Percutaneous intratumoral injection of lipiodol and chemotherapeutic agents emulsion for primary liver cancer

Abstract

Objective To evaluate percutaneous intratumoral injection of chemotherapeutic agents lipiodol emulsion (CALE) for the treatment of primary liver cancer. Methods This study included 57 patients of hepatocellular carcinoma (n=49) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n=8).53 were male and 4 were female,with a mean age of 48.02 years(range,19～70 years).In all,ninety CALE injections were assigned to 90 target areas within the lesions.Before the procedures,transcathetcr arterial chemoembolization (n=55) or infusion (n=2) was carried out in these patients.By arteriography,low blood supply of target areas was showed or it was concluded that superselective catheterization of supply arteries of lesions could not accomplished.Percutaneous intratumoral CALE injection was carried out under fluoroscopy or CT guidance.Therapeutic effect,side effect and complications were assessed based on clinical manifestation,laboratory examination and fluoroscopy or CT one week after procedure.Follow-up was carried out after 1,3,6 months and 1 year,and once every six months thereafter.Local recurrences were treated according to patients'will.Results 90 sessions of percutaneous injection were successfully performed on 57 patients,with 100% technique success rate.The volume of CALE iniected per session ranged 3.0-7.0 ml(mean,6.0 ml) in target size less than 3 cm,12.0-20 ml(mean,15 ml)in target size of 3-5 cm and 24-40 ml in target larger than 5 cm.Serum AFP was positive in 43 patients and decreased to normal in 14 patients(28%).54 lesions(60%)were with well distribution of the lipiodol-chemotherapy mixture on CT 1 month after procedure.Follow-up ranged from 2 months to six years(mean,16 months).The median survival time was 400 d.The cumulative survival rates at 200 d,600d was 85%and 30%,respectively.Complications included fever (n=22,24.4%),nausea and vomit(n=11,12.2%),and pain at the puncture site (n=17,18.9%).Conclusions Percutaneous intratumor CALE injection is safe and effective for the treatment of primary liver cancer. Key words: Carcinoma,hepatoceUular; Chemoembolization,therapeutic; Radiofrequency; Radiology; interventional