Chemoembolization Research Articles

WAW-TACE: A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Multiphase CT Dataset with Segmentations, Radiomics Features, and Clinical Data.

"Just Accepted" papers have undergone full peer review and have been accepted for publication in Radiology: Artificial Intelligence. This article will undergo copyediting, layout, and proof review before it is published in its final version. Please note that during production of the final copyedited article, errors may be discovered which could affect the content. The WAW-TACE dataset contains baseline multiphase abdominal CT images from 233 treatment-naive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transarterial chemoembolization and includes with 377 hand-crafted liver tumor masks, automated segmentations of multiple internal organs, extracted radiomics features, and corresponding extensive clinical data. The dataset can be accessed at: https://zenodo.org/records/12741586 (DOI:10.5281/zenodo.11063784).

Results of hepatocellular carcinoma downstaging through hepatic transarterial chemoembolization in liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation plays an important role in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, diagnosis often occurs when the tumor size exceeds Milan criteria. In this context, locoregional treatments are frequently indicated. The aim of this study is to evaluate cirrhotic patients with HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for downstaging. This retrospective study assessed medical records of patients aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with HCC, who underwent TACE with the aim of downstaging. In the survival analysis, the Kaplan-Meier method was used. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. One hundred and twenty-three patients were evaluated, of which 44.7% underwent liver transplantation after downstaging. Mortality in these patients was 32.7% and the probability of survival at 1, 2, and 5 years after liver transplantation was, respectively, 80%, 70.8%, and 57%. When comparing with the unsuccessful group, there was a significant difference regarding number of nodules, size of the largest nodule, and response by Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor. The characteristics of the group undergoing TACE for downstaging and the group undergoing TACE as a bridge to transplantation were also compared, and patients were selected through the propensity score. A more significant number of nodules was observed in patients who underwent downstaging (P = 0.014) and they exceeded Milan criteria in the explanted liver more frequently (P = 0.007). Survival in the downstaging group and in the bridge group was not different (P = 0.342). Liver transplantation in patients with HCC after successful downstaging proved to be effective, as patients had adequate survival.

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.

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). 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. 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). 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.

The Neoangiogenic Transcriptomic Signature Impacts Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis and Can Be Triggered by Transarterial Chemoembolization Treatment.

Background/Objectives: We evaluated the relationship between the neoangiogenic transcriptomic signature (nTS) and clinical symptoms, treatment outcomes, and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Methods: This study prospectively followed 328 patients in the derivation and 256 in the validation cohort (with a median follow-up of 31 and 22 months, respectively). The nTS was associated with disease presentation, treatments administered, and overall survival rates. Additionally, this study investigated how multiple treatments influenced changes in nTS status and alterations in microRNA expression. Results: The nTS was identified in 27.4% of patients, linked to aggressive features like multifocality and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a pattern consistent with that of the validation cohort. Most patients in both cohorts received treatment for HCC. nTS+ patients had limited access to, and benefited less from, liver transplantation or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) compared to nTS- patients. By the end, 78.9% had died, with nTS- patients showing better median survival and response to treatments than their nTS+ counterparts, who had lower survival across all treatment types. Among those who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), 31.2% (21/80 patients after the initial treatment and another four following a second TACE) transitioned from an nTS- to an nTS+ status. This shift was associated with lower survival and alterations in microRNA expressions related to oncogenic pathways. Conclusions: The nTS markedly influences treatment eligibility and survival in patients with HCC. Notably, the nTS can develop after repeated TACE procedures, significantly impacting patient survival and altering oncogenic microRNA expression patterns. These findings highlight the critical role of the nTS in guiding treatment decisions and prognostication in HCC management.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy alone versus stereotactic body radiotherapy after incomplete transarterial therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

We investigated the clinical outcomes of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) alone versus SBRT after incomplete transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for a single recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) smaller than 5 cm. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent SBRT for a single recurrent HCC ≤5 cm, without vascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis. Patients were divided into the SBRT-alone group and the TACE-SBRT group. The primary outcome was the local control (LC) rate, and secondary outcomes were survivals and treatment-related toxicities. We additionally conducted a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. A total of 477 patients were available for analysis. Among them, 54 patients received SBRT without prior treatment to the target lesion (SBRT-alone group), whereas 423 patients received SBRT for viable HCC after TACE (TACE-SBRT group). The 3-year LC rates did not differ between the two groups (SBRT-alone group, 88.6% vs. TACE-SBRT group, 89.6%, P = 0.918). The 3-year rates of overall survival, out-of-field intrahepatic recurrence-free survival and recurrence-free survival were also not significantly different (P = 0.479, 0.290 and 0.273, respectively). Even after PSM, LC and survival rates at 3 years were not significantly different. SBRT alone demonstrated comparable local control and survival outcomes to SBRT following incomplete TACE. SBRT alone may be considered an alternative treatment option for a single recurrent HCC smaller than 5 cm when curative treatments or TACE are not feasible.

Responsively aggregatable nanochelator-mediated antiangiogenesis to enhance interventional therapies for liver cancer

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) requires the complete embolization of tumor vessels. However, after embolization, tumor hypoxia and angiogenesis increase, and copper ions (Cu2+) play a key role in the regulation of angiogenesis. Decreasing the undesirable release of Cu2+ into serum and tumor tissues is a major challenge in the use of TACE. In this study, we constructed an adhesive injectable thermosensitive hydrogel (poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-codopamine methacrylamide), PND) loaded with a small Cu chelator (SO-N) for use in synergistic tumor embolization; this agent is called PNDS. SO-N chelates Cu2+ in a highly selective manner and can effectively consume the biocopper that is involved in angiogenesis. In addition, the adhesive thermosensitive hydrogel rapidly formed a gel in situ, which further inhibited the local blood ny to the tumor and accelerated ischemic necrosis. Moreover, the ability of PNDS to efficiently chelate Cu2+ and inhibit angiogenesis was investigated in vitro. Our in vivo experiments demonstrated that PNDS can promote tumor necrosis, reduce tumor Cu2+ levels, inhibit angiogenesis and tumor metastasis, and greatly prolong rabbit survival. This study is the first to show elevated serum Cu2+ levels in liver cancer patients with TACE failure/refractoriness; PNDS provides a promising approach for improving the efficacy of TACE for liver cancer by regulating Cu homeostasis.

Chemoembolization, Radioembolization, and Percutaneous Ablation: New Opportunities for Treating Ovarian Cancer Liver Metastasis.

Parenchymal liver metastases from ovarian cancer, occurring in 2-12.5% of cases, significantly worsen prognosis. While surgery and systemic treatments remain primary options, unresectable or chemotherapy-resistant multiple liver metastases pose a significant challenge. Recent advances in liver-directed therapies, including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, cryoablation, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and radioembolization, offer potential treatment alternatives. However, the efficacy of these techniques is limited by factors such as tumor size, number, and location. The ideal candidate for tumor ablation is a patient with paucifocal disease, a single tumor up to 5cm or up to 3 tumors smaller than 3cm and tumors 1cm away from major bile ducts and high-flow vessels. Transarterial chemoembolization could be performed in patients with less than 70% tumor load. Differently, radioembolization is available with less limitation on the sites or number of liver cancers. Radioembolization techniques are also able to downsize liver metastases. However, there are limited data regarding the outcomes of loco-regional therapy in patients with hepatic metastases from ovarian cancer. Advancing liver-directed therapies through interventional oncology, combined with robust data on the oncological efficacy of these local treatments, will validate their potential as effective locoregional therapies for liver metastases. This could offer a promising treatment option for patients with ovarian cancer and unresectable hepatic metastases.

Prognostic Value of Myosteatosis and Albumin-Bilirubin Grade for Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post Chemoembolization.

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of preoperative myosteatosis and the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and develop a robust prognostic score based on these factors. Patients with HCC who underwent TACE between January 2009 and December 2020 were included. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified prognostic factors. CT-based body composition parameters were acquired from baseline abdominal CT images at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. A prognostic score (Myo-ALBI) was developed based on the presence of preoperative myosteatosis and the ALBI grade, and its prognostic value was evaluated. Of 446 patients, 63% were male, and the mean age was 62.4 years. Preoperative myosteatosis was present in 41.5% of patients. The BCLC stages were mostly B (67.9%). Multivariate analysis shows that preoperative myosteatosis, ALBI grade 2, and ALBI grade 3 were independent prognostic factors. The Myo-ALBI grade was incorporated into a prognostic model, including alpha-fetoprotein and up-to-seven criteria, to generate a nomogram. The C-index of the nomogram based on the Myo-ALBI grade (0.743) was significantly higher than the non-Myo-ALBI nomogram (0.677), the up-to-seven criteria (0.653), the ALBI grade (0.616), and the Child-Pugh class (0.573) (all p < 0.05). The t-ROC curve for the nomogram was consistently superior to the other models throughout the observation period in all patients and the BCLC-B subgroup. The combination of preoperative CT-derived myosteatosis and ALBI grade enhances prognostication for patients with unresectable HCC undergoing TACE. The Myo-ALBI nomogram constructed in this study could support individualized prognosis prediction, assisting in treatment decision-making for HCC patients.

Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab Combination Therapy Who Achieved Complete Response.

To investigate the characteristics and prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) who achieved a complete response (CR) according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). A total of 120 patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) 0 or 1 and Child-Pugh A at the start of Atz/Bev treatment were included. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C was recorded in 59 patients. The CR rate with Atz/Bev alone was 15.0%. The median time to CR was 3.4 months, and the median duration of CR was 15.6 months. A significant factor associated with achieving CR with Atz/Bev alone was an AFP ratio of 0.34 or less at 3 weeks. Adding transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the six patients who achieved a partial response increased the overall CR rate to 20%. Among the 24 patients who achieved CR, the median progression-free survival was 19.3 months, the median overall survival was not reached, and 14 patients (58.3%) were able to discontinue Atz/Bev and achieve a drug-free status. Twelve of these patients developed progressive disease (PD), but eleven successfully received post-PD treatments and responded well. Achieving CR by mRECIST using Atz/Bev alone or with additional TACE can be expected to offer an extremely favorable prognosis.

Long-Term Outcomes of Transarterial Chemoembolization of Giant Liver Hemangiomas with Lipiodol-Bleomycin Emulsion.

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with bleomycin-Lipiodol for giant liver hemangiomas. Single-center retrospective study from 1998 to January 2020, including patients with giant liver hemangiomas treated with bleomycin-Lipiodol TACE and followed up >36months. The exclusion criteria were defined as patients who had been treated but had no available follow-up above 3years and patients who had previously been treated with any other treatment method. Clinical success was defined as the disappearance of symptoms and radiological success (responded vs. non-responded groups) as a more than 50% decrease in the volume of the giant hemangioma in follow-up CT or MRI compared to the baseline images. A total of 121 patients were included. The mean maximum diameter of the hemangiomas decreased from 122 (range: 40-300) to 73mm (range: 15-240), and the mean volume reduced from 984.4 (range: 30-7312) to 286.6cm3 (range: 1-3835). There were 106 patients in the responded group, while only 15 patients were in the non-responded group. No significant difference was found in size and volume change percentages across these two groups based on gender, age, lesion size, lesion volume, lesion number, and second TACE. When the follow-up period was stratified in 5-year periods, the maximum volume decrease was observed in the first 5-year period and then remained constant up to > 15years. TACE with bleomycin-Lipiodol is safe, reducing the size and volume of giant liver hemangiomas with stable results in the long-term follow-up.

Development and validation of survival prediction models for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Due to heterogeneity of molecular biology and microenvironment, therapeutic efficacy varies among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We examined combined models using clinicoradiological characteristics, mutational burden of signaling pathways, and radiomics features to predict survival prognosis. Two cohorts comprising 111 patients with HCC were used to build prognostic models. The training and test cohorts included 78 and 33 individuals, respectively. Mutational burden was calculated based on 17 cancer-associated signaling pathways. Radiomic features were extracted and selected from computed tomography images using a pyradiomics system. Models based on clinicoradiological indicators, mutational burden, and radiomics score (rad-score) were built to predict overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, Child-Pugh class, peritumoral enhancement, PI3K_AKT and hypoxia mutational burden, and rad-score were used to create a combined model predicting OS. C-indices were 0.805 (training cohort) and 0.768 (test cohort). The areas under the curve (AUCs) were 0.889, 0.900, and 0.917 for 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year OS, respectively. To predict PFS, alpha-fetoprotein level, tumor enhancement pattern, hypoxia and receptor tyrosine kinase mutational burden, and rad-score were used. C-indices were 0.782 (training cohort) and 0.766 (test cohort). AUCs were 0.885 and 0.925 for 6-month and 12-month PFS, respectively. Calibration and decision curve analyses supported the model's accuracy and clinical potential. The nomogram models are hopeful to predict OS and PFS in patients with intermediate-advanced HCC treated with TACE plus TKIs, offering a promising tool for treatment decisions and monitoring patient progress.

Oncofetal MCB1 Is a Functional Biomarker for HCC Personalized Therapy.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide and lacks biomarkers for personalized therapy. Herein, it is reported that MCB1 could be a novel oncofetal protein that is upregulated in the preneoplastic lesions and serum of early HCC patients. Functional studies reveal that MCB1 modulated p53 protein degradation to promote T-IC generation and drive HCC initiation. Furthermore, the MCB1/p53 axis is shown to determine the responses of hepatoma cells to conventional chemotherapeutics and predict transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) benefits in patients. Importantly, MCB1 can mediate sorafenib/lenvatinib resistance by downregulating two essential drug targets fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) expression in a proteasome-dependent manner. Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDOs), patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), and patient cohorts analysis suggested that MCB1 levels in HCCs may determine the distinct responses to conventional therapeutics and targeted drugs. Furthermore, treatment of targeted drugs-resistant HCC with adeno-associated virus (AAV) targeting MCB1 or a proteasome inhibitor restores targeted drug response, suggesting their clinical significance in HCC combinational therapy. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that MCB1 could act as a driver for HCC initiation, a contributor to drug resistance, and a biomarker for individualized HCC therapy.

MicroRNA-2117 Negatively Regulates Liver Cancer Stem Cells Expansion and Chemoresistance Via Targeting SOX2.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in the regulation of tumor initiation, progression, recurrence, and chemoresistance. However, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in liver CSCs has not been fully understood. Here we show that miR-2117 is downregulated in liver CSCs and predicts the poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Biofunction studies found that knockdown miR-2117 facilitates liver CSCs self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Conversely, forced miR-2117 expression suppresses liver CSCs self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, we find that transcription factor SOX2 is required for miR-2117-mediated liver CSCs expansion. The correlation between miR-2117 and SOX2 was confirmed in human HCC tissues. More importantly, miR-2117 overexpression HCC cells are more sensitive to CDDP treatment. Analysis of patients' cohort further demonstrates that miR-2117 may predict transcatheter arterial chemoembolization benefits in HCC patients. Our findings revealed the crucial role of miR-2117 in liver CSCs expansion, rendering miR-2117 as an optimal therapeutic target for HCC.

Lenvatinib versus Sorafenib Second-Line Therapy in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progressed to Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab: A Retrospective Real-World Study

Introduction: The most frequently used first-line treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. Upon progression after this treatment, the standard of care in many countries is sorafenib, due to the lack of reimbursement for other drugs. Several randomized trials are currently underway to clarify the best second-line therapy in patients with HCC. This real-world study aimed to compare outcomes reached by lenvatinib and sorafenib second-line therapy in this setting. Methods: The overall cohort included 891 patients with HCC from 5 countries treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in first-line setting between October 2018 and April 2022. At the data cut-off (May 2022), 41.5% of patients were continuing a first-line treatment, 5.5% were lost at follow-up, and 53.0% of patients had progressive disease after first-line therapy. 51.5% of patients with progressive disease received a second-line treatment, while 48.5% did not receive any subsequent therapy. Between patients receiving second-line treatment, 11.1% of patients underwent transarterial chemoembolization, 21.0% received sorafenib, 35.4% underwent lenvatinib, and 32.5% were treated with other drugs. Results: Lenvatinib second-line subgroup achieved a median overall survival (mOS) of 18.9 months, significative longer (p = 0.01; hazard ratio [HR]: 2.24) compared to sorafenib subgroup that reached a mOS of 14.3 months. The multivariate analysis highlighted albumin-bilirubin 1 grade (p < 0.01; HR: 5.23) and lenvatinib second-line therapy (p = 0.01; HR: 2.18) as positive prognostic factors for OS. The forest plot highlighted a positive trend in terms of OS in favor of patients treated with lenvatinib second-line regardless of baseline characteristics before first-line therapy. Conclusion: These results suggest that, in patients with HCC progressed to first-line atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, lenvatinib second-line therapy is associated to an improved survival compared to sorafenib.

Post-TACE FDG Accumulation in HCC Surrounding the Liver Parenchyma: Distinguishing Between Inflammatory Pseudotumors and HCC.

An 80-year-old patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) underwent an 18 F-FDG PET/CT scan owing to suspected lumbar metastasis identified via a CT scan performed during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) 2 weeks earlier. The PET scan revealed segmental high uptake in the HCC and surrounding liver parenchyma, where lipiodol deposited during TACE had mostly washed out. The segmental uptake was attributed to TACE-induced inflammatory changes in the liver parenchyma around the HCC, confirmed by reduced uptake in a follow-up 18 F-FDG PET/CT scan 4 months later. This highlights the need to differentiate between inflammation and viable HCC in post-TACE 18 F-FDG PET/CT evaluations.

Clinical evaluation of oxaliplatin-loaded drug-eluting callispheres beads transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable or recurrent esophageal carcinoma

BackgroundA majority of esophageal carcinoma patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and are no longer suitable for surgical resection. Drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) with oxaliplatin-loaded CalliSpheres beads (CB) have been used for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and lung cancer, but they have not been reported for the treatment of unresectable or recurrent esophageal carcinoma.MethodsDEB-TACE was performed on 22 patients with unresectable or recurrent esophageal carcinoma between March 2019 and May 2022. The clinical outcomes, complications, and efficacy were retrospectively recorded and analyzed.ResultsA total of 39 sessions of DEB-TACE were performed in 22 patients, with a technical success rate of 92.3% and clinical success rate of 65.0%. No severe complications such as procedure-related death, esophageal rupture or paraplegia were observed. Complete response, partial response, and stable disease were observed in 14.3% (2/14), 42.9% (6/14), and 21.4% (3/14) of patients 6 months after DEB-TACE, respectively. The objective response rates were 62.5%, 42.9% and 57.1% respectively at 1-, 3-, and 6-month after DEB-TACE. Subsequent interventional treatments were administered to 12 patients, including DEB-TACE for hepatic metastasis in 3 (13.6%), esophageal stenting in 5 (22.7%), and airway stent placement in 5 (22.7%). Two patients were lost to follow up. A total of 9 patients died due to tumor progression (n = 5), pneumatic infection (n = 1), and tumor-related massive esophageal hemorrhage (n = 3). The median overall survivals were 13.9 months and 26.5 months from the first session of DEB-TACE and the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma, respectively.ConclusionsDEB-TACE with oxaliplatin-loaded CB is suggested as a safe and effective treatment of unresectable or recurrent esophageal carcinoma, and more studies are required to confirm its efficacy and safety.

Envafolimab plus lenvatinib and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective, single-arm, phase II study

Evidences regarding the feasibility of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)-based therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TACE combined with envafolimab and lenvatinib for uHCC. Eligible patients with uHCC received envafolimab and lenvatinib after TACE until disease progression, conversion to surgery, intolerable toxicities, or death. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 criteria. Between March 2022 and July 2022, 38 patients were included for safety analysis, and 36 patients were included for efficacy analysis. As of the data cutoff (13 December 2023), the median follow-up was 16.9 months. The ORR was 50%, and disease control rate (DCR) was 83.3% per RECIST 1.1 (ORR and DCR of both 83.3% per modified RECIST (mRECIST)). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.58 months. Of 36 patients, 17 patients were converted to resectable HCC with a surgical conversion rate of 47.2%, and 16 patients underwent surgery with R0 resection rate of 100%, pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 31.3%. Overall incidences of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade was 97.4%. Grade ≥ 3 TRAEs were observed in 52.6% patients. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Image mass cytometry (IMC) analysis revealed that combined treatment improved the immune status of the tumor microenvironment, and resident macrophages had the potential to predict efficacy of this treatment. Envafolimab plus lenvatinib and TACE yielded promising survival outcomes and conversion efficiency with a tolerable safety profile. Trial registration Clinical trials: NCT05213221.

Evaluating the impact of treatment sequencing on outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparative analysis of TACE and systemic therapies

This study aimed to evaluate how the timing of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) relative to systemic therapy (tyrosine-kinase inhibitors [TKIs] and immune checkpoint inhibitors [ICIs]) influences oncological outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A retrospective analysis was conducted on HCC patients treated with TACE plus TKIs and ICIs from January 2018 to February 2023. We compared objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) between patients receiving TACE before versus after systemic therapies. Multivariate Cox regression analyses identified potential prognostic factors. Of the 194 patients enrolled, 111 received TACE before systemic therapies, and 83 after. The median age at diagnosis was 52.8 years. There were no significant differences in ORR (40.72% vs. 30.41%, p = 0.989) or DCR (48.45% vs. 35.57%, p = 0.770) between the groups. Likewise, OS (18.73 vs. 18.20 months, p = 0.091) and PFS (11.53 vs. 10.05 months, p = 0.336) were similar regardless of treatment sequence. In the result of Cox analysis, a 20% decrease in AFP from baseline at one month was associated with improved OS (HR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.17–0.70, p = 0.003) and PFS (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.49–0.96, p = 0.028). Large tumor size (≥ 10 cm) was a poor prognostic factor for OS (HR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.07–4.21, p = 0.032), and the presence of portal vein tumor thrombus adversely affected PFS (HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.47–3.62, p < 0.001). The sequencing of TACE and systemic therapies does not significantly impact the prognosis of advanced HCC. A 20% reduction in AFP within one month of treatment commencement emerges as a protective prognostic factor for HCC.Graphical

The predictive value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography combined with aspartate aminotransferase-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of post-transarterial chemoembolization in primary liver cancer

ObjectiveTo investigate the predictive value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) combined with the aspartate aminotransferase-to-lymphocyte ratio (ALRI) in predicting the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of primary liver cancer after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). MethodsWe included 75 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent TACE in our oncology department between January 2019 and December 2021. The patients' clinical data, preoperative ALRI, and postoperative CEUS results were analyzed. ResultsThe optimal cutoff value of ALRI for predicting residual tumor lesions using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was 42.50. CEUS had a specificity of 0.92, sensitivity of 0.96, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.940 for determining residual tumor lesions, while ALRI had a specificity of 0.88, sensitivity of 0.70, and AUC of 0.825. The combination of CEUS and ALRI provided a specificity of 0.92, sensitivity of 0.98, and AUC of 0.985 for determining residual tumor lesions. All patients were followed up continuously after the operation. The optimal cutoff value of ALRI for predicting residual tumor lesions in relation to 3-year survival was 41.50. In terms of 3-year survival prediction, DSA showed a specificity of 0.559, sensitivity of 0.889, and AUC of 0.724, CEUS exhibited a specificity of 0.500, sensitivity of 0.852, and AUC of 0.676, and ALRI had a specificity of 0.618, sensitivity of 0.704, and AUC of 0.611. Combined detection of CEUS and ALRI resulted in a specificity of 0.500, sensitivity of 0.889, and AUC of 0.662 for predicting 3-year survival. Patients with negative DSA results, CEUS-negative patients, and those with ALRI ≤41.5 exhibited significantly better survival outcomes compared to their positive counterparts. ConclusionCEUS combined with ALRI yields a higher predictive value in predicting residual tumor lesions and death in patients with HCC after TACE.

Multiparametric MRI based deep learning model for prediction of early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after SR following TACE.

Surgical resection (SR) following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a promising treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). However, biomarkers for the prediction of postoperative recurrence are needed. To develop and validate a model combining deep learning (DL) and clinical data for early recurrence (ER) in uHCC patients after TACE. A total of 511 patients who received SR following TACE were assigned to derivation (n = 413) and validation (n = 98) cohorts. Deep learning features were taken from the largest tumor area in liver MRI. A nomogram using DL signatures and clinical data was made to forecast early recurrence risk in uHCC patients. Model performance was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC). A total of 2278 subsequences and 31,346 slices multiparametric MRI including contrast-enhanced T1WI, T2WI and DWI were input in the DL model simultaneously. Multivariable analysis identified three independent predictors for the development of the nomogram: tumor number (hazard ratio [HR]:3.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.75-4.31, P = 0.003), microvascular invasion (HR: 9.21, 6.24-32.14; P < 0.001), and DL scores (HR: 17.46, 95% CI: 12.94-23.57, P < 0.001). The AUC of the nomogram was 0.872 and 0.862 in two cohorts, significantly outperforming single-subsequence-based DL mode and clinical model (all, P < 0.001). The nomogram provided two risk strata for cumulative overall survival in two cohorts, showing significant statistical results (P < 0.001). The DL-based nomogram is essential to identify patients with uHCC suitable for treatment with SR following TACE and may potentially benefit personalized decision-making.