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Abstract Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exerts its actions on the microvasculature, by interacting with specific endothelial cell receptors, and thus, contributes to angiogenesis and growth in many tumours. Methods: Using nested reverse-transcription–polymerase chain reaction, we examined the biopsy specimens of 14 patients with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis, for the expression of hepatic VEGF, and the VEGF receptors KDR and flt-1. To avoid the influence of hypoxia or ischaemia induced by surgical manipulation, we used biopsy specimens of the liver instead of resected specimens. Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression was detected in the tumour portion of the specimens in 13 of 14 patients (93%), and in the corresponding non-tumour portion of the specimens in eight patients (57%; P = 0.08). No differences were found between the tumour portion and the corresponding non-tumour portion in relative concentrations of VEGF mRNA. However, mRNA expression of the VEGF receptors, KDR and flt-1, was detected in 14 (100%) and 11 (79%) of the tumour portions, respectively, and in four (29%) and five (36%) of the corresponding non-tumour portions, respectively (χ test: KDR, P < 0.01; flt-1, P = 0.08). The relative concentration of KDR mRNA in the tumour portions was significantly higher than in the non-tumour portions (Mann–Whitney U-test: P < 0.001) but no differences were detected for flt-1. Conclusions: KDR mRNA is significantly overexpressed in HCC lesions and could be associated with the angiogenesis and tumour growth induced by VEGF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new microwave ablation (MWA) system, the Emprint Ablation System, for the ablation of unresectable large liver tumors (≥ 30 mm). Methods: Twenty‐one hepatic tumors (mean diameter, 34.7 mm) from 21 patients who underwent percutaneous MWA were included in this cross‐sectional study. A volume analyzer based on computed tomography imaging was used for all patients within the month before and month after the procedure to evaluate the shape and volume of ablation zones. In addition, computed tomography imaging was performed again 3 months after the procedure to evaluate the presence of residual tumors and local recurrence. Results: Mean ablation time was 11.3 min, and mean overall procedure time was 33.4 min. An ablated adrenal gland‐induced Takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy occurred immediately after MWA as a major complication in one patient. Roundness index A, B, and C presented a mean value of 0.94, 0.94, and 1.01, respectively (all values near 1 is a perfect sphere), indicating that a spherical ablation zone was achieved. The mean ablation volume was larger than the volume of tumors (24.5 vs 41.7 cm3). Residual tumors were confirmed in only 4.8% of tumors after a single ablation session. There was no local recurrence. Conclusions: In our experience, the new MWA system provides an effective treatment option for unresectable large liver tumors. However, to ablate the liver tumors safely, it is necessary to consider the surrounding organs, such as the adrenal glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]