Conclusions
Image-guided tumor ablation using thermal energy for early-stage HCC has been accepted as a curative treatment option in all HCC treatment guidelines. Microwave ablation is gaining popularity due to its more effective ablation performance with high temperature heating and lack of heat sink effect. However, more evidence of real survival gain is required for MWA to replace RFA. Therapeutic outcomes are improved due to current technical advances in fusion US, CEUS, and antiviral treatment. Cryoablation and IRE are promising tools for safe ablation, but more clinical evidence is needed. Lastly, immuno-ablation has the potential to maximize therapeutic outcomes after ablation. However, further study into this very interesting and exciting area is warranted.
Acknowledgments
Funding
This work was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20161064) and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2015M581837).
Ethical Statement
The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Chin Clin Oncol. 2019;8(6):58 © 2019 AME Publishing Company
