Thermal ablation is widely regarded as definitive therapy for early-stage hepatocellular
carcinoma, but its efficacy decreases in tumors greater than 3 cm. Extensive clinical
studies have supported improved outcomes provided through combining transarterial
embolic therapy with ablation in the treatment of larger tumors. This article will
provide a survey of the science and data for combination therapy in both thermal and
nonthermal ablation modalities, as well as describe emerging applications.
Keywords
hepatocellular carcinoma - radiofrequency ablation - microwave ablation - transarterial
chemoembolization - transarterial embolization - cryoablation - thermal ablation -
combination therapy - ablation - embolization