Analysis of tumor recurrence factors in patients of primary hepatocellular carcinoma with postoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)

Objective： The aim of the study was to analyze the tumor recurrence factors in patients of primary hepatocellular carcinoma （PHC） with postoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE）. Methods： A total of 121 cases of PHC by TACE after 1-2 months of surgery was retrospectively analyzed, followed up and analyzed the free survival time and the factors related to tumor-free survival. Results： In all 121 cases, 1-, 2-, and 3-year tumor-free survival rates were 72.73%, 46.21% and 26.93%, respectively. Gender, age, HBV infection, tumor size, capsule is complete, degree of differentiation and the presence of vascular thrombosis were put into the COX proportional hazards model of survival time to select the influential variables. In the clinical data of all variables entering COX proportional hazards model, tumor size, tumor differentiation and the presence of vascular thrombosis were statistically significant contributions to the model. In the tumor diameter less than or equal 10 cm [P = 0.040, Exp （B） = 2.210], vascular thrombosis [P = 0.039, Exp （B） = 2.922] and the lower degree of tumor differentiation [P = 0.035, Exp （B） = 3.038], the risk of tumor recent recurrence increased. Conclusion： Tumor size, differentiation, and the presence of vascular thrombosis are the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of PHC after TACE.

Jinlong capsule decreases adverse reactions after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze whether Jinlong capsule could decrease adverse reactions after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods Eighty-two patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were randomly divided into the control group and experimental group. On the first day after TACE, the experimental group started receiving four Jinlong capsules orally three times daily, whereas the control group did not receive the treatment.Results The incidences of erythropenia and thrombocytopenia in the experimental group was lower than those in the control group(P = 0.040 and 0.033, respectively). The differences in serum levels of aminotransferase, albumin, potassium, and sodium between the two groups were significant(P = 0.034, 0.034, 0.013, and 0.044, respectively). The mean durations of stomachache and abdominal distension in the experimental group was significantly shorter than those in the control group(P = 0.004 and 0.021, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the incidences of nausea, fever, and vomiting between the two groups(P = 0.490, 0.495, and 0.585, respectively). Conclusion The reduction in the incidence rate and duration of partial adverse reactions after TACE was observed in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with Jinlong capsule compared to untreated patients, suggesting possible beneficial effects exerted by Jinlong capsule on the reduction of TACE-induced liver damage, thereby improving liver function and, consequently, the quality of life.

Radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by comparing with radiofrequency ablation alone

Objective：To compare radiofrequency ablation （RFA） or microwave ablation （MWA） and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） with RFA or MWA monotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）.Methods：A prospective,randomized,controlled trial was conducted on 94 patients with HCC ≤7 cm at a single tertiary referral center from June 2008 to June 2010 at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery,the Second Affiliated Hospital of Southeast University.The patients were randomly assigned into the TACERFA or TACE-MWA （combined treatment group） and the RFA-alone or MWA-alone groups （control group）.The primary end point was overall survival.The secondary end point was recurrence-free survival,and the tertiary end point was adverse effects.Results：Until the time of censor,17 patients in the TACE-RFA or TACE-MWA group had died.The median follow-up time of the patients who were still alive for the TACE-RFA or TACE-MWA group was 47.5±11.3 months （range,29 to 62 months）.The 1-,3-and 5-year overall survival for the TACE-RFA or TACE-MWA group was 93.6％,68.1％ and 61.7％,respectively.Twenty-five patients in the RFA or MWA group had died.The median follow-up time of the patients who were still alive for the RFA or MWA group was 47.0±12.9 months （range,28 to 62 months）.The 1-,3-and 5-year overall survival for the RFA or MWA group was 85.1％,59.6％ and 44.7％,respectively.The patients in the TACE-RFA or TACE-MWA group had better overall survival than the RFA or MWA group [hazard ratio （HR）,0.526; 95％ confidence interval （95％ CO,0.334-0.823; P=0.002],and showed better recurrence-free survival than the RFA or MWA group （HR,0.582; 95％ CI,0.368-0.895; P=0.008）.Conclusions：RFA or MWA combined with TACE in the treatment of HCC ≤7 cm was superior to RFA or MWA alone in improving survival by reducing arterial and portal blood flow due to TACE with iodized oil before RFA.

A comparative study between Embosphere~ and conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for treatment of unresectable liver metastasis from GIST

Objective：Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） is a standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） and/or some unresectable liver metastasis tumors.Hypervascular liver metastatic lesions such as metastasis from gastrointestinal stromal tumor （GIST） are an indication for transcatheter arterial embolization （TAE）.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Embosphere（㊣）-TAE （Embo-TAE） in comparison with conventional TACE （cTACE） for the treatment of liver metastasis from GIST.Methods：A total of 45 patients who underwent TACE between Aug 2008 and Feb 2013 were enrolled.Patients with GIST who underwent TAE with Embosphere（㊣） （n=19） were compared with controls who received cTACE （n=26）.The primary end points were treatment response and treatment-related adverse events.The secondary end points were progression-free survival （PFS） and overall survival （OS）.Results：The treatment response of Embo-TAE group was significandy higher than that of the cTACE group （P＜0.001）.The PFS was significandy better in the Embosphere（㊣）-group than in the cTACE group （56.6 and 42.1 weeks,respectively; P=0.003）.However,there was no statistically significant difference in liver toxicity between the two groups （P＞0.05）.The median OS in the Embo-TAE group was longer than that in the cTACE group （74.0 weeks,95％ CI：68.2-79.8 vs.61.7 weeks,95％ CI：56.2-67.2 weeks） （unadjusted P=0.045）.The use of Embo-TAE significantly reduced the risk of death in patients with GIST with liver metastases according to the Cox proportonal hazards regression model [hazard ratio （HR）：0.149; 95％ CI：0.064-0.475].Conclusions：TAE with Embosphcre（㊣） showed better treatment response and delayed tumor progression compared with cTACE.There was no significant difference in treatment-related hepatic toxicities.EmboTAE thus appears to be a feasible and promising approach in the treatment of liver metastasis from GIST.

Sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy,and high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC） treated by sequential therapy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization（TACE）,three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy（3-DCRT） and high-intensity focused ultrasound（HIFU）.From October,2005 to September,2010,120 patients with unresectable HCC received the sequential treatments of several courses of TACE followed in 2-4 weeks by 3-DCRT and then a single session of HIFU with a curative intent.The median tumor irradiation dose was 40 Gy.Tumor response,toxicity and overall survival rate were analyzed.Clinicopathologic factors affecting the primary technique effectiveness and overall survival rates were investigated by univariate analysis or multivariate analysis.All 120 HCC patients were followed up by the last follow-up time.Among these patients,hepatic toxicities due to treatment were notable in 9 cases.Gastrointestinal bleeding after the overall treatment occurred in 2 cases,leukopenia of grade III was detected in 1 case,radiation-induced liver disease（RILD） was observed in 2 patients,and first-and second-degree skin burn around the HIFU treatment zone were observed in 2 patients and 1 patient,respectively.Among 120 patients,23,83 and 14 cases achieved partial response,stable disease and progressive disease,respectively.The overall survival rates at 1 year,3 years and 5 years were 70%,35% and 15%,respectively,with a median survival time of 26 months.Both Child-Pugh liver function grading and radiation dose were determined to be independent predictors for overall survival revealed by the multivariate analysis.It is concluded that the sequential therapy of TACE,3-DCRT and HIFU is a promising therapeutic regimen for unresectable HCC.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with or without sorafenib for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) and TACE in combination with sorafenib(TACEsorafenib) have shown a significant survival benefit for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Adopting either as a first-line therapy carries major cost and resource implications. The objective of this study was to estimate the relative cost-effectiveness of TACE against TACE-sorafenib for unresectable HCC using a decision analytic model.METHODS: A Markov cohort model was developed to compare TACE and TACE-sorafenib. Transition probabilities and utilities were obtained from systematic literature reviews, and costs were obtained from West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China. Survival benefits were reported in quality-adjusted life-years(QALYs). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio(ICER) was calculated. Sensitive analysis was performed by varying potentially modifiable parameters of the model.RESULTS: The base-case analysis showed that TACE cost $26 951 and yielded survival of 0.71 QALYs, and TACE-sorafenib cost $44 542 and yielded survival of 1.02 QALYs in the entire treatment. The ICER of TACE-sorafenib versus TACE was $56 745 per QALY gained, which was above threshold for cost-effectiveness in China. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the major driver of ICER was the cost post TACE-sorafenib therapy with stable state.CONCLUSION: TACE is a more cost-effective strategy than TACE-sorafenib for the treatment of unresectable HCC.

Novel imaging biomarkers of response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma common cause of cancer death （HCC） is the third most worldwide （1）. Most patients present with intermediate or advanced disease that is not amenable to curative treatment, and the median survival in this group is 6-8 months （2）. Several studies and well- designed randomized trials have shown a positive effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） on patient outcome and survival （3-8）. As nicely described in the present article from Wring et al., assessment of tumor response is of extreme importance in patients undergoing locoregional treatments of liver cancer （9）. Early assessment of the effectiveness of TACE and monitoring of tumor response are paramount to the identification of treatment failure, guidance of future therapy, and determination of the interval for repeat treatment.

Efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with sorafenib in inhibiting tumor angiogenesis in a rabbit VX2 liver cancer model

Background:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with sorafenib on tumor angiogenesis.Materials and methods:Thirty New Zealand rabbit VX2 liver cancer model animals were divided into five groups,which received either normal saline(A),TACE(B),sorafenib(C),sorafenib followed by TACE(D),or TACE followed by sorafenib(E).Serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)levels were measured before and after TACE via ELISA.Immunohistochemistry for CD34 was performed to evaluate microvessel density(MVD),and ultrasonography was used to access tumor volume.Results:VEGF levels declined in group C but increased significantly on the 3 rd post-operative day in groups B,D,and E.Levels decreased after the 7 th post-operative day.Peak levels were significantly lower in group D than in groups B and E.On the 14 th post-operative day,VEGF levels were the lowest in group C,followed by those in groups D and B.MVD was the lowest in group C followed by that in group D and E,and was the highest in group B.Group D had the smallest tumor volume.HE staining of tumor tissues from group C showed apoptosis in a scattered patchy pattern,whereas in groups B,D,and E,large areas of tumor cell necrosis were visible.Conclusion:TACE can up-regulate serum VEGF levels,which in turn accelerates the formation of new blood vessels.Thus,TACE combined with sorafenib inhibits VEGF and angiogenesis,and pre-operative administration of sorafenib has a more superior anti-angiogenic effect than post-operative administration.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of glucocorticoid therapy for hyperbilirubinemia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who have undergone transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of glucocorticoid treatment for hyperbilirubinemia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)who have undergone transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 198 patients with HCC who were admitted to The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from June 2014 to August 2019 and underwent TACE therapy.The patients were divided into glucocorticoid(GCC)treatment group and control group.Standard liver-protecting procedures were used in both groups.The treatment group also received intravenous injections of methylprednisolone sodium succinate for 3–5 days.Reduction in bilirubin concentration,mean duration of hospitalization,and complications were compared between the two groups to investigate the safety and efficacy of GCCs for treatment of hyperbilirubinemia after TACE treatment.Results Bilirubin concentrations were significantly lower in the treatment group than in control group on days 3 and 5 after GCC/conventional liver-protecting treatment(P<0.05).The treatment group had significantly shorter durations of total post-surgery hospitalization,and recovery time than the control group(14.5±4.6 days vs.17.5±6.6 days,P<0.001;9.2±3.3 days vs.11.8±5.4 days,P=0.001;7.0±3.3 days vs.9.3±4.6 days,P<0.001).No GCC-associated complications were detected in the treatment group.Conclusion Short-term use of GCCs to treat hyperbilirubinemia in patients with HCC who have undergone TACE is safe and associated with rapid decline in bilirubin concentration and shorter hospital stay compared with patients who did not receive GCCs.

TACE联合抗血管生成药治疗不可切除PLC有效性和安全性的网状Meta分析

目的系统评价经动脉化疗栓塞术(TACE)联合抗血管生成药治疗不可切除原发性肝癌(PLC)的有效性和安全性。方法检索中国知网、the Cochrane Library等中英文数据库和Google、百度学术,收集TACE联合抗血管生成药治疗不可切除PLC的随机对照试验(RCT),检索时限均为建库至2024年5月27日。筛选文献、提取资料、评价文献质量后,采用R 4.2.2和Stata 17.0软件进行网状Meta分析。结果共纳入44项RCT,共计5607例患者,涉及8种干预措施。网状Meta分析结果显示,在延长中位总生存期(mOS)、中位无进展生存期(m PFS)方面,以TACE+阿帕替尼疗效最优,网状Meta排序前2位的为TACE+阿帕替尼、TACE+索拉非尼;在提高客观缓解率(ORR)和疾病控制率(DCR)方面,以TACE+多纳非尼疗效最优,网状Meta排序前2位的为TACE+多纳非尼、TACE+仑伐替尼;安全性方面,以TACE+多纳非尼最优,网状Meta排序前2位的为TACE+多纳非尼、TACE+阿帕替尼。结论TACE+阿帕替尼、TACE+多纳非尼用于不可切除PLC患者的疗效均较好,且以TACE+多纳非尼的安全性最优。

Treatment of primary hepatic carcinoma by transcatheter arterial perfusion of batroxobin combined with TACE:a preliminary clinical study

Objective:The aim of the study was to explore the therapeutic efficacy and safety of batroxobin in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC) and the advantages of transcatheter arterial perfusion of batroxobin combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).Methods:Forty patients with PHC were randomized into experimental group(transcatheter arterial perfusion of batroxobin combined with TACE treatment,20 patients) and control group(TACE alone group,20 patients).The patients were followed up and the data were recorded,compared and analyzed.Results:(1) Compared with the control group,the FIB level in the experimental group was significantly decreased at the first month after treatment(P < 0.05).(2) The baseline of the tumor was shortened in both groups after the treatment.There was a significant difference between the two groups at different time intervals(P < 0.05).(3) After the treatment,there was a significant difference of progression-free survival(PFS) levels between the two groups(t =2.877,P < 0.05).(4) The incidence of metastasis were 5.0%(1/20) in both groups at 6 months after treatment,and that after one year was 10.0%(2/20) in the experimental group and 25.0%(5/20) in the control group.However,the difference was not significant(χ2 = 0.693,P > 0.05).Conclusion:Batroxobin can rapidly and effectively decrease the FIB level of the PHC cases.Therefore it may be used as an effective and safe adjuvant drug for the treatment of primary hepatic carcinomas.Transcatheter arterial perfusion of batroxobin combined with TACE therapy has advantages in comparison with TACE alone therapy.It could be taken as a new therapeutic regimen in the PHC treatment.

Efficacy of continuous arterial perfusion chemotherapy combined with transarterial chemoembolization regional arterial thermal perfusion in the treatment of pancreatic cancer with liver metastases

Background:The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of continuous transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis.Methods:Sixty patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and liver metastases were enrolled in this study.In the treatment group,31patients underwent continuous transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with TACE regional arterial thermal perfusion,whereas 29 patients included in the control group received intravenous chemotherapy with gemcitabine and S-1.All patients received maintenance chemotherapy with S-1 after 4 cycles of the study regimen.Treatment efficacy,quality of life,survival,and toxicity were evaluated.Results:Efficacy was better in the treatment group than in the control group,as reflected by the objective remission,partial remission,and disease progression rates(all P<0.05).The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and Numerical Rating Scale pain scores were also higher in the treatment group(both P<0.05).In survival analysis,the 1-year overall survival rates in the treatment and control groups were64.516%and 10.345%,respectively,whereas the median overall survival times were 16 and 6 months,respectively(both P<0.05).The6-month progression-free survival rates in the treatment and control groups were 77.419%and 13.790%,respectively,and the median progression-free survival times were 12 and 3 months,respectively(both P<0.05).The rates of hematological and nonhematological toxicological adverse effects were also lower in the treatment group(both P<0.05).Although the rate of liver dysfunction was higher in the treatment group,this finding had no adverse effects on prognosis.Conclusions:Continuous transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with TACE regional arterial perfusion chemotherapy resulted in better efficacy and safety outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer and liver metastasis,suggesting its utility as a reference method for the clinical treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

TACE同步微波消融与TACE治疗不同病理分级神经内分泌肿瘤肝转移的临床疗效比较

目的对比分析经导管动脉化疗栓塞(transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,TACE)同步联合微波消融与单纯TACE在不同病理分级的神经内分泌肿瘤肝转移患者中的疗效及安全性。方法回顾性分析2006年11月1日至2022年7月31日复旦大学附属中山医院介入治疗科收治的神经内分泌肿瘤肝转移患者,根据治疗方式分为同步消融组和TACE组,并根据病理分级分成相应的亚组,通过术后影像学检查评估病灶,随访至2023年7月31日,记录手术相关并发症,随访终点为患者的无进展生存期(progression-free survival,PFS)及总生存期(overall survival,OS)。结果共纳入86例神经内分泌肿瘤患者,同步消融组34例,TACE组52例。根据2019年WHO消化系统神经内分泌肿瘤的分类和分级标准,将患者分为G1期(21例)、G2期(45例)、G3期(20例)。所有患者均未出现严重的术后并发症。TACE组和同步消融组中位OS分别为47.0(95%CI:31.2~62.8)个月和56.0(95%CI:38.3~73.4)个月,差异无统计学意义(P=0.50);中位PFS分别为18.0(95%CI:6.0~30.0)个月和29.0(95%CI:10.0~48.0)个月,差异无统计学意义(P=0.22)。45例G2期患者中27例接受TACE,中位OS为47.0个月,18例接受同步消融,中位OS是59.0个月,两组差异无统计学意义(P=0.45)。TACE组和同步消融组中位PFS分别为12.0个月和32.0个月,差异有统计学意义(P=0.03)。结论与单独TACE治疗相比,TACE同步微波消融可以延缓神经内分泌肿瘤肝转移患者的病情进展,具有较好的安全性,且更适用于中、低级别的神经内分泌肿瘤肝转移患者。

TACE联合射频消融对复发性肝癌患者生存期的影响

目的探究经导管动脉化疗栓塞(TACE)和射频消融(RFA)对复发性肝癌患者生存期的影响。方法本研究选取2018年5月至2021年5月间,本院收治的复发性肝癌患者80例作为研究对象。所有患者均经病理学确诊为肝癌,且至少接受过一次手术治疗后复发。根据治疗方法的不同,将患者分为对照组和观察组两组。对照组35例患者仅予RFA治疗,而观察组45例患者则接受TACE联合RFA治疗。通过对比分析两组患者术后3年内的无瘤生存率、总生存率和并发症发生率。结果比较术后1年内患者的无瘤生存率和总生存率观察组与对照组差异不显著。术后2、3年内患者的无瘤生存率和总生存率观察组显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。多因素logistic多元回归分析结果发现,复发至手术时间短、TACE联合RFA治疗是影响复发性肝癌患者3年内总生存率的重要因素。结论TACE联合RFA治疗对复发性肝癌患者的生存期具有显著的影响,该方法能够提高患者的无瘤生存率和总生存率,值得在临床上进一步推广和应用。

原发性肝癌患者血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT水平与TACE治疗预后的关系

目的探索血清缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)、胸苷激酶1(TK1)、γ-谷氨酰转移酶(γ-GT)对原发性肝癌患者经肝动脉导管化疗栓塞术(TACE)治疗预后的预测价值。方法选取2019年10月至2022年10月接受TACE治疗的172例原发性肝癌患者作为癌症组,同期选择156例健康体检者作为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清HIF-1α、TK1水平,采用全自动分析仪检测血清γ-GT水平;分析血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT水平与患者临床病理特征的关系;对原发性肝癌患者TACE治疗后预后不良的影响因素进行单因素及多因素分析;受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT检测对原发性肝癌患者TACE治疗后预后不良的预测价值。结果癌症组患者血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT水平高于对照组(P<0.001),患者血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT水平与血管侵犯、肿瘤直径及病灶数目相关(P<0.05或0.001);血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT是患者预后不良的影响因素(P<0.05或0.001);血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT联合预测患者预后不良的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)显著大于HIF-1α单独预测的AUC(Z=2.712,P=0.007),TK1单独预测的AUC(Z=3.642,P<0.001),γ-GT单独预测的AUC(Z=3.347,P<0.001)。结论原发性肝癌患者TACE治疗后血清HIF-1α、TK1、γ-GT水平升高,联合检测其水平对患者预后不良具有较好的预测价值。

载药微球栓塞治疗传统TACE抵抗的原发性肝癌临床疗效

目的评价载药微球经导管动脉化疗栓塞(drug-eluting beads-trancatheter arterial chemoembolization,DEB-TACE)治疗对传统导管动脉化疗栓塞(transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,TACE)抵抗的原发性肝癌的安全性及有效性。方法回顾分析2017年1月至2021年1月解放军联勤保障部队第九八〇医院对传统TACE抵抗的原发性肝癌行DEB-TACE治疗25例患者的临床资料,采用改良实体瘤疗效评价标准(m RECIST)统计分析临床疗效,比较治疗前后肝功能变化,记录并发症发生情况。结果25例患者共实施DEB-TACE治疗36例次,栓塞终点为肿瘤染色消失,供血动脉闭塞。根据mRECIST标准,DEB-TACE术后1个月、3个月和6个月患者的客观缓解率(ORR)分别为92%、72%和60%,疾病控制率(DCR)分别为96%、88%和80%。DEB-TACE术后第3天,AST和ALT升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),术后7 d逐步好转,术后30 d恢复至术前水平,与术前比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。总胆红素及白蛋白变化不大,治疗前后差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。未出现肝衰竭、肝脓肿及骨髓抑制等严重并发症。结论DEB-TACE治疗对传统TACE抵抗的中期原发性肝癌安全、有效。

Combination of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation with transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: observation of clinical effects

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of radiofrequency ablation （RFA） combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） for advanced hepatocellnlar carcinoma （HCC）. Methods： A total of 92 eases of advanced primary liver cancer underwent TACE and RFA treatment from June 2005 to 2011 at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College. A total of 88 cases with complete clinical treatment and follow-up data were divided into two groups： 43 patients treated with TACE （TACE group） and 45 patients that received TACE combined with RFA treatment （TACE ＋ RFA group）. After clinical data assessment, tumor size and survival status were not significantly different between the groups as determined by stratified analysis. Results： Before and after surgery, spiral CT radiography and color comparison observed ablation conditions. The tumor necrosis rates after treatment （CR ＋ PR） were 67.4% （29/43） and 91.1% （41/45） for the TACE and combined treatment groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05）. The quality of life was significantly improved for patients undergoing TACE ~ RFA compared with the control group. Survival duration was not significantly different in patients undergoing TACE ~ RFA compared with the control group. Conclusions： In this study, the effect of RFA combined with TACE treatment was better than TACE alone in treating advanced HCC.

Safety and efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with raltitrexed and oxaliplatin post-transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective:To investigate the safety,efficacy,and prognostic factors of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)with raltitrexed and oxaliplatin post-transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(uHCC).Methods:Thirty-seven patients with uHCC who received HAIC with raltitrexed and oxaliplatin post-TACE between June 2014 and December 2016 at our hospital were recruited.The primary endpoint was overall survival(OS),and secondary endpoint was progression-free survival(PFS).The overall response rate(ORR)was evaluated using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.Toxicity was assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events(v4.0).The OS and prognostic factors were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method,log-rank test,and Cox regression models.Results:Three(8.1%)patients achieved complete response,17(46.0%)patients achieved partial response,and the ORR was54.0%.The median OS and median PFS were 19.0 months and 12.0 months,respectively.The common toxicities included grade 3-4 increased aspartate aminotransferase levels(8/37,21.6%),grade 1-2 hyperbilirubinemia(75.7%,28/37),nonspecific abdominal pain and fever,and grade 2-3 thrombocytopenia(18.9%,7/37);no patients developed grade 3-4 neutropenia.Univariate analysis showed that the tumor diameter(≤50 mm,p=0.028),Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)stage(p=0.012),hepatitis B virus DNA level(p=0.033),and derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(dNLR;derived neutrophils/leukocytes minus neutrophils)(p=0.003)were predictive factors for prognosis.Multivariate analysis showed that patients with BCLC stage B disease(p=0.029)and dNLR<2 before therapy(p=0.004)had better prognosis.Conclusions:HAIC with raltitrexed and oxaliplatin post-TACE is a safe and efficacious therapy for patients with uHCC;in particular,those with BCLC stage B and dNLR<2 have better prognosis.

Changes in the frequency of myeloid-derived suppressor cells after transarterial chemoembolization with gelatin sponge microparticles for hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose: A series of clinical studies have established the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) with gelatin sponge microparticles(GSMs) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). HCC can lead to obvious necrosis inside tumors, especially larger ones, although it is unclear whether such necrotic tumor tissue can induce favorable immune reactions against the tumor. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs)have immunosuppressive functions and are currently considered a very important cell type affecting tumor immunity. This study observed changes in MDSC frequency in peripheral blood before and after GSM–TACE to evaluate the effect on the immune function of HCC patients.Methods: Eight patients diagnosed with HCC underwent GSM–TACE treatment in the Hepatobiliary Interventional Department of Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital, Beijing, China;we followed up with the patients over a period of 30 days post-surgery. We used flow cytometry(FCM) to quantify the frequency of MDSCs in peripheral blood before TACE, 10 days after surgery and 30 days after surgery.Results: MDSC frequency after GSM–TACE had a significant downward trend. Pre-TACE, it was 30.73% ? 11.93%,decreasing to 18.60% ? 11.37% at 10 days after operation. This decrease was not statistically significant(P > 0.05). MDSC frequency was even lower 30 days after TACE(7.63% ? 7.32%) than at 10 days after TACE(P < 0.05), and there was a significant difference compared with pre-TACE(P < 0.001). We evaluated tumor response at 30 days after GSM–TACE according to the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(mRECIST), and all eight patients showed partial response(PR).Conclusion: Our results confirmed that GSM–TACE was beneficial for improving anti-tumor immunity in the treatment of HCC.

益脾养肝方联合TACE、3DCRT治疗原发性肝癌的临床观察

目的探讨益脾养肝方联合TACE、3DCRT治疗原发性肝癌的临床观察。方法将2019年1月—2020年6月在医院治疗的102例原发性肝癌患者随机分为两组,对照组使用肝动脉化疗栓塞术(TACE)及三维适形放疗(3DCRT)治疗,在此基础上,观察组使用益脾养肝方治疗,对比两组的近期疗效、中医证候积分、T淋巴细胞亚群、肝功能指标、肿瘤大小及AFP水平、1年生存率及复发率。结果观察组治疗有效率为47.06%、临床控制率为80.39%,明显高于对照组的23.53%、62.75%(P<0.05);观察组治疗后胁痛、脘闷、腹胀、神疲乏力、纳差等中医证候积分明显低于对照组(P<0.05),但在发热、痞块等中医证候积分上无明显差异(P>0.05);观察组治疗后CD_(3)^(+)、CD_(3)^(+)CD_(4)^(+)明显高于对照组(P<0.05),而CD_(3)^(+)CD_(8)^(+)相比无明显差异(P>0.05);观察组治疗后ALT、AST水平明显低于对照组,ALB水平明显高于对照组(P<0.05),而TBIL水平无明显差异(P>0.05);观察组治疗后肿瘤直径、AFP明显低于对照组(P<0.05);观察组1年生存率明显高于对照组,复发率明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论益脾养肝方联合TACE、3DCRT治疗原发性肝癌的临床疗效显著,能明显减轻中医证候,改善免疫功能及肝功能,降低AFP水平,缩小瘤体,在一定程度上提高1年生存率,降低复发率,具有积极的临床意义。