Conventional transarterial chemoembolization versus drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization vs conventional transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in adult patients: a systematic review and update meta-analysis of observational studies

Study design

Systematic review and update meta-analysis.

Purpose

The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of the two approaches for HCC in adult patients (DEB-TACE vs cTACE).

Overview of literature

The TACE procedure is indicated for the treatment of HCC with intermediate (BCLC B) and early (BCLC A). Conflicting data obtained from earlier meta-analyses comparing DEB-TACE with cTACE prompted the updated meta-analysis.

Methods

The study included adult patients over the age of 18 with HCC. MEDLINE conducted a literature search using Pubmed and Google Scholar up to May 2024. The following parameters were evaluated: the effectiveness of the tumor response to treatment according to the mRECIST criteria (CR, PR, SD, PD), overall survival, progression-free survival, and complication rate. 32 retro- and prospective studies were analyzed.

Results

The study included 4,367 patients. The radiological response of the tumor in all four CR, PR, SD, and PD parameters in the DEB-TACE group showed the best response. The overall survival rate during the DEB-TACE procedure was higher by 3.54 months (p <0.00001), and progression-free survival (PFS) by 3.07 months (p <0.0001), respectively. The incidence of complications was comparable in both groups.

Conclusions

The results of the meta-analysis revealed clinically significant advantages of DEB-TACE in comparison with cTACE. Being comparable in terms of the frequency of complications, DEB-TACE demonstrated the best result in the radiological response of the tumor to the therapy, in terms of overall survival and progression-free survival.

All You Need to Know About TACE: A Comprehensive Review of Indications, Techniques, Efficacy, Limits, and Technical Advancement

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a proven and widely accepted treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma and it is recommended as first-line non-curative therapy for BCLC B/intermediate HCC (preserved liver function, multifocal, no cancer-related symptoms) in patients without vascular involvement. Different types of TACE are available nowadays, including TAE, c-TACE, DEB-TACE, and DSM-TACE, but at present there is insufficient evidence to recommend one TACE technique over another and the choice is left to the operator. This review then aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature on indications, types of procedures, safety, and efficacy of different TACE treatments.

Efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization treatment with 30-60-μm microspheres in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Chemoembolization with small drug-eluting microspheres is widely used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization with doxorubicin-eluting 30-60-µm microspheres (DEB-TACE) in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A and B HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-center study, 88 patients with HCC (BCLC A/B: 15.9%/84.1%) who underwent 137 DEB-TACE sessions between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively assessed. Response to treatment was assessed 4-8 weeks after each DEB-TACE procedure according to mRECIST (Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

In 88 patients (84.1% males; median age, 66.0 years; range, 22-83), the median follow-up was 17 months (range, 2-64). Eight patients (9.1%) had a complete response, 42 (47.8%) had partial regression, 10 (11.3%) had stable disease, and 28 (31.8%) had progressive disease. There was a statistically significant difference between serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels before and after DEB-TACE treatment (p < 0.001). The median OS was 17 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.3-23.7). Cox regression analyses found that preprocedural serum AFP level (400+ vs. < 400; p = 0.024), Child Pugh classification (B vs. A; p = 0.019), and number of DEB-TACE sessions (1 vs. > 1; p = 0.003) were independent risk factors affecting OS. The median PFS was 8 months (95% CI, 5.8-10.2) and TTP was 6 months (1-14 months).

CONCLUSION

Chemoembolization with 30-60-µm microspheres is an effective and safe treatment for HCC. The number of DEB-TACE sessions is also one of the factors affecting OS.

Safety and efficacy of DEB-TACE in combination with lenvatinib and camrelizumab for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC): a two-centre retrospective study

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of drug-eluting bead (DEB) transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib and camrelizumab (DEB-TACE-Len-C) and DEB-TACE-Len for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).

Methods

This retrospective study consecutively included uHCC patients who underwent DEB-TACE-Len-C or DEB-TACE-Len treatment at our hospital and Qujing Second People's Hospital from April 2020 to April 2022. In total, 85 patients were enrolled. There were 42 patients in the DEB-TACE-Len-C group and 43 patients in the DEB-TACE-Len group. The disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs) were compared between the two groups, and the factors influencing OS and PFS were analysed.

Results

The ORR, DCR, PFS and OS were significantly greater in the DEB-TACE-Len-C group than in the DEB-TACE-Len group (ORR: 76.2% vs. 46.5%, P = 0.005; DCR: 88.1% vs. 67.8%, P = 0.039; PFS: 10 months vs. 6 months, P <0.0001; OS: 24 months vs. 16 months, P = 0.0038). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that portal tumour thrombus (PVTT) and therapeutic approach were independent factors affecting PFS and OS. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of AEs between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with DEB-TACE-Len, DEB-TACE-Len-C is an effective treatment option that can improve the tumour therapeutic response and prolong the OS and PFS in uHCC patients.

AI-derived body composition parameters as prognostic factors in patients with HCC undergoing TACE in a multicenter study

Background & Aims

Body composition assessment (BCA) parameters have recently been identified as relevant prognostic factors for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of BCA parameters for prognosis prediction in patients with HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included a total of 754 treatment-naïve patients with HCC who underwent TACE at six tertiary care centers between 2010-2020. Fully automated artificial intelligence-based quantitative 3D volumetry of abdominal cavity tissue composition was performed to assess skeletal muscle volume (SM), total adipose tissue (TAT), intra- and intermuscular adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) on pre-intervention computed tomography scans. BCA parameters were normalized to the slice number of the abdominal cavity. We assessed the influence of BCA parameters on median overall survival and performed multivariate analysis including established estimates of survival.

Results

Univariate survival analysis revealed that impaired median overall survival was predicted by low SM (p <0.001), high TAT volume (p = 0.013), and high SAT volume (p = 0.006). In multivariate survival analysis, SM remained an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.039), while TAT and SAT volumes no longer showed predictive ability. This predictive role of SM was confirmed in a subgroup analysis of patients with BCLC stage B.

Conclusions

SM is an independent prognostic factor for survival prediction. Thus, the integration of SM into novel scoring systems could potentially improve survival prediction and clinical decision-making. Fully automated approaches are needed to foster the implementation of this imaging biomarker into daily routine.

Impact and implications

Body composition assessment parameters, especially skeletal muscle volume, have been identified as relevant prognostic factors for many diseases and treatments. In this study, skeletal muscle volume has been identified as an independent prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization. Therefore, skeletal muscle volume as a metaparameter could play a role as an opportunistic biomarker in holistic patient assessment and be integrated into decision support systems. Workflow integration with artificial intelligence is essential for automated, quantitative body composition assessment, enabling broad availability in multidisciplinary case discussions.

Amount of ascites impacts survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization advocating for volumetric assessment

Preliminary work has shown that portal hypertension plays a key role for the prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Specifically, the presence of ascites appears to be a strong negative predictor for these patients. However, it remains unclear whether different ascites volumes influence prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the influence of different ascites volumes on survival for patients with HCC undergoing TACE. A total of 327 treatment-naïve patients with HCC undergoing initial TACE at our tertiary care center between 2010 and 2020 were included. In patients with ascites, the fluid was segmented, and the volume quantified by slice-wise addition using contrast-enhanced CT imaging. Median overall survival (OS) was calculated and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis has been performed. Ascites was present in 102 (31.9%) patients. Ascites volume as continuous variable was significantly associated with an increased hazard ratio in univariate analysis (p < 0.001) and remained an independent predictor of impaired median OS in multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). Median OS without ascites was 17.1 months, and therefore significantly longer than in patients with ascites (6.4 months, p < 0.001). When subdivided into groups of low and high ascites volume in relation to the median ascites volume, patients with low ascites volume had a significantly longer median OS (8.6 vs 3.6 months, p < 0.001). Ascites in patients with HCC undergoing TACE is strongly associated with a poor prognosis. Our results show that not only the presence but also the amount of ascites is highly relevant. Therefore, true ascites volume as opportunistic quantitative biomarker is likely to impact clinical decision-making once automated solutions become available.

Transarterial chemoembolization using drug-eluting beads versus lipiodol in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: propensity score matching

Background

Since the introduction of drug-eluting beads (DEB), the result comparing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using lipiodol, also called conventional transarterial chemoembolization (c-TACE), and DEB-TACE shows considerable controversy. The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of c-TACE and DEB-TACE to treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).

Methods

This retrospective study used propensity score matching (PSM) analysis to analyze clinical data from 113 cases of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated at our hospital from September 2016 to July 2021. The safety and efficacy of the two treatment modalities were analyzed after 1:1 matching. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS); the secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), disease control rates (DCRs), and objective response rates (ORRs) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and postoperative complications.

Results

Twenty-nine patients underwent DEB-TACE and 84 received c-TACE; 28 pairs of patients were eventually matched. After matching, baseline characteristics between groups were comparable. The median PFS of the DEB-TACE group was 10 months compared to 6 months in the c-TACE group (P=0.002). The median OS was 23 months in the DEB-TACE group vs. 14 months in the c-TACE group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.265). The ORR at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in the DEB-TACE group (69%, 78%, 60%, and 52%) were significantly higher than those in the c-TACE group (39%, 39%, 26%, and 8%) (P<0.05). The DCR at postoperative 3 months was significantly higher in the DEB-TACE group (95%) (P<0.05). There was one case of postoperative liver abscess in the DEB-TACE group, and the patient recovered well after drainage. No serious complications occurred.

Conclusions

Compared to c-TACE, DEB-TACE prolonged PFS and exhibited better short-term ORR with a similar level of safety. However, there was no significant advantage in terms of OS.

Efficacy and Safety of Local Liver Radioablation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Lesions within and beyond Limits of Thermal Ablation

INTRODUCTION

CT-guided interstitial brachytherapy (iBT) radiotherapy has been established in the treatment of liver tumors. With iBT, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions can be treated beyond the limits of thermal ablation (i.e., size and location). However, a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of iBT in patients within and beyond thermal ablation limits is lacking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 146 patients with 216 HCC lesions have been analyzed retrospectively. Clinical and imaging follow-up data has been collected. Lesions were evaluated in terms of suitability for thermal ablation or not. The correlation between local tumor control (LTC), time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and clinical and imaging parameters have been evaluated using univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

LTC rates at 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months were 87%, 75%, and 73%, respectively. 65% of lesions (n = 141) were not suitable for radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The median TTP was 13 months, and the median OS was not reached (3-year OS rate: 70%). No significant difference in LTC, TTP, or OS regarding RFA suitability existed. However, in the overall multivariable analysis, lesion diameter >5 cm was significantly associated with lower LTC (HR: 3.65, CI [1.60-8.31], p = 0.002) and shorter TTP (HR: 2.08, CI [1.17-3.70], p = 0.013). Advanced BCLC stage, Child-Pugh Stage, and Hepatitis B were associated with shorter OS.

CONCLUSION

iBT offers excellent LTC rates and OS in local HCC treatment regardless of the limits of thermal ablation, suggesting further evidence of its alternative role to thermal ablation in patients with early-stage HCC.

Locoregional Therapies for Hepatobiliary Tumors: Contemporary Strategies and Novel Applications

A large majority of primary hepatobiliary tumors are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), with the remainer being cholangiocarcinoma. While surgical resection remains the gold standard treatment for hepatobiliary tumors, relatively few patients are operative candidates, and systemic treatments have limited effectiveness. Locoregional therapies offer significant promise in the management of HCC. Ablation and radioembolization may offer similar outcomes to surgery for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma while radioembolization and chemoembolization are valuable in the management of advanced disease. There is significantly less evidence for the role of locoregional therapy in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, although it appears to be well tolerated.

Drug-eluting beads versus conventional transarterial chemoembolization for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) consists of conventional TACE (cTACE) and drug-eluting beads TACE (DEB-TACE). The benefits of the 2 treatments remain controversial. We conduct this meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the 2 methods for the patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

In order to get a sound conclusion, we did thorough search all relevant studies with clear and stringent keyword criteria on the main databases. Objective tumor response rate, overall survival (OS) rate and adverse events were calculated and analyzed by RevMan 5.3 software. The random-effects or fixed-effects model was applied to pool the estimates according to Cochran Q test and I2 statistics.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies involving 2987 patients were eligible. DEB-TACE significantly improved objective tumor response rate (OR) (risk ratio [RR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.08, 1.48]; P = .003). While as for 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 5-year OS rates, there were no evidences to indicate that DEB-TACE was significantly better than cTACE (RR = 1.05, 95% CI [0.99, 1.11]; P = .08), (RR = 1.02, 95% CI [0.93, 1.11]; P = .68), (RR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.77, 1.10]; P = .37), (RR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.47, 1.80]; P = .81), respectively. Adverse events rate (AE) was also similar in both groups (RR = 1.11, 95% CI [0.99,1.26]; P = .08).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrates that DEB-TACE is not superior than cTACE regarding to OS and AE. However, DEB-TACE still be considered to provide a better objective tumor response rate for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Interventional Treatment Strategies in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Perspectives for Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma

cHCC-CCA is an uncommon type of liver cancer that exhibits clinical and pathological characteristics of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), which are the two main forms of primary liver cancer. The similarity to HCC and CCA makes therapeutical strategies challenging. The poor prognosis of CCA in general, as well as for cHCC-CCA, is mainly attributable to the fact that diagnosis is often at an advanced stage of disease. During the last decade, locoregional therapies usually performed by interventional radiologists and its established role in HCC treatment have gained an increasing role in CCA treatment as well. These comprise a wide range of options from tumor ablation procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), computed tomography high-dose rate brachytherapy (CT-HDRBT), and cryoablation to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), including the option of intra-arterial administration of radioactive spheres (transarterial radioembolization-TARE), and much attention has focused on the potential of individual concepts in recent years. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of current radiologic interventions for CCA (excluding options for eCCA), to review and appraise the existing literature on the topic, and to provide an outlook on whether such interventions may have a role as treatment for cHCC-CCA in the future.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of drug-eluting transarterial chemoebolization in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and Aim

Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) therapy is currently considered as first option therapy in the intermediate stage HCC. The purpose of our study is to assess the efficacy and prognostic factors related to the DEB- TACE therapy.

Materials and Methods

The data from 133 patients with unresecetable HCC who were treated with DEB-TACE and followed between January 2011-March 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. To assess the efficacy of therapy, control imagings were performed at 30^th and 90^th days after the procedure. Response rates, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors were investigated.

Results

According to the Barcelona staging system, 16 patients (13%) were in the early stage, 58 patients (48%) were in the intermediate stage and 48 patients (39%) were in the advanced stage. There were complete response (CR) in 20 patients (17%), partial response (PR) in 36 patients (32%), stable disease (SD) in 24 patients (21%) and progressed disease (PD) in 35 (30%) patients. Median follow-up time was 14 months (range 1-77 months). Median PFS and OS were 4 months and 11 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, posttreatment AFP ≥400 ng/ml was found to be an independent prognostic factor on both PFS and OS. Child-Pugh classification and tumor size >7 cm were independent prognostic factors on OS.

Conclusion

DEB-TACE is effective and a tolerable treatment method for unresectable HCC patients.

Use of doxorubicin-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion: a prospective study

Background/Aim

To evaluate the applicability of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment with doxorubicin drug-eluting beads (DEBs) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein invasion (PVI).

Methods

This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board and informed consent was obtained from all participants. A total of 30 HCC patients with PVI received DEB-TACE between 2015 and 2018. The following parameters were evaluated: complications during DEB-TACE, abdominal pain, fever, and laboratory outcomes, including liver function change. Overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), and adverse events were also analyzed and assessed.

Results

DEBs measuring 100-300 μm in diameter were loaded with doxorubicin (150 mg per procedure). There were no complications during DEB-TACE and no significant differences in the levels of prothrombin time, serum albumin, or total bilirubin at follow-up compared to baseline. The median TTP was 102 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 42-207 days) and the median OS was 216 days (95% CI, 160-336 days). Three patients (10%) had severe adverse reactions, including transient acute cholangitis (n=1), cerebellar infarction (n=1), and pulmonary embolism (n=1), but no treatment-related death occurred.

Conclusions

DEB-TACE may be a therapeutic option for advanced HCC patients with PVI.

Drug-eluting Microspheres Compared to Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization as First Line Treatment for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single-center Retrospective Cost-utility Analysis

PURPOSE

To assess the cost-utility of initial treatment with drug-eluting microspheres (DEM) transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) versus conventional (C)-TACE in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma considering the perspective of a Local Healthcare Authority in Italy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The economic evaluation is based on a retrospective single-center study and individual patients' data whose details have been previously reported. The impact of initial treatment with DEM-TACE or C-TACE on disease progression, mortality, and direct health costs over a lifetime horizon were simulated and compared in terms of incremental cost-utility ratio expressed as costs per quality adjusted life years (QALY). Costs included direct health costs related to the first chemoembolization procedure and all subsequent follow-up costs associated with health care resources used for disease management. Probabilistic (PSA) sensitivity analysis was used to assess the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients in each treatment group were considered. All over the time-horizon median costs were €3,145.14 and €2,158.32 in the DEM-TACE and C-TACE group, respectively (p < 0.001); while mean costs were € 24,619 and € 17,001, respectively (p < 0.001). The ICUR was 6,461.86 €/QALY when using median costs derived from the study population as input for the health-economic evaluation and 49,932.15 €/QALY when the mean costs were considered. Results from PSA highlighted that using median costs DEM-TACE was always cost-effective, while using mean costs, it was preferable only 24.7% of times.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher prices of DEMs are counterbalanced by the positive impact on QALY.

Comparison of CalliSpheres® microspheres drug-eluting beads and conventional transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This trial aimed to compare the outcomes of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) with CalliSpheres^® microspheres (CSM) and conventional transarterial chemoembolization cTACE in the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 90 patients were divided into DEB-TACE group (n = 45) and cTACE group (n = 45). The treatment response, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and the safety were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The objective response rate (ORR) in the DEB-TACE group was significantly higher than that in cTACE group at 1, 3, and 6 months of follow-up (P = 0.031, P = 0.003, P = 0.002). The complete response (CR) in DEB-TACE group was significantly higher than that in cTACE group at 3 months (P = 0.036). Survival analysis revealed that, DEB-TACE group had better survival benefits than cTACE group (median OS: 534 days vs. 367 days, P = 0.027; median PFS: 352 days vs. 278 days P = 0.004). The degree of liver function injury was more serious in DEB-TACE group at 1 week, but was similar between the two groups at 1 month. DEB-TACE with CSM caused a high incidence of fever and a severe abdominal pain (P = 0.031, P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

DEB-TACE with CSM showed better treatment response and survival benefits than cTACE group. Although a transient more severe liver damage, high incidence of fever and a severe abdominal pain occurred in the DEB-TACE group, it could be resolved through symptomatic treatment.

Microspheres as a Carrier System for Therapeutic Embolization Procedures: Achievements and Advances

The targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs and isotopes is one of the most pursued goals in anti-cancer therapy. One of the prime examples of such an application is the intra-arterial injection of microspheres containing cytostatic drugs or radioisotopes during hepatic embolization procedures. Therapy based on the application of microspheres revolves around vascular occlusion, complemented with local therapy in the form of trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or radioembolization (TARE). The broadest implementation of these embolization strategies currently lies within the treatment of untreatable hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and metastatic colorectal cancer. This review aims to describe the state-of-the-art TACE and TARE technologies investigated in the clinical setting for HCC and addresses current trials and new developments. In addition, chemical properties and advancements in microsphere carrier systems are evaluated, and possible improvements in embolization therapy based on the modification of and functionalization with therapeutical loads are explored.

Conventional and drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization in patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and pooled analysis

PURPOSE

Patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) have poor survival. Conventional transarterial chemoembolization (c-TACE) and drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) are two treatment options for ICC, and this systematic review describes the efficacy of each of these modalities for unresectable ICC to guide clinical practice.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases regarding transhepatic arterial chemoembolization for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment Scale (NOS) was used to assess the risk of bias. Tumor response, disease control, and 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival rate were pooled for estimation.

RESULTS

The number of initial search results was 1035, and 19 articles met the inclusion criteria for this study after the screening. A total of 23 study cohorts and 1091 patients were provided. The pooled objective response rate (ORR) for c-TACE and DEB-TACE treating ICC was 29.4% (95% CI 11.6-50.8%) and 51.2% (95% CI 30.6-71.7%), respectively; disease control rate (DCR) was 72.8% (95% CI 55.6-87.3%) and 88.7% (95% CI 78.8-96.2%), respectively. The pooled survival rate at 1 year, 2 year, and 3 year was 49.7% (95% CI 39.1-60.3%), 24.0% (95% CI 12.6-37.3%), and 23.5% (95% CI 11.1-38.7%) for c-TACE; 58.6% (95% CI 44.2-72.3%), 26.7% (95% CI 18.1-36.3%), and 16.2% (95% CI 6.0-29.4%) for DEB-TACE.

CONCLUSION

The descriptive analysis suggested that DEB-TACE treatment for ICC may have better tumor response and disease control rates than c-TACE treatment, but the impact on overall survival was not demonstrated significantly by DEB-TACE treatment.

Low bone mineral density is a prognostic factor for elderly patients with HCC undergoing TACE: results from a multicenter study

OBJECTIVES

Low bone mineral density (BMD) was recently identified as a novel risk factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this multicenter study, we aimed to validate the role of BMD as a prognostic factor for patients with HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter trial included 908 treatment-naïve patients with HCC who were undergoing TACE as a first-line treatment, at six tertiary care centers, between 2010 and 2020. BMD was assessed by measuring the mean Hounsfield units (HUs) in the midvertebral core of the 11^th thoracic vertebra, on contrast-enhanced computer tomography performed before treatment. We assessed the influence of BMD on median overall survival (OS) and performed multivariate analysis including established estimates for survival.

RESULTS

The median BMD was 145 HU (IQR, 115-175 HU). Patients with a high BMD (≥ 114 HU) had a median OS of 22.2 months, while patients with a low BMD (< 114 HU) had a lower median OS of only 16.2 months (p < .001). Besides albumin, bilirubin, tumor number, and tumor diameter, BMD remained an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

BMD is an independent predictive factor for survival in elderly patients with HCC undergoing TACE. The integration of BMD into novel scoring systems could potentially improve survival prediction and clinical decision-making.

KEY POINTS

• Bone mineral density can be easily assessed in routinely acquired pre-interventional computed tomography scans. • Bone mineral density is an independent predictive factor for survival in elderly patients with HCC undergoing TACE. • Thus, bone mineral density is a novel imaging biomarker for prognosis prediction in elderly patients with HCC undergoing TACE.

Selecting the Best Approach for the Treatment of Multiple Non-Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma

According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, the optimal strategy for patients with multiple HCC within the Milan Criteria is liver transplantation (LT). However, LT cannot be offered to all the patients due to organ shortages and long waiting lists, as well as because of the advanced disease carrying a high risk of poor outcomes. For early stages, liver resection (LR) or thermal ablation (TA) can be proposed, while trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) still remains the treatment of choice for intermediate stages (BCLC-B). Asian guidelines and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggest LR for resectable multinodular HCCs, even beyond Milan criteria. In this scenario, a growing body of evidence shows better outcomes after surgical resection when compared with TACE. Trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) and stereotaxic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can also play an important role in this setting. Furthermore, the role of minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) specifically for patients with multiple HCC is still not clear. This review aims to summarize current knowledge about the best therapeutical strategy for multiple HCC while focusing on the role of minimally invasive surgery and on the most attractive future perspectives.

Treatment patterns for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Child-Pugh class B and their impact on survival: A Korean nationwide registry study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There are no established practice guidelines for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class B liver function. To evaluate the impact of various initial treatment modalities on these patients, we conducted a nationwide registry study in Korea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Treatment patterns and overall survival (OS) of patients with HCC and CTP class B according to initial treatment modalities in each Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage were analysed using data from the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry between 2008 and 2016. Initial treatment modalities were categorized as standard, alternative treatment and supportive care only, referring to the 2018 BCLC guidelines, irrespective of liver function.

RESULTS

Of the 2318 newly diagnosed Korean patients with HCC and CTP class B, 29.7%, 60.3% and 15.6% of patients in BCLC stages A, B and C, respectively, underwent standard treatment. Adjusted OS hazard ratios of alternative treatment referring to standard treatment were 1.55 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-1.94; p < .001) in BCLC-A, 0.82 (95% CI, 0.43-1.56; p = .550) for curative alternative treatment, 1.89 (95% CI, 0.97-3.68; p = .059) for non-curative alternative treatment in BCLC-B, 0.40 (95% CI, 0.28-0.56; p < .001) for curative alternative treatment, 0.84 (95% CI, 0.69-1.02; p = .076) for non-curative alternative treatment for BCLC-C.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of BCLC stages, chemoembolization was conducted the most among patients with CTP class B. Treatment in line with the BCLC treatment algorithm resulted in favourable OS outcomes, except for those with BCLC stage C, as systemic therapy showed poor OS.

DEM-TACE as the initial treatment could improve the clinical efficacy of the hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: a retrospective controlled study

BACKGROUND

Conventional-transarterial chemoembolization (C-TACE) was proven to improve overall survival (OS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), drug-eluting microsphere-TACE (DEM-TACE) was supposed to provide more benefit than C-TACE in this respect.

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and efficacy between DEM-TACE and C-TACE as the initial treatment in HCC patients with PVTT and to identify prognostic factors of OS.

METHODS

The medical records of advanced HCC patients with PVTT who underwent DEM-TACE or C-TACE as the initial thearpy from September 2015 with mean follow-up time 14.9 ± 1.2 (95% CI 12.6-17.2) months were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 97 patients were included, 49 patients in the DEM-TACE group and 48 in the C-TACE group. Adverse events (AEs) related to TACE were compared. Tumor and PVTT radiologic response, time to tumor progression (TTP) and OS were calculated and compared in both groups.

RESULTS

Patients in DEM-TACE group had a better radiologic response (Tumr response: 89.8% vs. 75.0%; PVTT response: 85.7% vs. 70.8%; overall response: 79.6% vs. 58.3%, P = 0.024) and longer TTP (7.0 months vs. 4.0 months, P = 0.040) than patients in C-TACE group. A lower incidence of abdominal pain was found in the DEM-TACE group than in C-TACE group (21 vs. 31, P = 0.032), but there were no significant differences between DEM-TACE and C-TACE patients in any other AEs reported. When compared to C-TACE, DEM-TACE also showed significant OS benefits (12.0 months vs. 9.0 months, P = 0.027). DEM-TACE treatment, the absence of arterioportal shunt (APS), lower AFP value and better PVTT radiologic response were the independent prognostic factors for OS in univariate/multivariate analyses, which provided us with a guide for better patient selection.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our retrospective study, DEM-TACE can be performed safely and might be superior to C-TACE as the initial treatment for HCC patients with PVTT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered.

Safety and Efficacy of Drug-Eluting Beads Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Taiwan (SERENADE-T)

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with drug-eluting bead with doxorubicin transarterial chemoembolization (DEBDOX-TACE) in Taiwan.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively investigated 630 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent DEBDOX-TACE in multiple institutions from 2011 to 2016 in Taiwan. Tumor response was assessed per modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, overall survival, and safety.

Results

This study included 630 patients who underwent DEBDOX-TACE, participants’ mean age was 66 years, 68.1% males and 15.6% females. The mean doxorubicin dose administered via DEBDOX-TACE was 56 mg. Complete and partial response rates were 14.6% and 49.2%, respectively, with a disease control rate of 84.6%. The median overall survival was 29.2 months. The most common post-embolization symptom was abdominal pain (22.4%). No hepatic encephalopathy and no procedure-related death were found.

Conclusion

Real-world data from Taiwan demonstrated that DEBDOX-TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma can achieve high tumor response rate with low adverse events.

Transarterial Chemoebolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Binational Japanese-German Study

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comparing the different approaches used in Germany and Japan.

Methods

This binational IRB-approved retrospective dual-center study included a total of 94 HCC patients subdivided in a German and a Japanese cohort. For each patient, liver and tumor volumetry was performed using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, a comprehensive risk profile, including body constitution and liver and kidney function was established. Primary endpoints were progression-free and overall survival (PFS/OS).

Results

PFS in the German cohort was 168 vs 224d in the Japanese cohort (p=0.640). When subdivided by BCLC stage, no significant differences were reported (p=0.160–0.429). OS was significantly longer in the Japanese cohort with 856 vs. 303d (p<0.001). OS for BCLC A was significantly longer in the Japanese cohort (1960 vs. 428d; p<0.001), while survival rates did not differ significantly in BCLC B (785 vs 330d; p=0.067) and C-stages (208 vs 302d; p=0.186). Older age (p=0.034), poorer liver/kidney function (p=0.025-0-035), and a higher liver/tumor ratio (p<0.001) were found to correlate with shorter survival. ECOG scores were significantly higher in the German cohort (p=0.002).

Conclusion

While OS is longer in TACE-treated patients in the Japanese cohort compared to the German cohort, the two approaches seem to be equally effective as PFS does not differ significantly. The different survival rates may be caused by the different clinical performance status of the selected collectives. In very early and early stage HCC, TACE in Japan seems to be an effective treatment option while in Germany for patients in those stages TACE remains a second-line option for patients not available for surgery or ablation.

Transradial versus transfemoral arterial access in DEB-TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma

Objectives

Transradial access has become increasingly popular in body interventional procedures but has not been ubiquitously adapted. This retrospective study compares the efficacy of this approach versus transfemoral access in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE).

Materials and Methods

A total of 130 HCC patients underwent 146 DEB-TACE procedures within our institution from June 2015 to May 2020. About 90 and 56 procedures were logged for the transradial and transfemoral cohorts, respectively. Peak skin dose, fluoroscopy time, administered contrast volume, total procedure time, and equipment cost data for each procedure were reviewed to evaluate for statistical differences between the two groups.

Results

All 146 cases were technically successful without major complications or access failures in either group. No statistical differences were present between the two access groups in regards to peak skin dose or fluoroscopy time. Transradial access recorded a significantly higher contrast volume (P < 0.05), and a significantly longer procedural time than transfemoral access (P < 0.01). However, transradial access also displayed a significantly lower procedural equipment cost (P < 0.01) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Transradial DEB-TACE has similar trends to transfemoral DEB-TACE in several pertinent radiation parameters and is also significantly more cost-efficacious. The results of this investigation suggest the consideration of transradial access whenever viable as an alternative to transfemoral access in the DEB-TACE treatment of HCC patients.

Local and Regional Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Future Combinations

Simple Summary

Percutaneous interventional radiological techniques offer many alternatives for treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) using local anesthesia and sedation. These methods aim to destroy the malignant tumors locally without affecting the non-malignant liver. In this way, complications are kept low and patient recovery is quick. Indications depend on tumor size, type and stage, as well as patient’s condition, liver function and co-morbidities. In recent years, a lot of research has been made in combining such approaches with immune therapy, but there is still much work to be done. This manuscript tries to analyze where we stand today and explain, using a comprehensive algorithm, the treatment options for each different clinical condition.

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be treated by local and regional methods of percutaneous interventional radiological techniques. Indications depend on tumor size, type and stage, as well as patient’s condition, liver function and co-morbidities. According to international classification systems such as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification, very early, early or intermediate staged tumors can be treated either with ablative methods or with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), depending on tumor characteristics. The combination of both allows for individualized forms of treatment with the ultimate goal of improving response and survival. In recent years, a lot of research has been carried out in combining locoregional approaches with immune therapy. Although recent developments in systemic treatment, especially immunotherapy, seem quite promising and have expanded possible combined treatment options, there is still not enough evidence in their favor. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive up-to-date overview of all these techniques, explaining indications, contraindications, technical problems, outcomes, results and complications. Moreover, combinations of percutaneous treatment with each other or with immunotherapy and future options will be discussed. Use of all those methods as down-staging or bridging solutions until surgery or transplantation are taken into consideration will also be reviewed. Conclusion: Local and regional therapies remain a mainstay of curative and palliative treatment of patients with HCC. Currently, evidence on potential combination of the local and regional treatment options with each other as well as with other treatment modalities is growing and has the potential to further individualize HCC therapy. To identify the most suitable treatment option out of these new various options, a repeated interdisciplinary discussion of each case by the tumor board is of utmost importance.

Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma, What Else Can We Do?

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been considered the standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, intermediate‐stage HCC is highly heterogeneous with a broad population with varying tumour burdens, liver function. This suggests that TACE monotherapy treatment might not be suitable for all patients with intermediate‐stage HCC. The administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has become an important treatment option for improving the prognosis of patients with advanced HCC. Over the years, several trials have been conducted to explore the effects of TACE combined with TKIs for intermediate-stage HCC. However, the clinical efficacy is still controversial, and its potential clinical utility needs to be confirmed. This review will focus on the recent progress of TACE combined TKIs for intermediate-stage HCC.

Tumor Burden in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Transarterial Chemoembolization: Head-to-Head Comparison of Current Scoring Systems

Objectives

Recently, several scoring systems for prognosis prediction based on tumor burden have been promoted for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). This multicenter study aimed to perform the first head-to-head comparison of three scoring systems.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 849 treatment-naïve patients with HCC undergoing TACE at six tertiary care centers between 2010 and 2020. The tumor burden score (TBS), the Six-and-Twelve score (SAT), and the Seven-Eleven criteria (SEC) were calculated based on the maximum lesion size and the number of tumor nodes. All scores were compared in univariate and multivariate regression analyses, adjusted for established risk factors.

Results

The median overall survival (OS) times were 33.0, 18.3, and 12.8 months for patients with low, medium, and high TBS, respectively (p<0.001). The median OS times were 30.0, 16.9, and 10.2 months for patients with low, medium, and high SAT, respectively (p<0.001). The median OS times were 27.0, 16.7, and 10.5 for patients with low, medium, and high SEC, respectively (p<0.001). In a multivariate analysis, only the SAT remained an independent prognostic factor. The C-Indexes were 0.54 for the TBS, 0.59 for the SAT, and 0.58 for the SEC.

Conclusion

In a direct head-to-head comparison, the SAT was superior to the TBS and SEC in survival stratification and predictive ability. Therefore, the SAT can be considered when estimating the tumor burden. However, all three scores showed only moderate predictive power. Therefore, tumor burden should only be one component among many in treatment decision making.

[Transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is used as palliative and neoadjuvant treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TACE should be offered as palliative treatment to patients with intermediate stage large or multinodular HCC if no curative treatment option is available by resection or thermoablation and if extrahepatic metastases and tumor infiltration of main portal and systemic veins has been excluded. TACE is possible only in patients with preserved liver function (Child-Pugh A-B, best up to 7 points) and with good performance status (ECOG 0). TACE can be used for bridging and for downstaging prior to liver transplantation with the intention to maintain or reach limited intrahepatic tumor load defined by Milan criteria. TACE should be adapted to the vascularization pattern of the HCC nodules and performed as selective as possible and repetetively if necessary with the goal of complete devascularization of the tumor tissue. Conventional TACE (cytotoxic drugs, iodized oil and embolic particles) and drug-eluting TACE (anthracycline preloaded in microspheres) can be used in a comparable way. During drug-eluting TACE, peripheral concentration of cytotoxic drugs is lower. Using conventional TACE in a palliative setting, survival benefit for patients was 8-11 months compared to best supportive care; however, this requires that all known contraindications and other criteria in terms of tumor and liver disease, respectively, associated with negative prognosis be taken into consideration. Better local response is achieved by drug-eluting TACE; however, no related survival benefit was shown compared to conventional TACE so far. Response to neoadjuvant local treatment is associated with improved prognosis after liver transplantation.

Comparison of Treatment Response, Survival Profiles, as Well as Safety Profiles Between CalliSpheres® Microsphere Transarterial Chemoembolization and Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization in Huge Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

CalliSpheres^® microspheres (CSM) are the first drug-eluting beads (DEB) developed in China. This study aimed to compare treatment response, survival, and safety profiles between DEB transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) with CSM and conventional TACE (cTACE) in huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods

A total of 71 patients with huge HCC who underwent DEB-TACE or cTACE were consecutively enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Treatment response was assessed at first month (M1), third month (M3), and sixth month (M6) after TACE therapy; progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated; liver function indexes were recorded before TACE operation (M0), at first week (W1), M1 and M6 after TACE therapy; adverse events which occurred after TACE operation were recorded.

Results

DEB-TACE presented with higher objective response rate (60.0% vs. 29.7%, p < 0.05) and disease control rate (86.7% vs. 59.4%, p < 0.05) compared with cTACE at M3. Regarding survival profiles, PFS [median: 3.3 months (95% CI: 2.8–3.7) vs. 2.1 months (95% CI: 1.7–2.5)] as well as OS [median: 7.8 months (95% CI: 4.6–11.0) vs. 5.7 months (95% CI: 5.0–6.3)] were longer in DEB-TACE group compared with cTACE group (both p < 0.01). Multivariate Cox’s regression further illustrated that DEB-TACE vs. cTACE was an independent protective factor for PFS and OS (both p < 0.01). As for safety profiles, patients’ liver function injury was reduced in the DEB-TACE group compared with the cTACE group. The incidence of fever was lower, and CINV was less severe in the DEB-TACE group compared with the cTACE group (both p < 0.05), while no difference in occurrence of liver abscess, increase of ascites, or moderate pain between two groups was observed.

Conclusion

DEB-TACE with CSM presents with better treatment response, survival profiles, as well as safety profiles compared with cTACE in treatment for huge HCC patients.

Clinical effects and safety of different transarterial chemoembolization methods for bridging and palliative treatments in hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose

We assessed and compared clinical effects and safety endpoints of three methods of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), conventional (cTACE), with drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE), and with degradable starch microspheres (DSM-TACE), used in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the bridging to liver transplant (LT) and the palliative setting.

Methods

In our center, 148 patients with HCC underwent 492 completed TACE procedures between 2008 and 2017 (158 for bridging to LT; 334 for palliative treatment) which we analyzed retrospectively. Of these procedures, 348 were DEB-TACE, 60 cTACE, and 84 DSM-TACE.

Results

The cTACE procedure revealed a significantly longer period of hospitalization (p = 0.02), increased occurrence of nausea (p = 0.025), and rise in alanine transaminase (ALT) levels (p = 0.001), especially in the palliative setting. In the bridging to LT cohort, these clinical endpoints did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

The clinical safety of different TACE methods for HCC in both the palliative and the bridging to LT setting was equivalent. In the palliative setting, the cTACE procedure revealed an increased risk for adverse clinical effects such as nausea, elevation of ALT, and a prolonged period of hospitalization what might either be related to the systemic effects of the chemotherapeutic agent or to the differences in both collectives. Thus, further studies must be conducted on a larger number of TACE procedures to effectively explore the clinical side effects of the various TACE variants.

Quantitative washout in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing TACE: an imaging biomarker for predicting prognosis?

BACKGROUND

The delayed percentage attenuation ratio (DPAR) was recently identified as a novel predictor of an early complete response in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). In this study, we aimed to validate the role of DPAR as a predictive biomarker for short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes after TACE.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed laboratory and imaging data for 103 treatment-naïve patients undergoing initial TACE treatment at our tertiary care center between January 2016 and November 2020. DPAR and other washin and washout indices were quantified in the triphasic computed tomography performed before the initial TACE. The correlation of DPAR and radiologic response was investigated. Furthermore, the influence of DPAR on the 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month survival rates and the median overall survival (OS) was compared to other established washout indices and estimates of tumor burden and remnant liver function.

RESULTS

The DPAR was significantly of the target lesions (TLs) with objective response to TACE after the initial TACE session was significantly higher compared to patients with stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD) (125 (IQR 118-134) vs 110 (IQR 103-116), p < 0.001). Furthermore, the DPAR was significantly higher in patients who survived the first 6 months after TACE (122 vs. 115, p = 0.04). In addition, the number of patients with a DPAR > 120 was significantly higher in this group (n = 38 vs. n = 8; p = 0.03). However, no significant differences were observed in the 12-, 18-, and 24-month survival rates after the initial TACE. Regarding the median OS, no significant difference was observed for patients with a high DPAR compared to those with a low DPAR (18.7 months vs. 12.7 months, p = 0.260).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm DPAR as the most relevant washout index for predicting the short-term outcome of patients with HCC undergoing TACE. However, DPAR and the other washout indices were not predictive of mid- and long-term outcomes.

Fully automated AI-based splenic segmentation for predicting survival and estimating the risk of hepatic decompensation in TACE patients with HCC

OBJECTIVES

Splenic volume (SV) was proposed as a relevant prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We trained a deep-learning algorithm to fully automatically assess SV based on computed tomography (CT) scans. Then, we investigated SV as a prognostic factor for patients with HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 327 treatment-naïve patients with HCC undergoing initial TACE at our tertiary care center between 2010 and 2020. A convolutional neural network was trained and validated on the first 100 consecutive cases for spleen segmentation. Then, we used the algorithm to evaluate SV in all 327 patients. Subsequently, we evaluated correlations between SV and survival as well as the risk of hepatic decompensation during TACE.

RESULTS

The algorithm showed Sørensen Dice Scores of 0.96 during both training and validation. In the remaining 227 patients assessed with the algorithm, spleen segmentation was visually approved in 223 patients (98.2%) and failed in four patients (1.8%), which required manual re-assessments. Mean SV was 551 ml. Survival was significantly lower in patients with high SV (10.9 months), compared to low SV (22.0 months, p = 0.001). In contrast, overall survival was not significantly predicted by axial and craniocaudal spleen diameter. Furthermore, patients with a hepatic decompensation after TACE had significantly higher SV (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Automated SV assessments showed superior survival predictions in patients with HCC undergoing TACE compared to two-dimensional spleen size estimates and identified patients at risk of hepatic decompensation. Thus, SV could serve as an automatically available, currently underappreciated imaging biomarker.

KEY POINTS

• Splenic volume is a relevant prognostic factor for prediction of survival in patients with HCC undergoing TACE, and should be preferred over two-dimensional surrogates for splenic size. • Besides overall survival, progression-free survival and hepatic decompensation were significantly associated with splenic volume, making splenic volume a currently underappreciated prognostic factor prior to TACE. • Splenic volume can be fully automatically assessed using deep-learning methods; thus, it is a promising imaging biomarker easily integrable into daily radiological routine.

Prevalence and clinical significance of clinically evident portal hypertension in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization

Background

Clinically evident portal hypertension (CEPH) was previously identified as a prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, little is known about the prognostic influence of CEPH on the long‐term outcome of patients with HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), particularly in Western populations.

Objectives

This study investigated the prevalence and prognostic influence of CEPH in a Western population of patients with HCC undergoing TACE.

Methods

This retrospective study included 349 treatment‐naïve patients that received initial TACE treatment at our tertiary care center between January 2010 and November 2020. CEPH was defined as a combination of ascites, esophageal/gastric varices, splenomegaly and a low platelet count. We assessed the influence of CEPH and its defining factors on median overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. We compared the effects of CEPH to those of well‐known prognostic factors.

Results

Of the 349 patients included, 304 (87.1%) patients had liver cirrhosis. CEPH was present in 241 (69.1%) patients. The median OS times were 10.6 months for patients with CEPH and 17.1 months for patients without CEPH (log rank p = 0.036). Median OS without a present surrogate was 17.1 months, while patients with one respectively more than two present CEPH surrogates had a median OS of 10.8 and 9.4 months (log rank p = 0.053). In multivariate analysis, CEPH was no significant risk factor for OS (p = 0.190). Of the CEPH‐defining factors, only ascites reached significance in a univariate analysis.

Conclusion

CEPH was present in more than two thirds of the patients with HCC undergoing TACE in our cohort of Western patients. Patients with CEPH had a significantly impaired survival in univariate analysis. However, no significance was reached in multivariate analysis. Thus, when TACE treatment is deemed oncologically reasonable, patients should not be excluded from TACE treatment due to the presence of surrogates of portal hypertension alone.

Development of a Model to Predict Liver Decompensation prior to Transarterial Chemoembolization Refractoriness in Patients with Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Introduction

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the first-line treatment for patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For patients without an adequate response, current finding suggests that treatment with molecular target agents, approved for advanced stage, might present benefits. However, this requires a preserved liver function. This study aims to evaluate possible predictors of early deterioration of hepatic reserve, prior to TACE refractoriness, in a cohort of patients treated with TACE.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 99 patients with Child-Pugh class A and intermediate-stage HCC who underwent TACE as the first-line treatment. All patients were submitted to a biochemical and medical evaluation prior to initial TACE and every month afterward. Response to initial TACE was evaluated at 1 month. The time to Child-Pugh class deterioration before TACE refractoriness was assessed.

Results

Ninety-nine patients were included. Objective response rate (ORR) to initial TACE was assessed as present in 59 (63.4%) and as absent in 34 (36.6%) patients. Liver decompensated before TACE refractoriness in 51 (51.5%) patients, and the median time to liver decompensation was 14 (IQR 8-20) months after first TACE. In multivariate analysis, beyond up-to-7 criteria (HR 2.4, p = 0.031), albumin <35 mg/dL (HR 3.5, p < 0.001) and absence of ORR (HR 2.4, p = 0.020) were associated with decreased overall survival free of liver decompensation. Moreover, beyond up-to-7 criteria, albumin <35 mg/dL and absence of ORR associated negatively with 6-month survival free of liver decompensation. Our model created using those variables was able to predict liver decompensation at 6 months with an AUROC of 0.701 (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The absence of ORR after initial TACE, beyond up-to-7 criteria and albumin <35 mg/dL, was a predictive factor for early liver decompensation before TACE refractoriness in our population. Such patients might benefit from treatment escalation to systemic therapy, in monotherapy or in combination with TACE.

Risk stratification of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing trans arterial chemoembolization using an alpha-fetoprotein model

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. There are multiple factors that could affect the malignancy and progression of HCC including tumor number, size, and macrovascular invasion. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) model was validated as a predictor for HCC recurrence post-liver transplantation, especially in France. However, the AFP model has not been studied on patients with HCC undergoing locoregional treatment. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of the AFP model in patients with HCC undergoing trans arterial chemoembolization (TACE). This cohort study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. We included all newly diagnosed patients with HCC who were fit for TACE from January 2012 to January 2017. The AFP model was calculated for each patient before TACE. Subsequently, we classified them into low- and high-risk groups for TACE. The patients were followed up by AFP level and triphasic spiral CT performed 1 month after TACE to evaluate the response then at 4 months and 7 months post TACE to evaluate the local and distant recurrence.

Results

One hundred and thirty-two patients were included in the study. Complete response (CR) was achieved nonsignificantly at a higher percentage in the low-risk group in comparison with the high-risk group. One- and three-year recurrence-free survivals (RFS) were longer in the low-risk group in comparison with the high-risk group (50% and 24.1% vs. 29.1% and 16.2%, respectively). One- and three-year overall survival (OS) rates were 97% and 37.3% in the low-risk group vs. 98.1% and 11.6% in the high-risk group, respectively, without statistical significance. On classifying patients with AFP levels < 100 IU/mL into low- and high-risk patients, CR was achieved in a significantly higher percentage in the low-risk group in comparison with the high-risk group(P < 0.05). Recurrence occurred nonsignificantly in a less percentage in low than high-risk group. The median OS was significantly higher in the low-risk group in comparison with that in the high-risk group (18 vs. 16 months respectively) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The AFP model may have a prognostic value for patients with HCC undergoing TACE especially in patients with an AFP level < 100 IU/mL.

Conventional versus drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization: A better option for treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a minimally invasive procedure involving intra-arterial catheter-based chemotherapy to selectively administer high doses of cytotoxic drugs to the tumor bed along with ischemic necrosis induced by arterial embolization. Chemoembolization forms the essential core of management in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are not suitable for curative therapies such as transplantation, resection, or percutaneous ablation. TACE of hepatic cancer(s) has proven to be helpful in achieving local tumor control, and has supported the ability to prevent tumor progression, prolong patient life, and manage patient symptoms. Recent data have demonstrated that, in patients with single-nodule HCC ≤3 ​cm without vascular invasion, the 5-year overall survival with TACE was found to be comparable with hepatic resection and radiofrequency ablation. Used for several years, Lipiodol continues to play a vital role as a tumor-seeking and radiopaque drug delivery vector in interventional oncology. Efforts have been made to enhance the administration of chemotherapeutic agents to tumors. Compared with conventional TACE, drug-eluting bead TACE is a fairly new drug delivery embolization technique that permits fixed dosing and has the ability to provide sustained release of anticancer agents over a period of time. The present review discusses the basic procedure of TACE and its properties, and the effectiveness of conventional and drug-eluting bead chemoembolization systems currently available or presently undergoing clinical evaluation.

Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma - The Changing Tides

Portal vein involvement is considered one of the most fearful complications of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is associated with aggressive tumor biology (high grade), high tumor burden (number and size of lesions), high levels of serum markers (AFP), poor liver function (deranged LFT), and poor performance status of patients. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system places HCC patients with PVTT in advanced stage (BCLC Stage-C). This group contains a fairly heterogeneous patient population, previously considered candidates for palliative systemic therapy with sorafenib. However, this provided modest overall survival (OS) benefit. The results of a recent Phase III (IMbrave150) trial favor the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab over sorafenib as a standard of care in advanced unresectable HCC. While only lenvatinib proved to be non-inferior against sorafenib in a phase III (REFLECT trial), regorafenib (RESORCE trial), ramucirumab (REACH-2), and cabozantinib (CELESTIAL) have been approved second-line therapy in phase III clinical trials. Recently, the data on the prospect of other modalities in the management of HCC with PVTT is mounting with favorable results. Targeting multiple pathways in the HCC cascade using a combination of drugs and other modalities such as RT, TACE, TARE, and HAIC appear effective for systemic and loco-regional control. The quest for the ideal combination therapy and the sequence set is still widely unanswered and prospective trials are lacking. With the armament of available therapeutic options and the advances and refinements in the delivery system, down-staging patients to make them eligible for curative resection has been reported. In a rapidly evolving treatment landscape, performing surgery when appropriate, in the form of LR and even LT to achieve cure does not seem farfetched. Likewise, adjuvant therapy and prompt management of the recurrences holds the key to prolong OS and DFS. This review discusses the management options of HCC patients with PVTT.

Efficacy of Combined Therapy with Drug-Eluting Beads-Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Followed by Conventional Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multi-Center Study

Simple Summary

Drug-eluting beads-transcatheter chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) has recently been performed. However, local recurrence of HCC at the tumor margins is often observed. Conventional transcatheter chemoembolization (cTACE) comprises accumulating lipiodol-containing anticancer drugs into the drainage area, which is the first invasive site of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluate the therapeutic effect of DEB-TACE followed by cTACE in patients with intermediate stage HCC. HCC patients were divided into two groups: one group received DEB-TACE followed by cTACE (cTACE group) and the other group received only DEB-TACE (non-cTACE group). The complete response (CR) rate was significantly higher in the cTACE group than in the non-TACE group. The only factor that increased the complete response rate in the cTACE group was the number of tumors. The overall survival (OS) rate of CR patients was higher than that of non-CR patients in the cTACE group. cTACE group adverse events included severe thrombocytopenia but only in one patient. The combined therapy with DEB-TACE followed by cTACE may be useful for HCC patients.

Abstract

EB-TACE has recently been performed because of its lower hepatotoxicity compared to cTACE in less advanced HCC. However, local recurrence at the tumor margins is often observed after DEB-TACE. cTACE involves filling the intratumoral sinusoids with lipiodol-containing anticancer drugs and accumulating in the drainage area, which is the first site of HCC recurrence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of DEB-TACE followed by cTACE in HCC patients. Between 2014 and 2020, 65 patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage B (intermediate stage) of HCC were enrolled and divided into two groups: one group received DEB-TACE followed by cTACE (cTACE group) and the other group received only DEB-TACE (non-cTACE group). Sixty-five patients were medically followed. The median observation time was 14 ± 13.1 months after the first DEB-TACE and outcomes were analyzed for multiple factors. Results: The complete response rate was significantly higher in the cTACE group than in the non-TACE group. The analysis showed that the only factor that increased the CR rate in the cTACE group was the total tumor number (less than four). The OS rate of CR patients was higher than that of non-CR patients in the cTACE group. Adverse events in the cTACE group included severe thrombocytopenia but only in one of twenty-seven patients. Conclusions: The combined therapy with DEB-TACE followed by cTACE may be a new effective therapeutic strategy for the intermediate stage of HCC patients.

Emerging Trends in the Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Radiological Perspective

This is a narrative review of various treatment modalities for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a focus on recent updates in radiological treatments, as well as novel treatment concepts related to immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination therapies with locoregional treatments. Interventional radiologists have made efforts toward developing alternative and/or combination treatments for first-line systemic treatment of patients with advanced HCC. Locoregional treatments with or without systemic therapy may be considered in the selected patients. Various treatment modalities for advanced HCC are emerging, and several randomized controlled trials, including those of combination treatments with immunotherapy, are ongoing.

Refining Prognosis in Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Immunonutrition and Liver Function

A combination of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grading and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) was identified recently as a highly predictive tool for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing tumor ablation. The present study evaluated this combination in patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Between 2010 and 2020, 280 treatment-naïve patients were retrospectively identified. The influence of ALBI grade, PNI and the novel ALBI-PNI on the median overall survival (OS) was assessed. In the next step, the prognostic ability of the combined approach was compared to established scoring systems. Both ALBI grade 2-3 and a low PNI were highly predictive for median OS (ALBI grade 1-3: 39.0 vs. 16.3 vs. 5.4 months, p < 0.001; high vs. low PNI: 21.4 vs. 7.5, p < 0.001). The combination of both resulted in a median OS of 39.0, 20.1, 10.3, and 5.4 months (p < 0.001). With a Concordance Index (C-Index) of 0.69, ALBI-PNI outperformed each individual score (ALBI 0.65, PNI 0.64) and was also better than BCLC, HAP, mHAP-II, and the Six-and-Twelve score (C-Indices 0.66, 0.60, 0.59, and 0.55). Thus, the easy-to-calculate ALBI-PNI may be a promising stratification tool for patients with HCC undergoing TACE, reflecting both immunonutritive status and liver function.

Hypoxic targeting and activating TH-302 loaded transcatheter arterial embolization microsphere

The tumor-derived and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) induced hypoxia microenvironment is closely related to the poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based TACE microspheres were prepared to treat HCC through localized and sustained drug delivery. TH-302 microspheres with three different sizes were fabricated by an oil-in-water emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectra (IR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and drug release profiles. The in vitro antitumor potential was firstly evaluated in an HepG2 cell model under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Then, a VX-2 tumor-bearing rabbit model was established and performed TACE to investigate the in vivo drug tissue distribution and antitumor efficiency of TH-302 microspheres. Blood routine examination and histopathological examinations were also conducted to evaluate the safety of TH-302 microspheres. TH-302 microspheres with particle size 75–100 μm, 100–200 μm, and 200–300 μm were prepared and characterized by sphere morphology and sustained drug release up to 360 h. Compared with TH-302, the microspheres exhibited higher cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis, and cell cycle S phase retardation in HepG2 cells under hypoxic conditions. The microspheres also displayed continuous drug release in the liver tissue and better anti-tumor efficiency compared with TH-302 injection and lipiodol. Meanwhile, no serious toxicity appeared in the duration of treatment. Therefore, TH-302 microspheres showed to be feasible and effective for TACE and hold promise in the clinical for HCC chemoembolization therapy.

A Comparison of Adverse Events Among Radiofrequency Ablation, Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and Drug-Eluting Bead TACE in Treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Background

There has been very limited investigation regarding the comparison of adverse events (AEs) among radiofrequency ablation (RFA), conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE), and drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE) in treating HCC patients; therefore, the present study aimed to resolve this issue.

Methods

Two-hundred and forty-six HCC patients (with a total of 267 procedures [treatment times]) treated with RFA (73 patients with 79 procedures), cTACE (86 patients with 94 procedures), or DEB-TACE (87 patients with 94 procedures) were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The information on AEs was also retrieved and analyzed.

Results

Total AEs incidence was notably different among the RFA group, cTACE group, and DEB-TACE group and was the highest in cTACE group (86.2%), then in DEB-TACE group (76.6%), and the lowest in RFA group (63.3%). Regarding specific AEs incidence, the incidences of fever, fatigue, and nausea were distinctive among the three groups, while no distinctiveness was found in incidence of other AEs. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression revealed that cTACE (versus RFA) was independently correlated with increased risk of total AEs, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting; however, the interventional therapies were not independently correlated with the risk of pain, fever or constipation. Other independent predictive factors for total AEs risk were male gender, bronchial asthma, and disease duration.

Conclusion

cTACE resulted in the highest AEs incidence compared with RFA and DEB-TACE in treating HCC patients.