospective) were included and the overall LTP rate was 13.6% (176/1298). There was no difference in LTP rates between RFA and MWA [OR (95%CI): 1.01(0.67-1.50), p=0.9]. The CA rate, 1- and 3- year overall survival and major AE were similar between the two modalities (p>0.05 for all). In subgroup analysis there was no difference in LTP rates according to study quality, but LTP rates were lower with MWA for treatment of @entity5 [1.88(1.10-3.23), p=0.02]. There was no significant publication bias or inter-study heterogeneity (I(2) <50% and p>0.1) observed in any of the measured outcomes. CONCLUSION: Overall, both RFA and MWA are equally effective and safe but MWA may be more effective compared to RFA in preventing LTP when treating @entity5 . Well-designed, larger, multicentre RCTs are required to confirm these findings.

Percutaneous thermal ablation for primary XXXX : A systematic review and meta-analysis.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['human'] @entity157 :: ('MESH:D006528', 'Disease') :: ['HCC', 'hepatocellular carcinoma'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['local tumour', 'larger tumours']
@entity157 :: (MESH:D006528,Disease) :: ['hepatocellular carcinoma']
