Percutaneous Isolated Hepatic Perfusion for the Treatment of Unresectable Liver Malignancies

An Open-label, Randomized Study of Melphalan/Hepatic Delivery System Versus Best Alternative Care in Patients with Unresectable Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

BACKGROUND

Metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) has a poor prognosis, with liver metastases typically presenting a therapeutic challenge. Melphalan/Hepatic Delivery System (Melphalan/HDS) is a drug/medical device combination used for liver-directed treatment of unresectable mUM patients. This study assessed efficacy and safety of Melphalan/HDS versus best alternative care (BAC).

METHODS

Eligible patients with unresectable mUM were randomized (1:1) to receive Melphalan/HDS (3 mg/kg ideal body weight) once every 6 to 8 weeks for a maximum of 6 cycles or BAC. Due to slow enrollment and patient reluctance to receive BAC treatment, the study design was amended to a single-arm Melphalan/HDS study, and all efficacy analyses of the randomized study were treated as exploratory.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 85 patients. Eligible patients were randomized to receive Melphalan/HDS (n = 43) or BAC (n = 42), and 72 patients received study treatment (Melphalan/HDS [n = 40]; BAC [n = 32]). Exploratory analyses of efficacy endpoints showed numerical differences consistently favoring the Melphalan/HDS arm versus BAC (median overall survival: 18.5 vs. 14.5 months; median progression-free survival: 9.1 vs. 3.3 months; objective response rate: 27.5% vs. 9.4%; and disease control rate: 80.0% vs. 46.9%). Serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 51.2% of Melphalan/HDS and in 21.9% of BAC patients. The most common (>5%) SAEs included thrombocytopenia (19.5%), neutropenia (9.8%), leukopenia (9.8%) and febrile neutropenia (7.3%) in Melphalan/HDS patients and cholecystitis, nausea and vomiting (6.3% each) in BAC patients. No treatment-related deaths were observed.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with Melphalan/HDS shows clinically meaningful efficacy and demonstrates a favorable benefit-risk profile in patients with unresectable mUM as compared to BAC.

Anesthesia-specific Protocol for Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion Procedures

Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) procedures are being increasingly utilized to treat metastatic liver disease from uveal melanoma. The authors' institution has more than 15 years of experience with over 200 PHP procedures performed, far surpassing any other center in the United States. The anesthetic safety profile for PHP procedures is favorable and begins with preoperative patient evaluation and optimization. Intraoperative anesthetic management can be challenging, with extreme fluctuations seen in blood pressure and heart rate associated with direct hepatic artery chemotherapy delivery and the venovenous bypass circuit. Patients often need maximal doses of vasopressors for a short time period to treat these hemodynamic disturbances. Postoperatively, patients require a variety of blood products to resolve coagulopathy and may need diuretics to treat fluid overload. Anesthesia- and procedure-associated complications are rare and include anaphylaxis, arrhythmias, cardiac ischemia, pulmonary edema, and bleeding. PHP procedures are generally well-tolerated, and an anesthesia-specific protocol is imperative for their success.

Hepatic Perfusion for Diffuse Metastatic Cancer to the Liver: Open and Percutaneous Techniques

The management of patients with diffuse liver metastases remains a significant clinical challenge. In many cancer patients, metastatic disease may be isolated to the liver or the liver may be the dominant site of progressive metastatic cancer. In this setting, progression of disease in the liver generally is the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality.

Efficacy and Safety of the Melphalan/Hepatic Delivery System in Patients with Unresectable Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Results from an Open-Label, Single-Arm, Multicenter Phase 3 Study

BACKGROUND

Uveal melanoma (UM) has a poor prognosis once liver metastases occur. The melphalan/Hepatic Delivery System (melphalan/HDS) is a drug/device combination used for liver-directed treatment of metastatic UM (mUM) patients. The purpose of the FOCUS study was to assess the efficacy and safety of melphalan/HDS in patients with unresectable mUM.

METHODS

Eligible patients with mUM received treatment with melphalan (3.0 mg/kg ideal body weight) once every 6 to 8 weeks for a maximum of six cycles. The primary end point was the objective response rate (ORR). The secondary end points included duration of response (DOR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

The study enrolled 102 patients with mUM. Treatment was attempted in 95 patients, and 91 patients received treatment. In the treated population (n = 91), the ORR was 36.3 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 26.44-47.01), including 7.7 % of patients with a complete response. Thus, the study met its primary end point because the lower bound of the 95 % CI for ORR exceeded the upper bound (8.3 %) from the benchmark meta-analysis. The median DOR was 14 months, and the median OS was 20.5 months, with an OS of 80 % at 1 year. The median PFS was 9 months, with a PFS of 65 % at 6 months. The most common serious treatment-emergent adverse events were thrombocytopenia (15.8 %) and neutropenia (10.5 %), treated mostly on an outpatient basis with observation. No treatment-related deaths were observed.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with melphalan/HDS provides a clinically meaningful response rate and demonstrates a favorable benefit-risk profile in patients with unresectable mUM (study funded by Delcath; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02678572; EudraCT no. 2015-000417-44).

Vascular Interventions in Oncology

Vascular interventions are an important and established tool in the management of the oncology patient. The goal of these procedures may be curative, palliative or adjunctive in nature. Some of the common vascular interventions used in oncology include transarterial embolisation or chemoembolisation, selective internal radiation therapy, chemosaturation, venous access lines, superior vena cava stenting and portal vein embolisation. We provide an overview of the principles, technology and approach of vascular techniques for tumour therapy in both the arterial and venous systems. Arterial interventions are currently mainly used in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Transarterial embolisation, chemoembolisation and selective internal radiation therapy deliver targeted catheter-delivered treatments with the aim of reducing tumour burden, controlling tumour growth or increasing survival in patients not eligible for transplantation. Chemosaturation is a regional chemotherapy technique that delivers high doses of chemotherapy directly to the liver via the hepatic artery, while reducing the risks of systemic effects. Venous interventions are more adjunctive in nature. Venous access lines are used to provide a means of delivering chemotherapy and other medications directly into the bloodstream. Superior vena cava stenting is a palliative procedure that is used to relieve symptoms of superior vena cava obstruction. Portal vein embolisation is a procedure that allows hypertrophy of a healthy portion of the liver in preparation for liver resection. Interventional radiology-led vascular interventions play an essential part of cancer management. These procedures are minimally invasive and provide a safe and effective adjunct to traditional cancer treatment methods. Appropriate work-up and discussion of each patient-specific problem in a multidisciplinary setting with interventional radiology is essential to provide optimum patient-centred care.

Quality of Life Analysis of Patients Treated with Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion for Uveal Melanoma Liver Metastases

PURPOSE

Percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP) is a minimally invasive therapy with proven efficacy in patients with uveal melanoma (UM) liver metastases. M-PHP is associated with a short hospital admission time and limited systemic side effects. In this study, we assessed quality of life (QoL) in UM patients treated with M-PHP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, single-center study including 24 patients treated with M-PHP for UM metastases to the liver. QoL questionnaires were collected at baseline, on day 2/3 after M-PHP, and on day 7 and day 21 after M-PHP, according to study protocol. The results were scored according to EORTC-QLQ C30 global health status (GHS), functional scales, and symptom scales. The difference in scores at baseline and subsequent time points was analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and multiple testing Bonferroni correction. Adverse events (AE) were registered up to 30 days after M-PHP according to CTCAE v5.0.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (14 males; median age 63.0 years) completed 96 questionnaires. Most scores on all scales declined on day 2/3 after M-PHP. On day 21 after M-PHP, 12 out of 15 scores returned to baseline, including median GHS scores. Three variables were significantly worse on day 21 compared to baseline: fatigue (6-33; p = 0.002), physical functioning (100 vs 86.7; p = 0.003), and role functioning (100 vs 66.7; p = 0.001). Grade 3/4 AEs consisted mainly of hematological complications, such as leukopenia and thrombopenia.

CONCLUSION

M-PHP causes fatigue and a decline in physical and role functioning in the 1st weeks after treatment, but GHS returns to baseline levels within 21 days. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: Cohort study.

An arterial access system for targeted chemotherapy delivery and arterial-arterial extracorporeal recirculation for 'end stage' peripheral vascular disease

BACKGROUND

Vascular access via a single arterial catheter for targeted chemotherapy delivery has difficulties with concentration, dilution, drug retention, plasma binding, and lack of control of the tumour microcirculation. An implantable arterial access system to accommodate multi-catheter access was developed address these problems. The system was also adapted for isolated arterial-to-arterial extracorporeal suprasystolic perfusion for end stage peripheral vascular disease. The arterial-to-arterial logistics were compared with standard venovenous and arteriovenous fistulae access employed in haemodialysis.

METHODS

Targeted chemotherapy delivery was addressed in a pilot study of vascular liver isolation. Ten patients with secondary colorectal cancer, were treated with multiple infusions employing up to five individually steered catheters. The arterial-to-arterial extracorporeal access system was also used to treat end stage peripheral vascular disease in 20 patients where amputation was the only option. The trial was named Hypertensive Extracorporeal Limb Perfusion (HELP).

RESULTS

Multiple day only infusions produced a partial response or stable disease in six out of the ten patients in an 'end stage' setting. The mean survival was 11.2 months. Of the twenty patients facing amputation 40% had avoided amputation at follow-up 22 months and 20% had delay of 4 months.

CONCLUSION

The access system allows repeatable steerable multi-catheter arterial access for chemotherapy delivery to address difficulties of concentration, dilution, plasma binding and microvascular control. The access system supports multiple repeatable suprasystolic extracorporeal arterial to arterial access. It is cardiac independent generating flows of greater than 1 L/min with zero flow in between treatments. The device logistics compares favourably with arteriovenous and venovenous access systems.

Recent approaches for the treatment of uveal melanoma: Opportunities and challenges

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most prevalent primary intraocular cancer in adult population. Primary methods for treatment of UM involves surgery Proton Beam Therapy (PBT), Plaque Brachytherapy, phototherapy, and Charged Particle Radiation Therapy (CPT). It has been found that approximately 50 % of patients diagnosed with UM ultimately experience development of metastatic disease. Furthermore, it has been identified that majority of the patient experience metastasis in liver with a prevalence of 95 %. Management of metastatic UM (MUM) involves various therapeutic modalities, including systemic chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and liver directed interventions. We outline gene mutation in UM and addresses various treatment modalities, including molecular targeted therapy, miRNA-based therapy, and immunotherapy. Additionally, inclusion of ongoing clinical trials aimed at developing novel therapeutic options for management of UM are also mentioned.

Combining Melphalan Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion with Ipilimumab Plus Nivolumab in Advanced Uveal Melanoma: First Safety and Efficacy Data from the Phase Ib Part of the Chopin Trial

PURPOSE

To define a safe treatment dose of ipilimumab (IPI) and nivolumab (NIVO) when applied in combination with percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP) in metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) patients (NCT04283890), primary objective was defining a safe treatment dose of IPI/NIVO plus M-PHP. Toxicity was assessed according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03 (CTCAEv4.03). Secondary objective was response rate, PFS and OS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients between 18-75 years with confirmed measurable hepatic mUM according to RECIST 1.1 and WHO performance score 0-1 were included. Intravenous IPI was applied at 1 mg/kg while NIVO dose was increased from 1 mg/kg in cohort 1 to 3 mg/kg in cohort 2. Transarterial melphalan dose for M-PHP was 3 mg/kg (maximum of 220 mg) in both cohorts. Treatment duration was 12 weeks, consisting of four 3-weekly courses IPI/NIVO and two 6-weekly M-PHPs.

RESULTS

Seven patients were included with a median age of 63.6 years (range 50-74). Both dose levels were well tolerated without dose-limiting toxicities or deaths. Grade III/IV adverse events (AE) were observed in 2/3 patients in cohort 1 and in 3/4 patients in cohort 2, including Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), febrile neutropenia and cholecystitis. Grade I/II immune-related AEs occurred in all patients, including myositis, hypothyroidism, hepatitis and dermatitis. There were no dose-limiting toxicities. The safe IPI/NIVO dose was defined as IPI 1 mg/kg and NIVO 3 mg/kg. There was 1 complete response, 5 partial responses and 1 stable disease (3 ongoing responses with a median FU of 29.1 months).

CONCLUSION

Combining M-PHP with IPI/NIVO was safe in this small cohort of patients with mUM at a dose of IPI 1 mg/kg and NIVO 3 mg/kg.

Predictive Parameters in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion with Melphalan for Unresectable Liver Metastases from Uveal Melanoma: A Retrospective Pooled Analysis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify positive predictors for survival in uveal melanoma (UM) patients treated with percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP), by retrospectively pooling data from three centers.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis including patients (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\ge$$\end{document}≥ 18 years) treated with M-PHP between February 2014 and December 2019 for unresectable liver-dominant or liver-only metastases from UM. Predictors for OS were assessed using uni- and multivariate analyses. Other study outcome measures were response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), liver progression-free survival (LPFS), overall survival (OS) and complications according to CTCAEv5.0.

Results

In total, 101 patients (47.5% males; median age 59.0 years) completed a minimum of one M-PHP. At a median follow-up time of 15.0 months, complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease were seen in five (5.0%), 55 (54.5%), 30 (29.7%) and 11 (10.9%) patients, respectively, leading to a 89.1% disease control rate. Median PFS, LPFS and OS were 9.0, 11.0 and 20.0 months, respectively. Survival analyses stratified for radiological response demonstrated significant improved survival in patients with CR or PR and SD category. Treatment of the primary tumor with radiotherapy, ≥ 2 M-PHP and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) < 248 U/L were correlated with improved OS. Thirty-day mortality was 1.1% (n = 2). Most common complication was hematological toxicity (self-limiting in most cases).

Conclusion

M-PHP is safe and effective in patients with UM liver metastases. Achieving CR, PR or SD is associated with improved survival. Primary tumor treatment with radiotherapy, normal baseline LDH and > 1 M-PHP cycles are associated with improved OS.

Combining Hepatic Percutaneous Perfusion with Ipilimumab plus Nivolumab in advanced uveal melanoma (CHOPIN): study protocol for a phase Ib/randomized phase II trial

Background

While immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has revolutionized the treatment of metastatic cutaneous melanoma, no standard treatments are available for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (UM). Several locoregional therapies are effective in the treatment of liver metastases, such as percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP). The available literature suggests that treatment with ICI following locoregional treatment of liver UM metastases can result in clinical response. We hypothesize that combining M-PHP with ICI will lead to enhanced antigen presentation and increased immunomodulatory effect, improving control of both hepatic and extrahepatic disease.

Methods

Open-label, single-center, phase Ib/randomized phase II trial, evaluating the safety and efficacy of the combination of M-PHP with ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4 antibody) and nivolumab (anti-PD-1 antibody) in patients with unresectable hepatic metastases of UM in first-line treatment, with or without the limited extrahepatic disease. The primary objective is to determine the safety, toxicity, and efficacy of the combination regimen, defined by maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and progression-free survival (PFS) at 1 year. Secondary objectives include overall survival (OS) and overall response rate (ORR). A maximum of 88 patients will be treated in phase I and phase II combined. Baseline characteristics will be described with descriptive statistics (t-test, chi-square test). To study the association between risk factors and toxicity, a logistic regression model will be applied. PFS and OS will be summarized using Kaplan-Meier curves.

Discussion

This is the first trial to evaluate this treatment combination by establishing the maximum tolerated dose and evaluating the efficacy of the combination treatment. M-PHP has shown to be a safe and effective treatment for UM patients with liver metastases and became the standard treatment option in our center. The combination of ICI with M-PHP is investigated in the currently described trial which might lead to a better treatment response both in and outside the liver.

Trial Registration

This trial was registered in the US National Library of Medicine with identifier NCT04283890. Registered as per February 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

EudraCT registration number: 2018-004248-49.

Local MREC registration number: NL60508.058.19.

Prospective evaluation of percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan as a treatment for unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Purpose

Percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP) is increasingly used in patients with liver metastases from various primary tumors, yet data on colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are limited. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of M-PHP in patients with CRLM.

Materials and methods

Prospective, single-center, single-arm phase II study of M-PHP with hemofiltration in patients with unresectable CRLM. Proven, extrahepatic metastatic disease was one of the exclusion criteria. Primary outcomes were overall response rate (ORR) and best overall response (BOR). Secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), hepatic PFS (hPFS), and safety.

Results

A total of 14 M-PHP procedures were performed in eight patients between March 2014 and December 2015. All patients (median age 56 years, ranging from 46 to 68) had received (extensive) systemic chemotherapy before entering the study. The ORR was 25.0%, with two out of eight patients showing partial response as BOR. Median OS was 17.3 months (ranging from 2.6 to 30.9) with a one-year OS of 50.0%. Median PFS and hPFS were 4.4 and 4.5 months, respectively. No serious adverse events occurred. Grade 3/4 hematologic adverse events were observed in the majority of patients, though all were transient and well-manageable.

Conclusion

M-PHP is a safe procedure with only limited efficacy in patients with unresectable CRLM who already showed progression of disease after receiving one or more systemic treatment regimens.

Metastatic uveal melanoma: The final frontier

Treatment of primary intraocular uveal melanoma has developed considerably, its driver genes are largely unraveled, and the ways to assess its risk for metastases are very precise, being based on an international staging system and genetic data. Unfortunately, the risk of distant metastases, which emerge in approximately one half of all patients, is unaltered. Metastases are the leading single cause of death after uveal melanoma is diagnosed, yet no consensus exists regarding surveillance, staging, and treatment of disseminated disease, and survival has not improved until recently. The final frontier in conquering uveal melanoma lies in solving these issues to cure metastatic disease. Most studies on metastatic uveal melanoma are small, uncontrolled, retrospective, and do not report staging. Meta-analyses confirm a median overall survival of 10-13 months, and a cure rate that approaches nil, although survival exceeding 5 years is possible, estimated 2% either with first-line treatment or with best supportive care. Hepatic ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging as surveillance methods have a sensitivity of 95-100% and 83-100%, respectively, to detect metastases without radiation hazard according to prevailing evidence, but computed tomography is necessary for staging. No blood-based tests additional to liver function tests are generally accepted. Three validated staging systems predict, each in defined situations, overall survival after metastasis. Their essential components include measures of tumor burden, liver function, and performance status or metastasis free interval. Age and gender may additionally influence survival. Exceptional mutational events in metastases may make them susceptible to checkpoint inhibitors. In a large meta-analysis, surgical treatment was associated with 6 months longer median overall survival as compared to conventional chemotherapy and, recently, tebentafusp as first-line treatment at the first interim analysis of a randomized phase III trial likewise provided a 6 months longer median overall survival compared to investigator's choice, mostly pembrolizumab; these treatments currently apply to selected patients. Promoting dormancy of micrometastases, harmonizing surveillance protocols, promoting staging, identifying predictive factors, initiating controlled clinical trials, and standardizing reporting will be critical steppingstones in reaching the final frontier of curing metastatic uveal melanoma.

Repeated percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan can maintain long-term response in patients with liver cancers

Chemosaturation (CS; CHEMOSAT®, Delcath Systems Inc.) temporarily administers melphalan into the liver by percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP). CS-PHP can effectively control growth in liver tumors, but efficacy and tolerability of sequential treatments are unclear. We analyzed outcomes of sequential CS-PHP treatment. Patients with either unresectable intrahepatic metastases of ocular melanoma (OM, n = 9), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA, n = 3), or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 1) were recruited retrospectively. Response was assessed by tomography imaging. Ten patients (mean age 60 years) with more than one CS-PHP treatment were included. CS-PHP was administered 2-6 times in the OM patients, 3 times in the CCA, and the HCC patient received 6 treatments. Overall response rate (ORR) to CS-PHP was 80%, and stable disease was achieved in one patient. Median hepatic progression-free survival (hPFS) was 336 days (range 0-354) for OM, 251 days for the CCA patient, and 256 days for the HCC patient. At the end of observation (153-701 days after first CS-PHP), 6/10 patients were still alive (5/9 with OM, 0 with CCA, and 1 with HCC). Death cases were not related to CS-PHP. Adverse events were mostly hematologic, grade I-IV, and self-resolving. The liver function was not deteriorated by CS-PHP. We conclude that repeated CS-PHP treatments were effective and well tolerated in the long term.

Initiation of Chemosaturation With Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion Program in Interventional Radiology Department

Objectives Chemosaturation with percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) is a relatively new minimally-invasive liver-directed therapy, which aims to deliver high-dose chemotherapy into the liver with low systemic side effects. Initial studies showed promising results, especially in the treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma. But unfamiliarity of the interventional radiologists prevents its widespread implantation in clinical routine. This study aimed to outline how to initiate a PHP program and report initial results. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent chemosaturation with PHP in our institution between March 2016 and February 2017 and their follow-up results till October 2018. Patient demographics, procedural characteristics, clinical and imaging results, and complications were evaluated. Additionally, modifications regarding infrastructure and procedure techniques were described. Results A total of three patients (two females and one male) with a mean age of 59 underwent six PHP procedures. The primary disease was colorectal carcinoma in one patient and uveal melanoma in two patients. The technical success rate was 100% and the mean melphalan dose was 190.8 mg. No procedural death was observed. Patients were hospitalized for a mean of 3.3 days after procedures. Grade 3 and 4 complications were seen after 50% and 33.3% of procedures, respectively. Two patients showed partial response and the other patient showed stable disease after procedures. Mean hepatic progression-free survival was 10.8 months. Overall survival from the first procedure was 14.8 months in our cohort. Conclusion Our results show that chemosaturation with PHP offers a promising minimally invasive treatment option in patients with unresectable liver metastases. The technical challenges of PHP can be easily handled by an experienced interventional radiology (IR) team. It is a relatively safe procedure and its toxicities are usually hematological and can be manageable with close surveillance and appropriate medical therapies.

Systemic and liver-directed therapies in metastatic uveal melanoma: state-of-the-art and novel perspectives

Metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) is the most common form of noncutaneous melanoma. It is different from its cutaneous counterpart and is characterized by a very poor prognosis. Despite groundbreaking improvements in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma, there have been few advances in the treatment of MUM, and standard treatments for MUM have not been defined. We performed a systematic review focusing our attention on all interventional studies, ongoing or already published, concerning the treatment of MUM. We present results from studies of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and liver-directed therapies. Although the results in this setting have been disappointing until now, trials investigating novel immunotherapeutic strategies alone and in combination with targeted agents and liver-directed therapies are ongoing.

Over 12 Years Single Institutional Experience Performing Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion for Unresectable Liver Metastases

Patients with unresectable hepatic metastases, from uveal or ocular melanoma, are challenging to treat with an overall poor prognosis. Although over the past decade significant advances in systemic therapies have been made, metastatic disease to the liver, especially from uveal melanoma, continues to be a poor prognosis. Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) is a safe, viable treatment option for these patients. PHP utilizes high dose chemotherapy delivered directly to the liver while minimizing systemic exposure and can be repeated up to 6 times. Isolation of the hepatic vasculature with a double-balloon catheter allows for high concentration cytotoxic therapy to be administered with minimal systemic adverse effects. A detailed description of the multidisciplinary treatment protocol used at an institution with over 12 years of experience is discussed and recommendations are given. A dedicated team of a surgical or medical oncology, interventional radiology, anesthesiology and a perfusionist allows PHP to be repeatedly performed as a safe treatment strategy for unresectable hepatic metastases.

Hepatic Perfusion for Diffuse Metastatic Cancer to the Liver: Open and Percutaneous Techniques

The management of patients with diffuse liver metastases remains a significant clinical challenge. In many cancer patients, metastatic disease may be isolated to the liver or the liver may be the dominant site of progressive metastatic cancer. In this setting, progression of disease in the liver generally is the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality.

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion with Melphalan in Patients with Unresectable Ocular Melanoma Metastases Confined to the Liver: A Prospective Phase II Study

Background

Ocular melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy and has a very poor prognosis once liver metastases occur. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP) using the new second-generation (GEN 2) hemofiltration system in patients with ocular melanoma metastases confined to the liver.

Methods

Prospective, single-center, single-arm, phase II study including patients with unresectable ocular melanoma metastases confined to the liver. Treatment consisted of two M-PHP procedures at 6–8 weeks interval. Procedures were performed using the CHEMOSAT (GEN 2) system with 3 mg/kg melphalan. Primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and best overall response (BOR). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), hepatic PFS (hPFS), and safety.

Results

Sixty-four M-PHP procedures were performed in 35 patients between February 2014 and June 2017. The ORR was 72%. BOR was as follows: complete response in 3%, partial response in 69%, stable disease in 13%, and progressive disease in 16%. There was no treatment-related mortality. Fourteen serious adverse events occurred. At a median follow-up of 19.1 months (range 5.6–69.5), median OS was 19.1 months and was significantly longer in responders than in nonresponders (27.5 vs. 11.9 months, p < 0.001). The 1- and 2-year OS was 77% and 43%, respectively. PFS and hPFS were 7.6 and 11.2 months, respectively.

Conclusions

M-PHP using the GEN 2 filter can achieve a high ORR and prolonged survival in patients with liver-only ocular melanoma metastases.

Embolization of variant hepatic arteries in patients undergoing percutaneous hepatic perfusion for unresectable liver metastases from ocular melanoma

PURPOSE

In patients undergoing percutaneous liver perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP), the presence of variant hepatic arteries (HAs) may require catheter repositioning and thus prolong procedure time. Coil-embolization of variant HAs may enable M-PHP with a single catheter position as occlusion of variant HAs results in redistribution of flow through preexisting intrahepatic arterial collaterals. We aimed to evaluate whether redistribution of flow has any negative effect on therapeutic response in ocular melanoma patients undergoing M-PHP.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed pretreatment angiograms in all 32 patients that underwent M-PHP between January 2014 and March 2017 for unresectable liver metastases from ocular melanoma. Patients that underwent embolization of a variant left HA (LHA) or middle HA (MHA) during pretreatment angiography followed by at least one technically successful M-PHP were included for further analysis. Redistribution of arterial flow was evaluated on angiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. In each patient, tumor response in liver segments with redistributed blood flow was evaluated using RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST, and then compared with tumor response in segments without flow redistribution. Follow-up scans were reviewed to evaluate progression of liver metastases.

RESULTS

A total of 12 patients were included. Replaced LHA embolization resulted in redistribution of flow to segment(s) 2 (n=3), 2 and 3 (n=5), and 2, 3 and 4 (n=2). MHA embolization resulted in redistribution of flow to segment 4 (n=2). Successful redistribution was confirmed by angiography and/or CBCT in all patients. Tumor response was similar for redistributed and non-redistributed liver segments in 8 out of 9 patients (89%) according to RECIST 1.1, and in 7 out of 8 patients (88%) according to mRECIST. In three patients, tumor response was not evaluable according to RECIST 1.1 or mRECIST as metastases were too small to be categorized as target lesions (n=1), or target lesions were confined to non-redistributed segments (n=2). In one patient, tumor response was not evaluable according to mRECIST as target lesions in the redistributed segments were hypovascular. After a median follow-up time of 17.1 months (range, 9.1-38.5 months), hepatic progression was seen in 9 out of 12 patients with a median time to progression of 9.9 months (range, 2.5-17.7 months). Progression of liver metastases was never seen only in the redistributed liver segments.

CONCLUSION

Flow redistribution in liver segments by coil-embolization of variant HAs is a feasible technique that does not seem to compromise tumor response in patients undergoing M-PHP.

Endovascular Ion Exchange Chemofiltration Device Reduces Off-Target Doxorubicin Exposure in a Hepatic Intra-arterial Chemotherapy Model

Purpose

To determine if endovascular chemofiltration with an ionic device (ChemoFilter [CF]) can be used to reduce systemic exposure and off-target biodistribution of doxorubicin (DOX) during hepatic intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) in a preclinical model.

Materials and Methods

Hepatic IAC infusions were performed in six pigs with normal livers. Animals underwent two 10-minute intra-arterial infusions of DOX (200 mg) into the common hepatic artery. Both the treatment group and the control group received initial IAC at 0 minutes and a second dose at 200 minutes. Prior to the second dose, CF devices were deployed in and adjacent to the hepatic venous outflow tract of treatment animals. Systemic exposure to DOX was monitored via blood samples taken during IAC procedures. After euthanasia, organ tissue DOX concentrations were analyzed. Alterations in systemic DOX exposure and biodistribution were compared by using one-tailed t tests.

Results

CF devices were well tolerated, and no hemodynamic, thrombotic, or immunologic complications were observed. Animals treated with a CF device had a significant reduction in systemic exposure when compared with systemic exposure in the control group (P <.009). Treatment with a CF device caused a significant decrease in peak DOX concentration (31%, P <.01) and increased the time to maximum concentration (P <.03). Tissue analysis was used to confirm significant reduction in DOX accumulation in the heart and kidneys (P <.001 and P <.022, respectively). Mean tissue concentrations in the heart, kidneys, and liver of animals treated with CF compared with those in control animals were 14.2 μg/g ± 1.9 (standard deviation) versus 26.0 μg/g ± 1.8, 46.4 μg/g ± 4.6 versus 172.6 μg/g ± 40.2, and 217.0 μg/g ± 5.1 versus 236.8 μg/g ± 9.0, respectively. Fluorescence imaging was used to confirm in vivo DOX binding to CF devices.

Conclusion

Reduced systemic exposure and heart bioaccumulation of DOX during local-regional chemotherapy to the liver can be achieved through in situ adsorption by minimally invasive image-guided CF devices.© RSNA, 2019.

New Insights into Molecular Oncogenesis and Therapy of Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM), which is the most common cancer of the eye, was investigated in recent years by many teams in the field of biomedical sciences and eye clinicians. New knowledge was acquired on molecular pathways found to be dysregulated during the multistep process of oncogenesis, whereas novel therapeutic approaches gave significant results in the clinical applications. Uveal melanoma-affected patients greatly benefited from recent advances of the research in this eye cancer. Tumour biology, genetics, epigenetics and immunology contributed significantly in elucidating the role of different genes and related pathways during uveal melanoma onset/progression and UM treatments. Indeed, these investigations allowed identification of new target genes and to develop new therapeutic strategies/compounds to cure this aggressive melanoma of the eye. Unfortunately, the advances reported in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma have not produced analogous benefits in metastatic uveal melanoma. Nowadays, no systemic adjuvant therapy has been shown to improve overall survival or reduce the risk of metastasis. However, the increasing knowledge of this disease, and the encouraging results seen in clinical trials, offer promise for future effective therapies. Herein, different pathways/genes involved in uveal melanoma onset/progression were taken into consideration, together with novel therapeutic approaches.

Safety of Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion with Melphalan in Patients with Unresectable Liver Metastases from Ocular Melanoma Using the Delcath Systems' Second-Generation Hemofiltration System: A Prospective Non-randomized Phase II Trial

Purpose

To investigate the safety and toxicity of percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP) with the Delcath Systems’ second-generation (GEN 2) filter and compare the outcomes with historical data from studies using the first-generation filter.

Materials and Methods

A prospective, single-arm, single-center phase II study was carried out including 35 patients with unresectable, histologically confirmed liver metastases from ocular melanoma between February 2014 and June 2017. Main exclusion criteria were extrahepatic disease and age > 75 years. M-PHP was performed with melphalan 3 mg/kg (maximum dose 220 mg). Safety and toxicity were assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03.

Results

A total of 67 M-PHPs were performed in 35 patients (median 2 procedures). Although hematologic grade 3/4 events were seen in the majority of patients (thrombocytopenia 54.5%, leukopenia 75.6%, neutropenia 66.7%, anemia (only grade 3) 18.1%), these were all well manageable or self-limiting. Of the non-hematologic grade 3 events (n = 14), febrile neutropenia (n = 3), pulmonary emboli (n = 2) and post-procedural hemorrhage (n = 2) were most common. A case of sepsis with bacterial pharyngitis was the only non-hematologic grade 4 event. Prior therapy for liver metastases was found to be a predictor of late grade 3/4 neutropenia with an odds ratio of 5.5 (95% CI 1.4–21.7).

Conclusions

M-PHP using the GEN 2 filter has an acceptable safety and toxicity profile, and seems to reduce hematologic toxicity when compared to M-PHP with a first-generation filter. Prior therapy of liver metastases is a possible predictive factor in developing grade 3/4 hematologic toxicity.

The integration of pharmacology and pathophysiology into locoregional chemotherapy delivery via mass fluid transfer

The prevailing paradigm of locoregional chemotherapy has been centred around delivering chemotherapy as close to the tumour as possible and in some cases incorporating vascular isolation techniques. Strategically, the development of these techniques has been rudimentary without consideration for the interdependencies between macrovascular manipulation and the microvascular effects. This review focuses on how new capabilities offered by recent advances in vascular access technology could be exploited to facilitate the mass fluid transfer (MFT) of anticancer agents to solid tumours. A haemodynamic model of MFT is proposed using the physical laws of fluid flow, flux, and diffusion that describe the microvascular effects anticancer agents may have upon tumours through the manipulation of macrovascular blood flow control. Finally, the possible applications of this technique for several organs are discussed.

Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (chemosaturation) with melphalan in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: European multicentre study on safety, short-term effects and survival

OBJECTIVES

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver tumour with a poor overall prognosis. Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) is a directed therapy for primary and secondary liver malignancies, and its efficacy and safety have been shown in different entities. The purpose of this study was to prove the safety and efficacy of PHP in patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from 15 patients with unresectable iCCA treated with PHP in nine different hospitals throughout Europe. Overall response rates (ORR) were assessed according to response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (RECIST1.1). Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and hepatic PFS (hPFS) were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier estimation. Adverse events (AEs) and toxicity were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were treated with 26 PHPs. ORR was 20%, disease control was achieved in 53% after the first PHP. Median OS was 26.9 months from initial diagnosis and 7.6 months from first PHP. Median PFS and hPFS were 122 and 131 days, respectively. Patients with liver-only disease had a significantly longer median OS compared to patients with locoregional lymph node metastases (12.9 vs. 4.8 months, respectively; p < 0.01). Haematological toxicity was common, but manageable. No AEs of grade 3 or 4 occurred during the procedures.

DISCUSSION

PHP is a standardised and safe procedure that provides promising response rates and survival data in patients with iCCA, especially in non-metastatic disease.

KEY POINTS

• Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) offers an additional locoregional therapy strategy for the treatment of unresectable primary or secondary intrahepatic malignancies. • PHP is a standardised and safe procedure that provides promising response rates and survival data in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), especially in non-metastatic disease. • Side effects seem to be tolerable and comparable to other systemic or local treatment strategies.

Challenges in chemotherapy delivery: comparison of standard chemotherapy delivery to locoregional vascular mass fluid transfer

Standard intravenous chemotherapy delivery to neoplasms relies on simple diffusion gradients from the intravascular to the interstitial space. Systemic perfusion creates untoward effects on normal tissue limiting both concentration and exposure times. Regional intra-arterial therapy is limited by drug recirculation and vascular isolation repeatability and does not address the interstitial microenvironment. Barriers to delivery relate to chaotic vascular architecture, heterogeneous fluid flux, increased interstitial and variable solid tumor pressure and ischemia. To address these difficulties, a delivery system was developed allowing mass fluid transfer of chemotherapeutic agents into the interstitium. This implantable, reusable system is comprised of multiple independently steerable balloons and catheters capable of controlling the locoregional hydraulic and oncotic forces across the vascular endothelium.

Recent advances in uveal melanoma treatment

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Recent advances in the understanding of molecular characteristics helped to determine which tumors are most likely to progress. About 50% of patients carrying genetic alterations such as chromosomal aberrations and mutations are at significant risk for metastatic disease of which the majority will succumb to UM within few months. Currently, there is no effective treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma, and we hope this review will encourage researchers and clinicians to work to find a better standard of care. In this article we provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular framework of UM, highlighting the most common mutations involved in this kind of cancer. It also covers the most recent treatments from basic research to clinical trials, including small molecules, nucleic acids or immunotherapy, among others. It is intended to serve as a key reference for clinicians and researchers working in this field.

Health-related quality of life during trans-arterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads loaded with doxorubicin (DEBDOX) for unresectable hepatic metastases from ocular melanoma

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported favorable response and survival rates using drug-eluting beads loaded with doxorubicin (DEBDOX) for unresectable hepatic metastases. This study investigates the quality of life (QoL) impact of DEBDOX for the treatment of unresectable hepatic metastases from melanoma.

METHODS

A multi-center, prospective, non-controlled clinical trial was reviewed. QoL was assessed at baseline and after each treatment, and doxorubicin-specific effects were assessed after each treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty patients received 61 DEBDOX treatments. After each treatment, at least 83% of patients reported "little" to "none" doxorubicin-related symptoms. For the 8 FACT-Hep subscales, QoL scores were unchanged through 3 treatments for 18 of 24 total time points by ANOVA, with a small-to-moderate ES change through the last treatment in 36 of 40 time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic arterial therapy with DEBDOX is safe with minimal QOL changes in treating unresectable liver-dominant melanoma metastasis.

CLINICAL TRIAL

NCT01010984.

Percutaneous Isolated Hepatic Perfusion: Hemodynamic Monitoring and Goal-Directed Anesthetic Management: A Case Report

The percutaneous isolated hepatic perfusion utilizes a venovenous bypass to administer high-dose chemotherapy exclusively in the liver, getting depurated through a hemofilter before returning to the systemic circulation. The hepatic perfusion is managed under general anesthesia and invasive monitoring as a result of very abrupt changes in venous return and vascular resistances because of the isolation of the hepatic territory and absorption of circulating catecholamines by the hemofilter. We report a case in which we describe the technique, physiologic implications, anesthetic, and goal-directed hemodynamic management for this procedure.

Prospective Clinical and Pharmacological Evaluation of the Delcath System's Second-Generation (GEN2) Hemofiltration System in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion with Melphalan

Introduction

Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) with melphalan is an effective treatment for patients with hepatic metastases, but associated with high rates of bone marrow depression. To reduce systemic toxicity, improvements have been made to the filtration system. In pre-clinical studies, the Delcath System’s GEN2 filter was superior to the first-generation filters. In this clinical study, we analysed the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of PHP using the new GEN2 filter.

Methods and Materials

Starting February 2014, two prospective phase II studies were initiated in patients with hepatic metastases from ocular melanoma or colorectal cancer. In 10 PHP procedures performed in the first 7 enrolled patients, blood samples were obtained to determine filter efficiency and systemic drug exposure. PHP was performed with melphalan 3 mg/kg with a maximum of 220 mg. Complications were assessed according to CTCAE v4.03. Response was assessed according to RECIST 1.1.

Results

Pharmacokinetic analysis of blood samples showed an overall filter efficiency of 86% (range 71.1–95.5%). The mean filter efficiency decreased from 95.4% 10 min after the start of melphalan infusion to 77.5% at the end of the procedure (p = 0.051). Bone marrow depression was seen after up to 80.0% of 10 procedures, but was self-limiting and mostly asymptomatic. No hypotension-related complications or procedure-related mortality occurred.

Conclusion

The GEN2 filter has a higher melphalan filter efficiency compared to the first-generation filters and a more consistent performance. PHP with the GEN2 filter appears to have an acceptable safety profile, but this needs further validation in larger studies.

Percutaneous Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Isolated Hepatic Metastases of Uveal Melanoma: Patient Outcome and Safety in a Multi-centre Study

PURPOSE

Percutaneous isolated hepatic perfusion (PIHP) with Melphalan has been developed as a treatment for patients with isolated hepatic metastases of uveal melanoma. We discuss patient outcome and safety in a retrospective multi-centre study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2012 and 2016 18 patients with un-resectable isolated hepatic metastases of uveal melanoma received single or repeated PIHP with Melphalan (n = 35) at seven sites. Progression-free time, overall survival time (OS) and tumour response by means of RECIST 1.1 criteria were evaluated. Peri- and post-procedural adverse events (AE) were registered. Patients' life quality was assessed using four-point scale questionnaires.

RESULTS

Of 18 patients, initial PIHP treatment resulted in partial response (PR) in eight, stable disease (SD) in seven and progressive disease (PD) in three cases. Nine patients underwent second PIHP with PR in eight cases and PD in one case. Six patients were evaluated after third PIHP with PR in five patients and SD in one patient. Two patients received fourth PIHP with PD in both cases. Median OS was 9.6 months (range 1.6-41.0 months). Median progression-free survival time was 12.4 months (range 0.9-41.0 months) with 1-year survival of 44%. Most common post-procedural AE grade 3 and 4 were temporary leukopenia (n = 11) and thrombocytopenia (n = 8). Patients' self-assessments showed good ratings for overall health and quality of life with only slight changes after PIHP, and a high degree of satisfaction with PIHP treatment.

CONCLUSION

PIHP with Melphalan proved to be a relatively safe, minimal-invasive and repeatable treatment for patients with non-resectable hepatic metastases of uveal melanoma.