Patients with advanced primary hepatocellular carcinoma treated by melatonin and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: a prospective study

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of tran- scatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and TACE+MLT (melatonin) on inoperable advanced primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: From January 1997 to January 1998, one hundred patients with inoperable advanced primary hepatocellular carcinoma were treated separately by TACE (50) and TACE+MLT (20 mg/d at 8:00 PM orally, 7 days before TACE) (50). Results: The effective rates (WHO standards) of TACE and TACE+MLT were 16% and 28% respec- tively (P<0.05). After TACE or TACE+MLT, the resection rate at two-stage of TACE was 4% or 14% (P<0. 01). The 0.5-, 1- and 2-year survival rates in the TACE group were 82%, 54% and 26% respectively; in the TACE+MLT group 100%, 68% and 40% respectively. The results were significantly better in the TACE+MLT group than in the TACE group. MLT could protect liver function from the damage caused by TACE. The IL-2 levels of all pa- tients significantly increased, whereas sIL-2R expres- sions decreased after TACE+MLT as compared with the TACE group (P<0.01). Conclusions: With definite protection and treatment effect on the liver function damage caused by TACE, MLT can enhance the immunological activities of pa- tients. It also can improve the effect of TACE by in- creasing the survival and resection rate after two- stage operation.

Effects of kanglaite capsules combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） on patients with mid or late-stage primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of kanglaite （KLT） capsules combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） in treating patients with mid or late-stage primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. Methods： Sixty-five cases were randomly divided into 2 groups, 32 patients in combination group received the treatment of KLT capsules ＋ TACE and 33 patients in control group were treated with TACE alone. The objective response rate （RR）, serum alpha fetoprotein （AFP）, peripheral blood T lymphocyte subgroups （T-LS）, quality of life （QOL）, time to progression （TTP） and adverse reaction were observed and compared between 2 groups. Results： The objective response rate and serum alpha fetoprotein levels had no significant difference between the two groups （P 〉 0.05）. Combination group was superior to control group in quality of life （QOL）, time to progression （TTP）, peripheral blood T lymphocyte subgroups （CD3＋, CD4＋, CD4＋／CD8 ratio） and liver adverse reactions, with significant differences （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： KLT capsules combined with TACE is an effective method to treat primary hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） patients who have lost the opportunity of surgical therapy.

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.

Sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization before right hemihepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:Recent studies showed that sequential selective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)and portal vein embolization(PVE)provided better future liver remnant(FLR)regeneration rate and disease-free survival following surgery compared with PVE alone.The present study aimed to clarify whether preoperative sequential TACE and PVE before right hemihepatectomy can reduce postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)recurrence and improve long-term disease-free and overall survival.Methods:Recurrence and survival outcomes were retrospectively evaluated in 205 patients with HCC who underwent right hemihepatectomy by a single surgeon from November 1993 to November 2017.Patients were divided into four groups according to the procedure performed before the surgery:sequential TACE and PVE(TACE-PVE),PVE-only,TACE-only,or na?ve control groups.The baseline patient and tumor characteristics,postoperative outcomes,recurrence-free survival and overall survival were analyzed.Results:Baseline patient and tumor characteristics upon diagnosis were similar in all four groups,while sequential TACE and PVE were well tolerated.The TACE-PVE group had a higher mean increase in percentage FLR volume compared with that of the PVE-only group(17.46%±6.63%vs.12.14%±5.93%;P=0.001).The TACE-PVE group had significantly better overall and disease-free survival rates compared with the other groups(both P<0.001).Conclusions:Sequential TACE and PVE prior to surgery can be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with HCC scheduled for major hepatic resection.The active application of preoperative sequential TACE and PVE for HCC would allow more patients with marginal FLR volume to become candidates for major hepatic resection by promoting compensatory FLR hypertrophy without the deterioration of basal hepatic functional reserve or tumor progression.

Prognosis following transcatheter arterial embolization for 121 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with or without a history of treatment

AIM： To retrospectively evaluate the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） with or without a history of therapy for HCC following transcatheter arterial embolization （TAE）. METHODS： One hundred and twenty-one patients with HCC treated with TAE from 1992 to 2004 in our hospital were enrolled in this study. Eighty-four patients had a history of treatment for HCC, while 37 did not. At the time of entry, patients with extra-hepatic metastasis, portal vein tumor thrombosis, or Child-Pugh class C were excluded. TAE was repeated when recurrence of HCC was diagnosed by elevated tumor markers, or ultrasonography or dynamic computed tomography findings. RESULTS： Tumor size was larger and the number of tumors was fewer in patients without past treatment （P〈0.01）. However, there were no differences in tumor node metastasis （TNM） stage or survival rate between the 2 groups. A bilobular tumor and high level of α-fetoprotein （AFP） （〉100 ng/mL） were factors related to a poor prognosis in patients with a history of HCC. CONCLUSION： The prognosis following TAE is similar between HCC patients with and without past treatment. Early diagnosis of HCC or recurrent HCC and obtaining good local control against HCC before entry to a repeated TAE course can improve prognosis.

Combined treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with partial splenic embolization and transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization

AIM: To prospectively evaluate the effi cacy and safety of partial splenic embolization (PSE) combined with transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Fifty patients suffering from primary HCC associated with hypersplenism caused by cirrhosis were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group A receiving PSE combined with TACE (n = 26) and group B receiving TACE alone (n = 24). Follow-up examinations included calculation of peripheral blood cells (leukcytes, platelets and red blood cells) and treatment-associated complications. RESULTS: Prior to treatment, there was no signifi cant difference in sex, age, Child-Pugh grade, tumor diameter, mass pathology type and peripheral blood cell counts between the 2 groups. After treatment, leukocyte and platelet counts were significantly higher in group A during the 3-mo follow-up period (P < 0.05), but lower in group B (P < 0.05). Severe complications occurred in 3 patients (11.5%) of group A and in 19 patients (79.2%) of group B (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in symptoms of post-embolization syndrome, including abdominal pain, fever, mild nausea and vomiting between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PSE combined with TACE is more effective and safe than TACE alone for patients with HCC associated with hypersplenism caused by cirrhosis.

Efficacy of transcatheter embolization/chemoembolization (TAE/TACE) for the treatment of single hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the efficacy of transcatheter embolization/chemoembolization (TAE/TACE) in cirrhotic patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not suitable for surgical resection and percutaneous ablation therapy. METHODS:A cohort of 176 consecutive cirrhotic patients with single HCC undergoing TAE/TACE was reviewed; 162 patients had at least one image examination (helical CT scan or triphasic contrastenhanced MRI) after treatment and were included into the study. TAE was performed with Lipiodol followed by Gelfoam embolization; TACE was performed with Farmorubicin prepared in sterile drip at a dose of 50 mg/m2,infused over 30 min using a peristaltic pump,and followed by Lipiodol and Gelfoam embolization. RESULTS:Patients characteristics were:mean age,62 years; male/female 117/45; Child-Pugh score 6.2 ± 1.1; MELD 8.7 ± 2.3; mean HCC size,3.6 (range 1.0-12.0) cm. HCC size class was ≤ 2.0 cm,n = 51; 2.1-3.0 cm,n = 35; 3.1-4.0 cm,n = 29; 4.1-5.0 cm,n = 22; 5.1-6.0 cm,n = 11; and > 6.0 cm,n = 14. Patients received a total of 368 TAE/TACE (mean 2.4 ± 1.7). Complete tumor necrosis was obtained in 94 patients (58%),massive (90%-99%) necrosis in 16 patients (10%),partial (50%-89%) necrosis in 18 patients (11%) and poor (< 50%) necrosis in the remaining 34 patients (21%). The rate of complete necrosis according to the HCC size class was:69%,69%,52%,68%,50% and,13% for lesions of ≤ 2.0,2.1-3.0,3.1-4.0,4.1-5.0,5.1-6.0,and > 6.0 cm,respectively. Kaplan-Mayer survival at 24-mo was 88%,68%,59%,59%,45%,and 53% for lesions of ≤ 2.0,2.1-3.0,3.1-4.0,4.1-5.0,5.1-6.0,and > 6.0 cm,respectively. CONCLUSION:Our study showed that in cirrhotic patients with single HCC smaller than 6.0 cm,TAE/TACE produces complete local control of tumor in a significant proportion of patients. TAE/TACE is an effective therapeutic option in patients with single HCC not suitable for surgical resection or percutaneous ablation therapies. Further studies should investigate if the new available embolization agents or drug eluting beads may improve the effect on tumor necrosis.

Simultaneous transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization for patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma before major hepatectomy

BACKGROUND Sequential transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)and portal vein embolization(PVE)are associated with long time interval that can allow tumor growth and nullify treatments'benefits.AIM To evaluate the effect of simultaneous TACE and PVE for patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)prior to elective major hepatectomy.METHODS Fifty-one patients with large HCC who underwent PVE combined with or without TACE prior to hepatectomy were included in this study,with 13 patients in the simultaneous TACE+PVE group,17 patients in the sequential TACE+PVE group,and 21 patients in the PVE-only group.The outcomes of the procedures were compared and analyzed.RESULTS All patients underwent embolization.The mean interval from embolization to surgery,the kinetic growth rate of the future liver remnant(FLR),the degree of tumor size reduction,and complete tumor necrosis were significantly better in the simultaneous TACE+PVE group than in the other groups.Although the patients in the simultaneous TACE+PVE group had a higher transaminase levels after PVE and TACE,they recovered to comparable levels with the other two groups before surgery.The intraoperative course and the complication and mortality rates were similar among the three groups.The overall survival and disease-free survival were higher in the simultaneous TACE+PVE group than in the other two groups.CONCLUSION Simultaneous TACE and PVE is a safe and effective approach to increase FLR volume for patients with large HCC before major hepatectomy.

Quantitative analysis of plasma HBV DNA for early evaluation of the response to transcatheter arterial embolization for HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM： To assesse changes in plasma HBV DNA after TAE in HBV-related HCC and correlate the levels with the pattern of lipiodol accumulation on CT. METHODS： Between April and June 2001, 14 patients with HBV-associated HCC who underwent TAE for inoperable or recurrent tumor were studied. Levels of plasma HBV DNA were measured by real-time quantitative PCR daily for five consecutive days after TAE. More than twofold elevation of circulating HBV DNA was considered as a definite elevation. Abdominal CT was performed 1-2 mo after TAE for the measurement of lipiodol retention. RESULTS： Circulating HBV DNA in 10 out of 13 patients was elevated after TAE, except for one patient whose plasma HBV DNA was undetectable before and after TAE. In group Ⅰ patients （n = 6）, the HBV DNA elevation persisted for more than 2 d, while in group Ⅱ （n = 7）, the HBV DNA elevation only appeared for i d or did not reach a definite elevation. There were no significant differences in age or tumor size between the two groups. Patients in group Ⅰ had significantly better lipiodol retention （79.31±28.79%） on subsequent abdominal CT than group Ⅱ （18.43±10.61%） （P = 0.02）. CONCLUSION： Patients with durable HBV DNA elevation for more than 2 d correlated with good lipiodol retention measured 1 mo later, while others associated with poor lipiodol retention. Thus, circulating HBV DNA may be an early indicator of the success or failure of TAE.

Influence of transcatheter arterial embolization on symptom distress and fatigue in liver cancer patients

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a prevalent malignancy,and transcatheter arterial embolization(TAE)has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic modality.How-ever,TAE may induce symptom distress and fatigue,adversely affecting the quality of life of patients.AIM To investigate symptom distress,fatigue,and associated factors in HCC patients undergoing TAE.METHODS We used a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling to enroll HCC patients who underwent TAE at our institution from January to December 2022.Question-naires were utilized to collect data on symptom distress and fatigue scores from the first to the third day after TAE.RESULTS Our study revealed a significant reduction in fatigue and symptom distress among patients after TAE.Pain,fatigue,insomnia,fever and abdominal dis-tension were the most common symptoms troubling patients during the first 3 d post-TAE.Marital status,presence of family support,physical functional status,age,and symptom distress were identified as predictors of fatigue in patients.CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals should educate HCC patients on symptom distress and INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)ranks as the fifth most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally.Surgical intervention remains the cornerstone of HCC treatment;however,due to the challenges associated with early diagnosis and the lack of specific diagnostic markers,a considerable proportion of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages,rendering them ineligible for surgical interventions.Transcatheter arterial embolization(TAE)is an interventional therapeutic approach involving the insertion of a fine catheter via the femoral artery to reach the vasculature near the tumor site.TAE aims to obstruct the arterial supply to the tumor by deploying embolic agents,thereby inducing necrosis in cancer cells.This procedure is suitable for patients with good liver function and overall health,particularly those with large HCCs that have not invaded the portal vein[1,2].Nonetheless,following TAE,hepatocytes incur variable degrees of damage,leading to the development of a constel-lation of symptoms reminiscent of acute hepatitis.These symptoms include fatigue and systemic discomfort,such as nausea,vomiting,fever,abdominal pain,as well as transient elevations in aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),collectively referred to as postembolization syndrome[3,4].These symptoms may arise due to ischemia of the liver and gallbladder,temporary liver enlargement,and peritoneal irritation.While many studies have explored fatigue and symptom distress in cancer patients both nationally and internationally,with some focusing on symptom distress following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,there has been limited in-depth investigation into the fatigue and symptom distress resulting from TAE treatment[5-8].Fatigue and pain are both subjective experiences,typically arising from the gradual depletion of energy reserves during the course of illness[9].Fatigue is particularly prevalent among cancer patients,with rates soaring as high as 90%.Despite extensive research exploring cancer-related fatigue and its influencing factors,a unanimous consensus remains elusive.Hence,the primary objective of this study was to investigate the symptom distress and fatigue experienced by liver cancer patients following TAE treatment and to analyze potential contributing factors.

Therapeutic efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization of primary hepatocellular carcinoma: discrepancy in different histopathologic subtypes

Objective To evaluate preliminarily the therapeutic efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for different histopathologic subtypes of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A retrospective study of 226 patients with histopathologically diagnosed primary HCC was performed. The patients were treated with either single TAE, surgical resection of tumor alone, or TAE combined with surgical resection. Follow up information was achieved in 157 of 226 patients. Comparative analyses of survival data and image findings were performed with correlation to histopathologic classification and different therapeutic methods,respectively. Results Eight histopathologic subtypes of primary HCC were found in this group, including HCC of trabecular pattern, pseudoglandular pattern, fibrolamellar HCC and sclerosing HCC, as well as HCC of clear cell, of small cell, poorly differentiated or undifferentiated HCC, and hormonally active HCC. The accumulated survival rate for these 157 patients was 74.52% of 1 year, 53.50% of 2 years, 31.85% and 14.01% of 3 and 5 years, respectively. Fibrolamellar HCC and clear cell HCC had relatively higher survival rate (25.00% and 33.22% of 5 years, respectively) than that of other subtypes, and the median survival time of the latter was 71 months. The mean survival time was 25.06 months (SE=1.87) in single TAE group, 30.38 (SE=2.05) months in surgical resection, and 72 months (SE=6.90) in TAE combined with resection. Conclusions Discrepancies do exist in therapeutic effect of different subtypes of HCC. In this study, clear cell HCC was more sensitive to TAE than other subtypes, and, in contrast, small cell HCC and poorly differentiated or undifferentiated HCC were of lower sensitivity to TAE.

Radiofrequency ablation in a porcine liver model:Effects of transcatheter arterial embolization with iodized oil on ablation time,maximum output,and coagulation diameter as well as angiographic characteristics

AIM:To evaluate the effects of combined radiofrequen-cy ablation and transcatheter arterial embolization with iodized oil on ablation time,maximum output,coagula-tion diameter,and portal angiography in a porcine liver model. METHODS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was applied to in vivo livers of 10 normal pigs using a 17-gauge 3.0 cm expandable LeVeen RF needle electrode with or with-out transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with iodized oil (n = 5). In each animal,2 areas in the liver were ab-lated. Direct portography was performed before and af-ter RFA. Ablation was initiated at an output of 30 W,and continued with an increase of 10 W per minute until roll-off occurred. Ablation time and maximum output until roll-off,and coagulated tissue diameter were compared between the 2 groups. Angiographic changes on portog-raphy before and after ablation were also reviewed. RESULTS: For groups with and without TAE with iodized oil,the ablation times until roll-off were 320.6 ± 30.9 seconds and 445.1 ± 35.9 seconds,respectively,maxi-mum outputs were 69.0 ± 7.38 W and 87.0 ± 4.83 W and maximal diameters of coagulation were 41.7 ± 3.85 mm and 33.2 ± 2.28 mm. Significant reductions of abla-tion time and maximum output,and significantly larger coagulation diameter were obtained with RFA following TAE with iodized oil compared to RFA alone. Portography after RFA following TAE with iodized oil revealed more occlusion of the larger portal branches than with RFA alone. CONCLUSION: RFA following TAE with iodized oil can increase the volume of coagulation necrosis with lower output and shorter ablation time than RFA alone in nor-mal pig liver tissue.

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.

Cerebral and pulmonary embolisms after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

A cerebral lipiodol embolism is an extremely rare complication of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. We present a case of cerebral lipiodol embolism that occurred after the third arterial chemoembolization, report the clinical and radiological findings, and review the medical literature.

Pulmonary and cerebral lipiodol embolism after transcatheter arterial hemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma

Pulmonary and cerebral lipiodol embolism after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma is rare. To our knowledge, only 7 cases have been reported in the literature. We present a case of pulmonary and cerebral lipiodol embolism, and analyzed retrospectively the imaging and clinical data of the patient and conclude the most probable mechanism of pulmonary and cerebral lipiodol embolism, which is different from that of the cases reported previously.

Pulmonary complications of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) is an effective palliative intervention that is widely accepted for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Post-TACE pulmonary complications resulting in acute lung injury(ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) are rare events. Pulmonary complications after TACE are thought to be related to chemical injury subsequent to the migration of the infused ethiodized oil or chemotherapeutic agent to the lung vasculature, facilitated by arteriovenous(AV) shunts within the hyper-vascular HCC. We review herein the literature on pulmonary complications related to TACE for HCC. Post-TACE pulmonary complications have included pulmonary oil embolism, interstitial pneumonitis, chemical pneumonitis, ALI, ARDS, lipoid pneumonia, acute eosinophilic and neutrophilic pneumonia, bilious pleuritis, pulmonary abscess, pulmonary tumor embolism, and possibly pulmonary metastasis with HCC. The risk factors associated with post-TACE pulmonary complications identified in the literature include large hyper-vascular HCC with AV shunts, large-volume Lipiodol infusion, and embolization via the right inferior phrenic artery. However, the absence of known risk factors is not a guarantee against serious complications. An astute awareness of the potential post-TACE pulmonary complications should expedite appropriate therapeutic interventions and increase potential for early recovery.

Pulmonary embolism after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma:a retrospective analysis on 10 years' experience

To study the clinical characteristics and treatment of pulmonary embolism （PE） after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） for hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. Methods： The clinical records of 13 512 patients diagnosed with HCC and received TACE from January 2000 to December 2009 were reviewed. Among these patients, 5 031 were allocated into group A who had one or more disorders like diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity or varicose vein of lower limb, while the other 8 481 patients who did not have such disorders were in group B. Results： A total of 39 185 TACE procedures were performed for the 13 512 patients. Five （0.01%） patients in group A developed PE after TACE, of whom two recovered 4 and 5 d later with early anticoagulant therapy while the hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity or varicose vein of lower limb are possibly more likely to develop PE other 3 died of respiratory failure within 5 h. The mortality of PE was 60% （3/5）. Conelusion： HCC patients with diabetes, after TACE than those without such disorders. Patients who have such disorders should be more carefully observed after TACE and early treatment with heparin should be applied once PE develops.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for chest wall metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hemothorax due to rupture of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very rare complication with high mortality because of uncontrollable hemorrhage. A 71-year-old man treated by transcatheter arterial embolization for HCC with massive bleeding from chest wall metastasis is reported. Enhanced computed tomography and selective intercostal angiogram showed a hypervascular mass in the right chest wall and extravasation of contrast agent. After successful transcatheter arterial embolization with gelatin sponge particles and metallic coils, the patient recovered from shock without major complication. To our knowledge, a successfully treated case of hemothorax due to rupture of metastatic HCC has not previously been described.

Segmental Embolization by Ethanol Iodized Oil Emulsion for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The hemodynamic changes of portal vein before and after intra arterial infusion of ethanol iodized oil emulsion (EIOE) were studied in 4 healthy dogs. Segmental transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using EIOE was performed in 55 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Twenty patients subsequently underwent surgery. It was concluded that segmental TAE might lead to double embolization of both hepatic arteries and portal veins. It is a more effective therapeutic method for HCC localized in one or a few segments, as compared with conventional TAE.

Evaluation of short-term effects of drug-loaded microspheres and traditional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of advanced liver cancer

BACKGROUND Liver cancer is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality.Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)is the main method for surgically unresectable liver cancer.In recent years,drug-loaded microspheres have been gradually applied in TACE technology.There are some controversies about the therapeutic effects of drug-loaded microspheres TACE(D-TACE)and traditional TACE.AIM To explore the short-term efficacy of D-TACE and traditional TACE in the treatment of advanced liver cancer.METHODS The clinical data of 73 patients with advanced liver cancer admitted to the First and Sixth Medical Centers of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2017 to October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,15 patients were treated with D-TACE,and 58 patients were treated with traditional TACE.Clinical baseline characteristics,perioperative laboratory indices,postoperative adverse reactions and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.RESULTS There was no statistical difference between the two groups for the postoperative response:The highest postoperative body temperature of the drug-loaded microsphere group was 38.0±0.9℃and the postoperative highest body temperature of the traditional TACE group was 38.3±0.7℃(t=-1.414,P=0.162).For the 24 h postoperative nausea and vomiting after surgery in terms of scoring and postoperative pain scores,the traditional TACE group was higher than the drugloaded microsphere group(χ2=14.33,P=0.014;χ2=32.967,P=0.000)and the two groups had significant statistical differences.The disease control rate at 3 mo after treatment in the drugloaded microsphere group was 60%and the disease control rate at 3 mo after treatment in the traditional TACE group was 75.9%(χ2=4.091,P=0.252).There was no statistical difference between the two groups of data.During the follow-up period,the number of interventional treatments received was once in the drug-loaded microsphere group and the traditional TACE group received an average of 1.48 treatments(χ2=10.444 P=0.005).There was a statistical difference between the two groups.CONCLUSION Compared with traditional TACE,D-TACE may have some advantages in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with a large tumor load in the short term,but the long-term clinical efficacy needs additional follow-up studies.In addition,compared with the traditional group,the patients in the drug-loaded microsphere group had better subjective tolerance and could reduce the number of interventional treatments.Therefore,D-TACE is worthy of clinical promotion.