Microwave ablation for small liver tumors using two antennas

Evaluation of Clinical Feasibility of Microwave Ablation Using Two Channel Microwave Generator and Two Antennas for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Preliminary Prospective Single Center Study

NA · Seoul National University Hospital · NCT06086002

This study is testing whether using two microwave antennas at the same time is safer and more effective for treating small liver tumors than using one antenna to overlap the treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT06086002 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by comparing two methods: simultaneous ablation using two antennas versus overlapping ablation with a single antenna. Participants will have their HCC confirmed through imaging studies and will be treated at Seoul National University Hospital. The study focuses on patients with a single lesion or up to three lesions, each measuring 3 cm or less, and assesses the outcomes of the different ablation techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with Child-Pugh Class A or B liver function and small hepatocellular carcinoma lesions.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple recurrent HCCs, large tumors, or extrahepatic metastasis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve treatment outcomes for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with microwave ablation techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Child-Pugh Class A or B
* chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C or liver cirrhosis
* presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) confirmed by pathology or imaging studies including contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2018
* single lesion less than or equal to 3 cm, or up to 3 lesions, each greater than less than or equal to 3 cm at the time of locoregional treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* number of recurrent HCCs, equal or more than 3
* largest recurrent HCC size over 3 cm
* presence of vascular invasion by HCC
* diffuse infiltrative type HCC
* HCCs located less than 5 mm from central bile duct or large portal vein or large hepatic vein
* platelet count less than 40,000 per mm3 or International Normalized Ratio (INR) prolongation over 50%
* presence of extrahepatic metastasis

Where this trial is running

Seoul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.