Efficacy of microwave ablation and entecavir as a combination treatment for primary liver cancer and their effects on hepatitis B virus and liver function

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of microwave ablation and entecavir as a combination treatment for primary liver cancer and their effects on hepatitis B virus (HBV) and liver function. A total of 258 patients were randomly allocated into the study group (n=129) for treatment with microwave ablation and entecavir or the control group (n=129) for treatment with microwave ablation alone. The levels of liver function indicators and serum HBV-DNA were determined in all patients before and after treatment. While no difference in total effective rate was observed, the levels of TBIL, AST, and ALT were decreased and the level of ALP was increased after treatment in both groups, and the change was more significant in the study group. Compared with that in the control group, the HBV-DNA levels were significantly decreased in the study group. The study group also had higher KPS scores, higher 2-year survival rates, lower recurrence rates, and a lower incidence of adverse reactions. Compared with microwave ablation alone, microwave ablation and entecavir as a combination treatment can improve liver function, serum HBV-DNA levels, and QOL in patients with primary liver cancer.