Arterial Chemoembolization For Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research Articles

Efficacy of Lenvatinib Combined with Anti-PD-1 Antibodies plus Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: A Retrospective, Multicenter Study.

The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is extremely poor, and systemic therapy is currently the mainstream treatment. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib combined with anti-PD-1 antibodies and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (triple therapy) in patients with HCC and PVTT. This retrospective multicenter study included patients with HCC and PVTT who received triple therapy, were aged between 18 and 75 years, classified as Child Pugh class A or B, and had at least one measurable lesion. The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rates, and disease control rates were analyzed to assess efficacy. Treatment-related adverse events were analyzed to assess safety profiles. During a median follow-up of 11.23 months (range, 3.07-34.37 months), the median OS was greater than 24 months, and median PFS was 12.53 months. The two-year OS rate was 54.9%. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 69.8% (74/106) and 84.0% (89/106), respectively; 20.8% (22/106) of the patients experienced grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events and no treatment-related deaths occurred. The conversion rate to liver resection was 31.1% (33/106), with manageable postoperative complications. The median OS was not reached in the surgery group, but was 19.08 months in the non-surgery group. The median PFS in the surgery and non-surgery groups were 20.50 and 9.00 months, respectively. Triple therapy showed promising survival benefits and high response rates in patients with HCC and PVTT, with manageable adverse effects.

Non-invasive assessment of response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with the deep neural networks-based radiomics nomogram.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a mainstay treatment for intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with the potential to enhance patient survival. Preoperative prediction of postoperative response to TACE in patients with HCC is crucial. To develop a deep neural network (DNN)-based nomogram for the non-invasive and precise prediction of TACE response in patients with HCC. We retrospectively collected clinical and imaging data from 110 patients with HCC who underwent TACE surgery. Radiomics features were extracted from specific imaging methods. We employed conventional machine-learning algorithms and a DNN-based model to construct predictive probabilities (RScore). Logistic regression helped identify independent clinical risk factors, which were integrated with RScore to create a nomogram. We evaluated diagnostic performance using various metrics. Among the radiomics models, the DNN_LASSO-based one demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.847, sensitivity = 0.892, specificity = 0.791). Peritumoral enhancement and alkaline phosphatase were identified as independent risk factors. Combining RScore with these clinical factors, a DNN-based nomogram exhibited superior predictive performance (AUC = 0.871, sensitivity = 0.844, specificity = 0.873). In this study, we successfully developed a deep learning-based nomogram that can noninvasively and accurately predict TACE response in patients with HCC, offering significant potential for improving the clinical management of HCC.

A Hypoxia-Related miRNA-mRNA Signature for Predicting the Response and Prognosis of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is commonly used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, not all patients respond to this treatment. TACE typically leads to hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, we aimed to construct a prognostic model based on hypoxia-related differentially expressed microRNA (miRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to investigate the potential target mRNAs for predicting TACE response. The hypoxia-related miRNAs (HRMs) were identified in liver cancer cells, then global test was performed to further select the miRNAs which were associated with recurrence and vascular invasion. A prognostic model was constructed based on multivariate Cox regression analysis; qRT-PCR analysis was used to validate the differentially expressed miRNAs in HCC cell lines under hypoxic condition. We further identified the putative target genes of the miRNAs and investigate the relationship between the target genes and TACE response, immune cells infiltration. We established a HRMs prognostic model for HCC patients, containing two miRNAs (miR-638, miR-501-5p), the patients with high-HRMs score showed worse survival in discovery and validation cohort; qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that these two miRNAs are up-regulated in hepatoma cells under hypoxic condition. Furthermore, four putative target genes of these two miRNAs were identified (ADH1B, CTH, FTCD, RCL1), which were significantly associated with TACE response, immune score, immunosuppressive immune cells infiltration, PDCD1 and CTLA4. The HCC-HRMs signature may be utilized as a promising prognostic factor and may have implications for guiding TACE and immune therapy.

Development of a predictive nomogram for postembolization syndrome after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma

Post-embolization syndrome (PES) is a frequent complication after receiving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but only a few studies have focused on the factors influencing PES in those patients. In this study, the impact factors of PES were explored and a nomogram was constructed to predict the occurrence of PES in HCC patients with TACE. This was a retrospective cohort study of HCC patients who underwent TACE obtained from the third affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University between January 1, 2020, and September 1, 2022. T‑test and Chi‑square test were used to search for factors influencing PES occurrence, and then the nomogram was further established based on multivariable logistic regression analysis. Validation of the predictive nomogram was also evaluated by calibration curve, concordance index (C-index), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The enrolled patients (n = 258) were randomly assigned to the primary cohort (n = 180) and validation cohort (n = 78) in a 7:3 ratio. Among 180 patients in the primary cohort, 106 (58.89%) experienced PES. TACE types (P = 0.015), embolization degree (P = 0.008), and tumor number (P = 0.026) were identified as predictors by the logistic regression analysis and were used to develop the predictive nomogram. The internally validated and externally validated C-indexes were 0.713 and 0.703, respectively. The calibration curves presented good consistency between actual and predictive survival. Types of embolic agents, embolization degree, and tumor number were found to be the predictors of PES after TACE. The nomogram could reliably predict PES in HCC patients with TACE. This predictive model might be considered for clinical practice.

Prediction of initial objective response to drug-eluting beads transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma using CT radiomics-based machine learning model.

Objective: A prognostic model utilizing CT radiomics, radiological, and clinical features was developed and validated in this study to predict an objective response to initial transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Between January 2017 and December 2022, the baseline clinical characteristics and preoperative and postoperative follow-up imaging data of 108 HCC patients who underwent the first time treatment of DEB-TACE were analyzed retrospectively. The training group (n = 86) and the validation group (n = 22) were randomly assigned in an 8:2 ratio. By logistic regression in machine learning, radiomics, and clinical-radiological models were constructed separately. Finally, the integrated model construction involved the integration of both radiomics and clinical-radiological signatures. The study compared the integrated model with radiomics and clinical-radiological models using calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: The objective response rate observed in a group of 108 HCC patients who received initial DEB-TACE treatment was found to be 51.9%. Among the three models, the integrated model exhibited superior predictive accuracy in both the training and validation groups. The training group resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.860, along with sensitivity and specificity values of 0.650 and 0.913, respectively. Based on the findings from the validation group, the AUC was estimated to be 0.927. Additionally, it was found that values of sensitivity and specificity were 0.875 and 0.833, respectively. In the validation group, the AUC of the integrated model showed a significant improvement when contrasted to the clinical-radiological model (p = 0.042). Nevertheless, no significant distinction was observed in the AUC when comparing the integrated model with the radiomics model (p = 0.734). The DCA suggested that the integrated model demonstrates advantageous clinical utility. Conclusion: The integrated model, which combines the CT radiomics signature and the clinical-radiological signature, exhibited higher predictive efficacy than either the radiomics or clinical-radiological models alone. This suggests that during the prediction of the objective responsiveness of HCC patients to the first DEB-TACE treatment, the integrated model yields superior outcomes.

Local Recurrence following Radiological Complete Response in Patients Treated with Subsegmental Balloon-Occluded Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to determine the local recurrence (LR) rate and identify factors associated with LR in patients who achieve a radiological complete response (CR) after undergoing balloon-occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (B-TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From November 2017 to September 2021, 60 patients (44 men, 16 women; mean age, 63.5 years; range, 39-82 years) with 72 HCCs (mean diameter, 31 mm; range, 10-50 mm) who underwent subsegmental B-TACE were included in this retrospective study. Radiological and clinical evaluation of oily subsegmentectomy, defined as radiological CR of the HCC and peritumoral parenchymal necrosis, was performed. The CR rate was 97.2% (70 of 72 HCCs) at first follow-up (mean, 41 days; range, 14-110 days). Overall, 13 HCCs (19.7%) demonstrated LR at a mean of 29.8 months (range, 3-63 months) and cumulative LR rates were 1.5% 14.2% 21%, 21%, and 21% at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. In 28 (38.9%) of 72 HCCs, oily subsegmentectomy was achieved, tumor markers were normalized, and LR did not occur. The oily subsegmentectomy-positive group had a significantly lower LR rate than the oily subsegmentectomy-negative group (p = 0.001). Age ≥65 years (adjusted hazard ration (HR), 0.124; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.037-0.412; p < 0.001) and peripheral location (adjusted HR, 0.112; 95% CI, 0.046-0.272; p < 0.001) were independent predictive factors of LR. Subsegmental B-TACE can be an effective method with a high initial CR rate and low LR incidence. Oily subsegmentectomy can be considered as an index of successful treatment because it did not demonstrate any LR.

Complications of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report of Bronchobiliary Fistula Development in a 68-Year-Old Man.

BACKGROUND Bronchobiliary fistulas (BBFs) are abnormal communications between the biliary tract and bronchial tree. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a widely employed treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While TACE is generally considered safe, there have been reports of severe complications. This case report is about a 68-year-old man who developed a BBF 6 months after undergoing TACE for HCC. CASE REPORT A 68-year-old man was diagnosed with HCC and underwent TACE at a local medical department. Two months after TACE, he presented with a liver abscess, which was drained and catheterized. Subsequently, the patient was transferred to our hospital. Initial MRI revealed abscesses in the right hepatic lobe extending into the lung cavity. Intrahepatic catheter replacement was performed. Six months after TACE, the patient developed cough and yellow sputum. Subsequent MRI confirmed smaller lung and liver abscesses, along with a BBF. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous catheter replacement were conducted, closing the BBF with a covered stent. Despite drainage, antibiotics, and nutritional support, the patient's condition deteriorated. Transition to hospice care was initiated, and the patient died due to sepsis and multiple organ failure. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the importance of obtaining a comprehensive patient history when a patient has bile in the sputum, and discusses the rare but previously reported BBF as a complication of TACE for HCC. The presence of bile collections in the lungs and liver can result in tissue necrosis, potentially leading to chronic infection, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and management.

Retracted: Clinical Nursing Paths Benefit Patient Outcomes Undergoing Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/4655293.].

Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Combined with Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Extrahepatic Oligometastasis and Prognostic Factors for Patient Survival.

To investigate the clinical efficacy of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with extrahepatic oligometastasis and the prognosis of patients receiving this treatment. Twenty-one HCC patients with extrahepatic oligometastasis were retrospectively analyzed; seven patients received IMRT only, and 14 received IMRT plus TACE. TACE treatment was administered before IMRT (50 mg epirubicin, oxaliplatin 100 mg, and mitomycin 10 mg). The short-term efficacy of this treatment and patient prognosis were evaluated. Complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) in the intrahepatic region were achieved in three and 14 patients, respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) approached 81%. CR and PR were achieved in six and 10 patients with extrahepatic metastases, respectively, for an ORR of 100%. Pain was completely relieved in all patients with bone metastases. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 21 months and 9.1 months, respectively. The 1-year PFS rate was 43%, and the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year OS rates were 83%, 35%, 9%, and 4%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the prognostic factors for patient survival included Child-Pugh class, vascular thrombus, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), radiotherapy dose, ascites, combination therapy, and pattern of progression. Multivariate analysis showed that vascular thrombus, combination therapy, and pattern of failure were prognostic factors for PFS, and the KPS was the only prognostic factor for OS. No grade 3-4 adverse reactions were observed. IMRT combined with TACE is safe and feasible without major toxicities for the treatment of advanced HCC patients with extrahepatic oligometastasis and results in excellent objective efficacy and a potential survival benefit. The KPS is the only predictive factor for OS. This approach is expected to be a useful palliative option for selected HCC patients with extrahepatic metastases.

Computed tomography texture analysis combined with preoperative clinical factors serve as a predictor of early efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma.

To investigate a pre-therapeutic radiomics nomogram to accurately predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesion responses to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). This retrospective study from January 2012 to 2022 included 92 TACE-treated patients who underwent liver contrast-enhanced CT scan 7days before treatment, having complete clinical information. We extracted quantitative texture parameters and clinical factors for the largest tumors on the baseline arterial and portal venous phase CT images. An adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-penalized logistic regression identified independent predictors of tumor activity after TACE. We fitted an adaptive LASSO regression model to narrow down the texture features and clinical risk factors of the tumor activity status. The selected texture features were used to construct radiomic scores (RadScore), which demonstrated superior performance in predicting tumor activity on both the training (area under the curve (AUC): 0.881, 95% CI: 0.799-0.963) and testing sets (AUC: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.726-1). A logistic regression-based nomogram was developed using RadScore and four selected clinical features. In the testing set, nomogram total points were significant predictors (P = 0.034), and the training set showed no departure from perfect fit (P = 0.833). Internal validation of the nomogram was obtained for the training (AUC: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.837-0.984) and testing (AUC: 0.889, 95% CI: 0.746-1) sets. We propose a nomogram to predict the early response of HCC lesions to TACE treatment with high accuracy, which may serve as an additional criterion in multidisciplinary decision-making treatment.

The feasibility of early response evaluation using superb microvascular imaging one day after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of early Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) for prediction of the effect of HCC treatment after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). A total of 96 HCCs (70 patients) treated with TACE between September 2021 and May 2022 were included in this study. SMI, Color Doppler imaging (CDI), and Power Doppler imaging (PDI) were performed the day after TACE for evaluation of intratumoral vascularity of the lesion using an Aplio500 ultrasound scanner (Toshiba Medical Systems, Corporation, Tochigi, Japan). Grading of the vascular presence was performed using a five-point scale. A dynamic CT image taken after 29-42 days was used for comparison of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detection of tumor vascularity between SMI, CDI, and PDI. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for assessment of factors affecting intratumoral vascularity. Fifty-eight lesions (60%) showed complete remission (CR) and 38 lesions (40%) showed partial response (PR) or no response at 29-42 days on Multi-detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) after TACE. SMI showed sensitivity of 86.84% for detection of intratumoral flow, which was significantly higher compared with that of CDI (10.53%, p< 0.001) and PDI (36.84%, p< 0.001). The results of multivariate analysis indicated that tumor size was a significant factor in detection of blood flow using the SMI technique. Early SMI may be utilized as an adjunctive diagnostic test for evaluation of treated lesions after TACE, particularly when the location of the tumor is in an area of the liver where a suitable sonic window can be identified.

Idarubicin-loaded biodegradable microspheres enhance sensitivity to anti-PD1 immunotherapy in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an image-guided locoregional therapy used for the treatment of patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, conventional TACE formulations such as epirubicin-lipiodol emulsion are rapidly dissociated due to the instability of the emulsion, resulting in insufficient local drug concentrations in the target tumor. To overcome these limitations, we used biodegradable Idarubicin loaded microspheres (BILMs), which were prepared from gelatin and carrageenan and could be loaded with Idarubicin (IDA-MS). The morphology and the ability to load and release IDA of BILMs were characterized in vitro. We evaluated tumor changes and side effects after TACE treatment with IDA-MS in VX2 rabbit and C57BL/6 mice HCC models. In addition, the effect of IDA-MS on the tumor immune microenvironment of HCC tumors was elucidated via mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry. Result showed that IDA-MS was developed as a new TACE formulation to overcome the poor delivery of drugs due to rapid elimination of the anticancer drug into the systemic circulation. We demonstrated in rabbits and mice HCC models that TACE with IDA-MS resulted in significant tumor shrinkage and no more severe adverse events than those observed in the IDA group. TACE with IDA-MS could also significantly enhance the sensitivity of anti-PD1 immunotherapy, improve the expression of CD8+ T cells, and activate the tumor immune microenvironment in HCC. This study provides a new approach for TACE therapy and immunotherapy and illuminates the future of HCC treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Conventional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) formulations are rapidly dissociated due to the instability of the emulsion, resulting in insufficient local drug concentrations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To overcome these limitations, we used biodegradable microspheres called BILMs, which could be loaded with Idarubicin (IDA-MS). We demonstrated in rabbits and mice HCC models that TACE with IDA-MS resulted in significant tumor shrinkage and no more severe adverse events than those observed in the IDA group. TACE with IDA-MS could also significantly enhance the sensitivity of anti-PD1 immunotherapy, improve the expression of CD8+ T cells, and activate the tumor immune microenvironment in HCC. This study provides a new approach for TACE therapy and immunotherapy and illuminates the future of HCC treatment.

Thermoresponsive hydrogel for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the most commonly used treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the poor stability of emulsified chemotherapy drugs by iodinated oil always leads to serious systemic cytotoxicity. Herein, a composite hydrogel Epi/Etpoil@MC/XG was proposed by stably distributing ethiodized poppyseed oil (Etpoil) and epirubicin (Epi) in the blend hydrogel of methylcellulose (MC) and xanthan gum (XG). Benefiting from its adjusted thermo-responsive and injectable properties, the Epi/Etpoil@MC/XG has been successfully applied in the embolization of the feeding artery for a VX2 tumor model.

PLEURITIS AND EMPYEMA AFTER TRANSARTERIAL CHEMOEMBOLIZATION OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

SESSION TITLE: Once in a Lifetime Pleural CasesSESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case ReportsPRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 12:25 pm - 01:25 pmINTRODUCTION: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an important non-surgical option in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and spontaneous HCC rupture. Pulmonary complications of TACE are typically vascular or parenchymal in etiology. We present a case with pleural involvement and empyema directly related to a TACE procedure.CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 70-year-old male with hepatitis C cirrhosis complicated by HCC of the right hepatic dome, who was admitted with right upper abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed a complex subcapsular fluid collection concerning for rupture of the HCC lesion. TACE was performed with doxorubicin-loaded embolization beads. After embolization, there was persistent patency of a subsegmental vessel with portal arterial shunting which could not embolized, but no extravasation. The patient did well and was discharged. Nine days later, he was readmitted with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and leukocytosis of 24 k/uL. Imaging revealed a loculated right pleural effusion with the exophytic HCC abutting an intact right diaphragm. Tube thoracostomy drained grossly purulent fluid, with pleural fluid WBC > 150,000/uL, 96% polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), LDH > 1200 U/L, glucose 52 mg/dl and triglycerides of 50 mg/dl. Grossly purulent fluid continued to drain and repeat pleural fluid analysis three days later was similar with pleural fluid WBC > 150,000/uL, 97% PMNs. No organisms were isolated on either culture. Pleural fluid cytology was negative for malignancy but showed microspheres consistent with TACE beads (Image 1). He recovered with continued pleural drainage and an extended course of antimicrobials.DISCUSSION: TACE is a valuable tool for the treatment of HCC and spontaneous HCC rupture(1). Pulmonary complications occur infrequently, with symptoms in < 5%, and pulmonary oil embolism the most common event (0.05 – 9%) due to intravascular spread of the oil beads and chemotherapeutic agent to the lung vasculature via arteriovenous shunts in the tumor. Acute lung injury, inflammatory pneumonia and pleuritis are even less frequent, reported mostly in case reports. Pleural effusions related to TACE beads typically occur in the setting of lung injury and pleuritis(2). Isolated pleural effusions are exceedingly rare with only one reported case of empyema after TACE which was the result of an open diaphragmatic defect and pleural contamination, unlike our case where the diaphragm was grossly intact on imaging studies(3). The exact mechanism of TACE bead translocation to the pleura space in our case is unclear but could be through microscopic diaphragmatic defects or hematogenous spread.CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of pleuritis, and empyema attributed to TACE with a grossly intact diaphragmatic border and should be one of the considerations in patients with pulmonary symptoms following TACE.Reference #1: Xu X, Chen C, Liu Q, Huang X. A Meta-analysis of TAE/TACE Versus Emergency Surgery in the Treatment of Ruptured HCC. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2020 Sep;43(9):1263-1276. doi: 10.1007/s00270-020-02514-5. Epub 2020 May 21. PMID: 32440961.Reference #2: Nhu QM, Knowles H, Pockros PJ, Frenette CT. Pulmonary complications of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Respirol. 2016;6(3):69-75. doi:10.5320/WJR.v6.i3.69Reference #3: Sur, Young & Won, Je & Wang, Hee-Jung & Kim, Jinoo. (2015). A Rare Case of Empyema Developed after Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology. 72. 33. 10.3348/jksr.2015.72.1.33.DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Adam BrownsteinNo relevant relationships by Jessica ChannickStock Holder relationship with Merck Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Guy Soo Hoo, value=Stock HolderStock holder relationship with Amgen Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Guy Soo Hoo, value=Stock HolderStock Holder relationship with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Guy Soo Hoo, value=Stock HolderStock holder relationship with Pfizer Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Guy Soo Hoo, value=Stock holderStock holder relationship with XOMA Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Guy Soo Hoo, value=Stock holderNo relevant relationships by Chad WilcoxNo relevant relationships by Jin Zhong SESSION TITLE: Once in a Lifetime Pleural Cases SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 12:25 pm - 01:25 pm INTRODUCTION: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an important non-surgical option in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and spontaneous HCC rupture. Pulmonary complications of TACE are typically vascular or parenchymal in etiology. We present a case with pleural involvement and empyema directly related to a TACE procedure. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 70-year-old male with hepatitis C cirrhosis complicated by HCC of the right hepatic dome, who was admitted with right upper abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed a complex subcapsular fluid collection concerning for rupture of the HCC lesion. TACE was performed with doxorubicin-loaded embolization beads. After embolization, there was persistent patency of a subsegmental vessel with portal arterial shunting which could not embolized, but no extravasation. The patient did well and was discharged. Nine days later, he was readmitted with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and leukocytosis of 24 k/uL. Imaging revealed a loculated right pleural effusion with the exophytic HCC abutting an intact right diaphragm. Tube thoracostomy drained grossly purulent fluid, with pleural fluid WBC > 150,000/uL, 96% polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), LDH > 1200 U/L, glucose 52 mg/dl and triglycerides of 50 mg/dl. Grossly purulent fluid continued to drain and repeat pleural fluid analysis three days later was similar with pleural fluid WBC > 150,000/uL, 97% PMNs. No organisms were isolated on either culture. Pleural fluid cytology was negative for malignancy but showed microspheres consistent with TACE beads (Image 1). He recovered with continued pleural drainage and an extended course of antimicrobials. DISCUSSION: TACE is a valuable tool for the treatment of HCC and spontaneous HCC rupture(1). Pulmonary complications occur infrequently, with symptoms in < 5%, and pulmonary oil embolism the most common event (0.05 – 9%) due to intravascular spread of the oil beads and chemotherapeutic agent to the lung vasculature via arteriovenous shunts in the tumor. Acute lung injury, inflammatory pneumonia and pleuritis are even less frequent, reported mostly in case reports. Pleural effusions related to TACE beads typically occur in the setting of lung injury and pleuritis(2). Isolated pleural effusions are exceedingly rare with only one reported case of empyema after TACE which was the result of an open diaphragmatic defect and pleural contamination, unlike our case where the diaphragm was grossly intact on imaging studies(3). The exact mechanism of TACE bead translocation to the pleura space in our case is unclear but could be through microscopic diaphragmatic defects or hematogenous spread. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of pleuritis, and empyema attributed to TACE with a grossly intact diaphragmatic border and should be one of the considerations in patients with pulmonary symptoms following TACE. Reference #1: Xu X, Chen C, Liu Q, Huang X. A Meta-analysis of TAE/TACE Versus Emergency Surgery in the Treatment of Ruptured HCC. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2020 Sep;43(9):1263-1276. doi: 10.1007/s00270-020-02514-5. Epub 2020 May 21. PMID: 32440961. Reference #2: Nhu QM, Knowles H, Pockros PJ, Frenette CT. Pulmonary complications of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Respirol. 2016;6(3):69-75. doi:10.5320/WJR.v6.i3.69 Reference #3: Sur, Young & Won, Je & Wang, Hee-Jung & Kim, Jinoo. (2015). A Rare Case of Empyema Developed after Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology. 72. 33. 10.3348/jksr.2015.72.1.33. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Adam Brownstein No relevant relationships by Jessica Channick Stock Holder relationship with Merck Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Guy Soo Hoo, value=Stock Holder Stock holder relationship with Amgen Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Guy Soo Hoo, value=Stock Holder Stock Holder relationship with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Guy Soo Hoo, value=Stock Holder Stock holder relationship with Pfizer Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Guy Soo Hoo, value=Stock holder Stock holder relationship with XOMA Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Guy Soo Hoo, value=Stock holder No relevant relationships by Chad Wilcox No relevant relationships by Jin Zhong

Gamma knife radiosurgery versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: a propensity score matching study

BackgroundThe optimal locoregional treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in HCC patients with PVTT.MethodsThis retrospective study included 544 HCC patients with PVTT (GKR, 202; TACE, 342). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis identified 171 matched pairs of patients. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS).ResultsBefore PSM, the GKR group exhibited longer median OS (mOS) than the TACE group (17.2 vs. 8.0 months, p < 0.001). We followed the Cheng’s classification for PVTT. In the subgroup analysis, GKR was associated with significantly longer mOS for patients with PVTT II-IV (17.5 vs. 8.7 months, p < 0.001; 17.2 vs. 7.8 months, p = 0.001; 14.5 vs. 6.5 months, p = 0.001, respectively) and comparable OS for patients with PVTT I. After PSM, the GKR group had also a longer mOS than the TACE group (15.8 vs. 10.4 months, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the GKR group demonstrated superior mOS for patients with PVTT II-IV (all p < 0.05) and comparable OS for patients with PVTT I.ConclusionsGKR was associated better OS than TACE in HCC patients with PVTT, especially for patients with PVTT II-IV.Clinical Trials RegistrationThe study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry under the registration number ChiCTR2100051057.

Clinical Nursing Paths Benefit Patient Outcomes Undergoing Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Objective The purpose of the study is to investigate patient outcomes of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under clinical nursing paths (CNP) and whether the application of CNP can be a protective factor against the recurrence of HCC. Methods The study comprised of 48 patients who received TACE for HCC under the CNP (assigned into the CNP group) and 41 who received TACE for HCC under the routine care (assigned into the control group). Their treatment safety, pain, and psychology were compared. The nursing satisfaction and quality of life were investigated when patients were discharged from the hospital. A 6-month follow-up was performed to analyze the related factors affecting disease recurrence. Results In the CNP group, the incidence rate of total adverse reactions, VAS scores, SAS and SDA scores were lower, but conversely, the satisfaction and SF-36 scores were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced TNM stage, larger tumor diameter, greater Child-Pugh classification, and the presence of peripheral blood vessel invasion were independent risk factors of HCC recurrence (P < 0.05). Conclusion The study demonstrated that CNP intervention can improve the safety and quality of life of patients undergoing TACE for HCC and reduce their negative emotions and pain feelings, which is worthy of clinical application.

Durable complete response is achieved by balloon-occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

In 2013 and 2014, the development of microcatheters with balloons for the 4‐Fr system and new embolization materials provided various options for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), expanding the range of treatment strategies. At our hospital, balloon‐occluded TACE (B‐TACE), conventional TACE (C‐TACE), and drug‐eluting bead TACE (DEB‐TACE) have been actively performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study compared the local recurrence‐free (LRF) periods of nodules with complete necrosis (TE4) obtained using each treatment method by extracting the nodules evaluated as complete response by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. We performed 580 TACE procedures between June 2013 and April 2019. Among them, 58 HCC nodules in 43 patients, 33 nodules in 30 patients, and 45 nodules in 25 patients were evaluated as having complete necrosis after C‐TACE, DEB‐TACE, and B‐TACE, respectively. The time to local recurrence for each nodule was defined as the LRF period, and the quality of TE4 for each TACE was examined. Factors related to overall survival and the LRF period were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses, and overall survival and the LRF period were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate analysis of the LRF period showed that B‐TACE was an independent factor. The median LRF periods were 39.3, 13, and 9.1 months for B‐TACE, C‐TACE, and DEB‐TACE, respectively. Moreover, B‐TACE had a significantly longer LRF period than C‐TACE and DEB‐TACE. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between C‐TACE and DEB‐TACE. The LRF period of nodules with TE4 was the longest with B‐TACE, suggesting that B‐TACE should be used to achieve a radical cure in patients with HCC.

Liver abscess after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical manifestations, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment

Liver abscess after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical manifestations, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment

Diaphragmatic perforation after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma via inferior phrenic artery: a case report

BackgroundTranscatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) via the inferior phrenic artery has been recognized to have its own therapeutic role without causing serious procedural complications. We report a case of diaphragmatic perforation after repeated TACE sessions conducted via the right inferior phrenic artery.Case presentationA 43-year-old man diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma was admitted to the hospital with a chief complaint of cough. The patient underwent TACE via the right inferior phrenic artery 3 months prior and was discharged without specific complications. Physical examination revealed decreased breathing sounds in the right lower lung zone. Chest radiograph demonstrated a small right pleural effusion. Chest CT scan revealed a small diaphragmatic perforation. The patient was unable to undergo surgical exploration, and a follow-up CT scan after 2 months revealed progression of the right diaphragmatic perforation with massive herniation of omental fat into the thoracic cavity.ConclusionsAlthough TACE via the inferior phrenic artery is a relatively safe procedure, it can be associated with rare but serious complications after repeated procedures. This is a rare case report of diaphragmatic perforation after TACE via the right inferior phrenic artery. Early recognition and prompt surgical management are essential to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Comparison of local recurrence in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma with or without accumulation of iodized oil beyond corona enhancement area: Short-term results.

BackgroundLocal tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often occurs in blood drainage areas. Corona enhancement is determined by computed tomography during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) and is considered to represent the blood drainage area. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between embolization of corona enhancement area and local tumor recurrence of patients with HCC who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).Patients and methodsThe study retrospectively selected 53 patients with 60 HCC nodules that showed corona enhancement area on late-phase CTHA and showed homogenous accumulation of iodized oil throughout the nodule on non-contrast-enhanced CT performed immediately after TACE. We divided the nodules into two groups, according to whether the accumulation of iodized oil covered the entire corona enhancement area (group A) or not (group B). Local tumor recurrence was compared between the two groups.ResultsThe cumulative local tumor recurrence rates for group A (n = 36) were 2.8%, 2.8%, 8.3% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, whereas the recurrence rates for group B (n = 24) were 20.8%, 45.8%, 75% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The cumulative local tumor recurrence rates for group A were significantly lower than those for group B (hazard ratio, 0.079; 95% confidence interval, 0.026–0.24; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results of the study suggest that the corona enhancement area may be an accurate safety margin in TACE which should be performed until the embolic area covers the entire corona enhancement area.