Transhepatic Arterial Chemoembolization Research Articles

Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis and Machine Learning of TTK as a Transhepatic Arterial Chemoembolization Resistance Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, a significant proportion of patients are non-responders or poor responders to TACE. Therefore, our aim is to identify the targets of TACE responders or non-responders. GSE104580 was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in TACE responders and non-responders. Following the protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, hub genes were identified using the MCC and MCODE plugins in Cytoscape software, as well as LASSO regression analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to investigate potential mechanisms. Subsequently, the hub genes were validated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), and The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. To evaluate the clinical significance of the hub genes, Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival and Cox regression analysis were employed. A total of 375 DEGs were identified, with 126 remaining following PPI analysis, and TTK, a dual-specificity protein kinase associated with cell proliferation, was ultimately identified as the hub gene through multiple screening methods. Data analysis from TCGA, CCLE, and HPA databases revealed elevated TTK expression in HCC tissues. GSEA indicated that the cell cycle, farnesoid X receptor pathway, PPAR pathway, FOXM1 pathway, E2F pathway, and ferroptosis could be potential mechanisms for TACE non-responders. Analysis of immune cell infiltration showed a significant correlation between TTK and Th2 cells. KM and Cox analysis suggested that HCC patients with high TTK expression had a worse prognosis. TTK may play a pivotal role in HCC patients' response to TACE therapy and could be linked to the prognosis of these patients.

Impact of hepatectomy and postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization on serum tumor markers and prognosis in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour, and its early symptoms are often not obvious, resulting in many patients experiencing middle- to late-stage disease at the time of diagnosis. The optimal time for surgery is often missed for these patients, and those who do undergo surgery have unsatisfactory long-term outcomes and a high recurrence rate within five years. Therefore, postoperative follow-up treatments, such as transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE), have become critical to improving survival and reducing recurrence rates. To validate the prophylactic role of TACE after hepatic resection and to assess its impact on patient prognosis. This study investigated the efficacy of TACE in patients with intermediate-stage HCC after hepatectomy. When the post-treatment results of the observation group and the control group were compared, it was found that the inclusion of TACE significantly improved the clinical efficacy, reduced the levels of tumour markers and did not aggravate the damage to liver function. Thus, this may be an effective and comprehensive treatment strategy for patients with intermediate-stage HCC that helps to improve their quality of life and survival time. When the baseline data were analysed, no statistical differences were found between the two groups in terms of gender, age, hepatitis B virus, cirrhosis, Child-Pugh grading, number of tumours, maximum tumour diameter and degree of tumour differentiation. The assessment of clinical efficacy showed that the post-treatment overall remission rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group. In terms of changes in tumour markers, the alpha-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen levels in the patients in the observation group decreased more significantly after treatment compared with those in the control group. When post-treatment changes in liver function indicators were analysed, no statistical differences were found in the total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels between the two groups. In patients with intermediate-stage HCC, post-hepatectomy TACE significantly improved clinical outcomes, reduced tumour-marker levels and may have improved the prognosis by removing residual lesions. Thus, this may be an effective and comprehensive treatment strategy for patients with intermediate-stage HCC.

Efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres® microspheres drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization in GCLM combined trans-arterial infusion therapy for treating primary focus of gastric cancer: a multi-center retrospective study

ABSTRACT Background The purpose of this study was to observe the safety and efficacy of CalliSpheres microspheres drug-eluting beads (DEB) transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (CSM-TACE) for liver metastasis of gastric cancer (GCLM) combined with trans-arterial infusion therapy (TAIT) as the primary focus of gastric cancer. Research design and methods Unresectable advanced GCLM patients were collected for retrospective analysis. Patients who progressed after chemotherapy or could not receive systematic chemotherapy were selected. CSM-TACE was used for GCLM treatment and oxaliplatin for TAIT of primary focus of gastric cancer. Adverse reactions, tumor reactions, survival rate, and survival time during treatment were recorded, and prognostic factors were analyzed. Results Forty-three patients from four oncology centers met inclusion criteria and were enrolled. CSM-TACE averaged (1.51 ± 0.51) times and TAIT averaged (4.58 ± 1.65) times. The follow-up time was 2.5–49 months, and the 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates were 86.0%, 72.1%, and 41.9%, respectively, with a median overall survival of 11.5 months. The adverse reactions during treatment were grade 1–3. The hazard ratio (HR) of combination therapy was 0.51 (P = 0.040), and the HR of TAIT frequency was 0.34 (P = 0.002), which were independent protective factors affecting prognosis. Conclusions CSM-TAC for GCLM combined with TAIT for primary focus of gastric cancer is safe and efficacious, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Comparison of different adjuvant therapy regimen efficacies in patients with high risk of recurrence after radical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high recurrence rate even after radical surgery. Postoperative adjuvant transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE), postoperative adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (PA-HAIC), postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (PA-RT), and postoperative adjuvant molecular targeted therapy have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the postoperative recurrence rate. The present network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effects of PA-TACE, PA-HAIC, PA-RT and postoperative adjuvant molecular targeted therapy on the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in HCC patients after radical resection and to determine the optimal treatment strategy. Network meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were used to collect eligible studies up to December 25, 2022. Studies related to PA-TACE, PA-HAIC, and postoperative adjuvant molecular targeted therapy after radical HCC resection was included. The endpoints were OS and DFS, and the effect size was determined using hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval. R software and "gemtc" package were employed to analyze the results. A total of 38 studies involving 7079 patients with HCC after radical resection were ultimately enrolled to be analyzed. Four postoperative adjuvant therapy measures and two oncology indicators were evaluated. In this study, OS-related investigations validated that PA-Sorafenib and PA-RT markedly enhanced the OS rates in patients after radical resection when compared to PA-TACE and PA-HAIC. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between PA-Sorafenib and PA-RT, as well as PA-TACE and PA-HAIC. In the DFS-related investigations, PA-RT demonstrated superior efficacy over PA-Sorafenib, PA-TACE, and PA-HAIC. Additionally, PA-Sorafenib displayed better efficacy than PA-TACE. Nevertheless, there was no statistical significance between PA-Sorafenib and PA-HAIC, as well as PA-TACE and PA-HAIC. We also performed a subgroup analysis of studies focusing on HCC complicated by microvascular invasion after radical resection. In terms of OS, both PA-RT and PA-Sorafenib demonstrated a noteworthy improvement over PA-TACE, whereas no statistical significance was detected between PA-RT and PA-Sorafenib. Likewise, for DFS, both PA-Sorafenib and PA-RT exhibited superior efficacy compared to PA-TACE. In patients with HCC after radical resection and a high risk of recurrence, both PA-Sorafenib and PA-RT significantly improved OS and DFS when compared to PA-TACE and PA-HAIC. Notably, PA-RT exhibited superior efficacy over PA-Sorafenib, PA-TACE, and PA-HAIC in terms of DFS. Similarly, PA-Sorafenib appeared to be more effective than PA-TACE for DFS.

Predictors of Liver Dysfunction After Transhepatic Arterial Chemo-embolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients.

Although transhepatic arterial chemo-embolization (TACE) is beneficial for the survival of intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, its cost is the damage of liver reserve. Liver dysfunction is one of factors associated with TACE refractory status and poor prognosis. The study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of liver dysfunction in HCC patients after TACE.. Using the ASUS EMR search 3.0 system, the patients with discharge codes "HCC (C22.0)" plus "TACE" were collected since 2016 till 2021 in Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital. Liver reserve was determined by modified albumin-bilirubin (mALBI) grade. The liver dysfunction was defined as mALBI grade migration within 1-3months after TACE.. A total of 220 HCC patients with 314 TACE were found in 5-year duration. Those with TACE-experienced tumors, incomplete laboratory data for mALBI grade and incorrect diagnosis coding were excluded. 91 HCC patients (62 male; mean age 65.86 ± 11.61year-old) were recruited for final analysis. 10 (11%) patients with baseline mALBI grade 3 were excluded. The percentage of mALBI grade migration was 27.2% (22/81) after TACE. Binary logistic regression discovered "up-to-seven out" and "up-to-eleven out" were associated with mALBI grade migration after TACE. In this retrospective study, liver dysfunction occurred in 27.2% of HCC patients after TACE. "Up-to-seven out" and "up-to-eleven out" were predictors for liver dysfunction after TACE, suggesting early switch to systemic therapy to reduce the risk of liver dysfunction for HCC patients with high tumor burden.

Combining local regional therapy and systemic therapy: Expected changes in the treatment landscape of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

Improvements in early screening, new diagnostic techniques, and surgical treatment have led to continuous downward trends in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) morbidity and mortality rates. However, high recurrence and refractory cancer after hepatectomy remain important factors affecting the long-term prognosis of HCC. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of recurrent HCC are heterogeneous, and guidelines on treatment strategies for recurrent HCC are lacking. Therapies such as surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, and transhepatic arterial chemoembolization are effective for tumors confined to the liver, and targeted therapy is a very important treatment for unresectable recurrent HCC with systemic metastasis. With the deepening of the understanding of the immune microenvironment of HCC, blocking immune checkpoints to enhance the antitumor immune response has become a new direction for the treatment of HCC. In addition, improvements in the tumor immune microenvironment caused by local treatment may provide an opportunity to improve the therapeutic effect of HCC treatment. Ongoing and future clinical trial data of combined therapy may develop the new treatment scheme for recurrent HCC. This paper reviews the pattern of recurrent HCC and the characteristics of the immune microenvironment, demonstrates the basis for combining local treatment and systemic treatment, and reports current evidence to better understand current progress and future approaches in the treatment of recurrent HCC.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

Operator radiation dose during trans-hepatic arterial chemoembolization: different patients' positions via transradial or transfemoral access.

PURPOSE This study aimed to compare the radiation dose received by the operator among different patients' positions via transradial access (TRA) or transfemoral access (TFA) during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A total of 120 patients with HCC undergoing TACE for the first time between January and November 2019 were randomized into 4 groups with 30 patients in each group. In group A, patients were placed in the foot-first position with the left upper arm abducted, and TACE was performed via the left radial artery. In group B, patients were placed in the conventional headfirst position with the left hand placed at the left groin, and TACE was performed via the left radial artery. In group C, patients were placed in the conventional head-first position, and TACE was performed via the right radial artery. In group D, patients were placed in the conventional head-first position, and TACE was performed via the right femoral artery. Before each procedure, thermoluminescent dosimeters were taped at 7 different body parts of the operator and the radiation dose was measured and collected after the procedure. The normalized radiation dose was also calculated. Procedural parameters included radiation dose, fluoroscopy time (FT), dose-area product (DAP), and air kerma (AK) were recorded. Patients' demographics, tumor baseline characteristics, radiation dose, and procedural parameters were compared between groups. RESULTS No significant differences were found in patients' demographics, tumor baseline characteristics, as well as in total FT, DAP, and AK. However, significant differences were found in the total radiation dose received by the operator and the doses on the pelvic cavity and the right wrist (P < .05). In group C, the radiation doses received on the pelvic cavity, the right wrist, and the total radiation doses were relatively higher. Significant differences were also found in the normalized radiation doses received by the operator on the thyroid, chest, left wrist, right wrist, and pelvic cavity, and the total normalized doses (all P < .05). Similarly, the radiation doses received by the operator at the aforementioned parts in group C were higher, while those in group A were lower. CONCLUSION No statistically significant differences were observed in the FT, DAP, and AK in TACE via TRA when patients were placed in different positions. However, TACE via the left TRA, with patients in the feet-first position, reduced the radiation dose received by the operator, thereby reducing the radiation risk.

Combination of IL-34 and AFP improves the diagnostic value during the development of HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma

IL-34 involves in host immunity regulated carcinogenesis. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is related to the development of HCC. We explored if combination of IL-34 and APF could improve the diagnostic value in HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). Serum was obtained from HBV patients or healthy control. Liver tissue was obtained from liver biopsy in CHB, HBV related cirrhosis patients or curative resection in HBV-HCC patients. Serum IL-34 and MCSF, or intrahepatic IL-34, MCSF and CD68+ tumor associate macrophages (TAMs) were determined using ELISA or immunohistochemistry. Serum IL-34 was 1.7, 1.3 or 2.3-fold higher in HBV-HCC than that of CHB, HBV related cirrhosis or healthy control, which was inhibited following trans-hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in HBV-HCC patients. Intra-hepatic IL-34 was higher in HBV-HCC than that of the other three groups. Intra-hepatic IL-34 was associated with high HBV-DNA, HBeAg−, poor differentiation and small tumor size of HBV-HCC patients. Intra-hepatic TAMs in HBV-HCC were increased 1.7 or 1.3-fold, compared to that from CHB or HBV-cirrhosis patients. Intra-hepatic TAMs were associated with high HBV-DNA, high tumor differentiation, small tumor size, abnormal AFP and more tumor number. AFP plus serum IL-34, showed the highest AUC (0.837) with sensitivity (0.632) and highest specificity (0.931), suggesting that AFP plus IL-34 enhances the reliability for prediction of the development of HBV-HCC among CHB patients. Circulating and intra-hepatic IL-34 was upregulated gradually in HBV disease progression from CHB, cirrhosis and HCC. IL-34 may be used as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for the management of HBV-HCC.

Clinical observation of surgical resection combined radiofrequency in patients with CNLC Ⅱa~Ⅲa stage multiple hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the effects of four therapeutic methods in the comprehensive treatment of China liver cancer staging (CNLC)Ⅱa~Ⅲa stage multiple hepatocellular carcinoma. Method: A retrospective study was conducted to collect clinical data of patients with multiple hepatocellular carcinoma (CNLC stage Ⅱa-Ⅲa), who received transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE group, 73 cases), radiofrequency ablation (RFA group, 70 cases), TACE combined RFA (TACE combined RFA group, 69 cases) and surgical resection combined RFA (surgical resection combined RFA group, 57 cases) in the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 11, 2010 to January 31, 2017. The general data of age, gender, primary tumor, and laboratory examination were collected. The differences in overall survival rates and the survival rates among stratified subgrouping with different clinical factors between the four groups of patients were compared by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression model analyzed the prognostic factors. Result: A total of 269 patients were enrolled and there were 194 males and 59 females with a median age of 58 years ranging from 23 to 84. The TACE group's 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates were 43.5%, 10.2%, and 0, respectively. The RFA group were 46.3%, 17.7%, and 0, respectively. The TACE combined RFA group were 56.8%, 21.5%, and 2.3%, respectively. The surgical resection combined RFA group was 76.5%, 38.7%, and 3.8%, respectively. The surgical resection combined RFA group has the best outcome(P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that surgery combined RFA, tumor diameter<5 cm, no vascular invasion, preoperative AFP≤400 μg/L and TB<34 μmol/L are protective factors to improve the survival prognosis of patients with CNLCⅡa~Ⅲa stage multiple hepatocellular carcinoma(HR=0.784,0.718,0.633,0.846,0.617;all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that surgery combined RFA, tumor diameter<5 cm, preoperative AFP≤400 μg/L were independent risk prognostic factors for CNLCⅡa-Ⅲa stage multiple hepatocellular carcinoma (HR=0.702,0.743,0.647;all P<0.05). Conclusions: Surgical resection combined RFA is an effective method for the treatment of stage Ⅱa-Ⅲa hepatocellular carcinoma. Surgical resection combined RFA has more advantages in treatment patients with complicated hepatocellular carcinoma whose diameter<5 cm, tumor number<3, and preoperative AFP≤400 μg/L. Surgical resection combined RFA, tumor diameter<5 cm, preoperative AFP≤400 μg/L are independent influencing factors for the survival prognosis of patients with complicated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Effect of implementing a nursing protocol on adult trans-hepatic arterial chemoembolization patients' outcomes

Abstract Background: Careful monitoring for patient with hepatocellular carcinoma who receiving trans-arterial chemoembolization in adult intensive care units to reduce complications remains mandatory for nurses. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing a nursing protocol on patients' outcomes undergoing trans-hepatic arterial chemoembolization. Quasi experimental research design was used in this study. Subjects: All adult patients who diagnosis with hepatocellular carcinoma and receiving trans-arterial chemoembolization at the liver intensive care unit and gastroenterology department at Al-Rajhi liver hospital were involved in this study. Two tools were used. Tool one: patient assessment questionnaire and includes 4 parts, tool two: patient outcomes assessment questionnaire. Methods: The nursing protocol on trans-arterial chemoembolization was implemented by the researcher from the day before procedure until discharge, the researcher assess site of insertion, post embolization syndrome after procedure and recorded it. Results: Findings of the present study revealed significant improvement in pain scores as it was 3.77±0.59 in the control group 4 hours after TACE while it was 3.19±0.63 in the Study group , and Mean ± SD was 3.95±0.58 in the control group 6 hours after TACE in comparison to 3.15±0.75 in the study group. Insertion site and ICU stay values of less than p=0.005, p=0.5 and p=0.05 respectively in response to implementing nursing protocol. Conclusion: implementing the nursing protocol on trans-hepatic arterial chemoembolization appear to be effective in terms of reducing incidence and consequences of post procedure complications. Recommendation: Patients and their caregivers need to be apprised of post embolization syndrome symptoms prior to TACE and provided with adequate nursing care for symptom control.

Synchronous hepatocellular carcinoma and gallbladder adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation: a case report and literature review

BackgroundDouble primary cancers have a low incidence rate, and synchronous hepatocellular carcinoma and gallbladder adenocarcinoma are rarely reported. Here, we report such a case— the 12th case of synchronous double primary cancers featuring HCC and GC, but the first case of neuroendocrine differentiation in the gallbladder.Case presentationA 77-year-old female was admitted to the hospital complaining of weakness and inappetence for six months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen indicated an 11 cm space-occupying lesion in the right lobe of the liver. Later, magnetic resonance imaging showed a high possibility of a massive hepatoma, and multiple gallstones were also seen. After transhepatic arterial chemoembolization, a repeat abdominal CT showed obvious local nodular thickening in the gallbladder wall. Finally, resection of the right lobe of the liver and cholecystectomy were performed. During an approximately 2-year follow-up, the patient recovered uneventfully without recurrence or metastasis.ConclusionThe disease in this case is rare and lacked typical radiological features. More precise and advanced diagnostic techniques are needed to obtain a clear diagnosis and refine treatment strategies. The management strategy should always be curative, even in the presence of multiple malignancies.

Therapeutic Outcome of Transhepatic Arterial Chemoembolization in Combination with Local Thermal Ablation on large Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Risk Factors

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of transhepatic arterial chemoembolization in combination with local thermal ablation on large hepatocellular carcinoma, and to analyse risk factors. Ninety patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2017 to December 2019 were enrolled to receive transhepatic arterial chemoembolization combined with local thermal ablation. The short-term efficacy was then evaluated and the objective response rate was analysed. According to the short-term efficacy, the patients were assigned into objective response group and control group (no objective response was achieved) and their clinical data were compared. Related risk factors were subjected to univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. After transhepatic arterial chemoembolization combined with local thermal ablation, 47 out of 90 patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma achieved an objective response, whereas the remaining 43 patients failed to do so, with an objective response rate of 52.22 %. According to univariate analysis, there were significant differences in the diameter, number and clinical stage of tumours, preoperative α-fetoprotein level and portal vein tumour thrombus between the two groups, but no significant differences in the age, sex and body mass index. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the tumour diameter of ≥7 cm, tumour number of ≥2, clinical stage III-IV, preoperative α-fetoprotein level of ≥200 μg/l and presence of portal vein tumour thrombus were risk factors affecting the treatment outcomes. Transhepatic arterial chemoembolization in combination with local thermal ablation exerted obvious therapeutic effects on large hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the treatment outcomes are affected by the diameter, number and clinical stage of tumours, preoperative α-fetoprotein level and portal vein tumour thrombus. Therefore, corresponding interventional measures should be taken based on the above risk factors.

Locoregional therapies in patients with recurrent intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative resection

Background:Hepatectomy is one potential treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC). Recurrent rate is high after curative resection and most recurrences occur within residual liver parenchyma. The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of different treatment modalities on recurrent diseases in patients with IHCC after primary liver resection.Methods:Between February 1999 and December 2015, we retrospectively identified patients who received curative resection for IHCC. Patients who experienced recurrences were included. Locoregional therapies included re-hepatectomy, radiofrequent ablation, and transhepatic arterial chemoembolization. These patients were categorized into three groups: intrahepatic recurrence without locoregional therapies (group A), intrahepatic recurrence with locoregional therapies (group B) and extrahepatic metastases (group C).Results:Forty-three patients were included and there were 12, 15, and 16 patients in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The median disease-free survival times were 8.3, 9.1, and 8.7 months in groups A, B, and C (p = 0.099). The median after-recurrence overall survival times (period between recurrence and death/censor) were 6.4, 34.0, and 8.3 months in groups A, B, and C (p = 0.001). Locoregional therapies showed favorable benefit in multivariant analysis (hazard ratio: 0.274, confidence interval: 0.083–0.908, p = 0.010).Conclusion:Locoregional therapies offered favorable benefits for patients with recurrent intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Efficacy and survival analysis of TACE combined with radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of liver metastasis from colorectal cancer

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of colorectal cancer with liver metastasis. Methods The data of 92 patients with colorectal cancer with liver metastasis admitted to Nanyang First People′s Hospital of Henan Province from January 2014 to January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 46 patients treated with TACE were selected as the TACE group, and another 46 patients treated with TACE and RFA were selected as the combined group. The clinical efficacies of the two groups were compared, and the changes of Karnofsky functional status (KPS) scores before and after treatment in the two groups were analyzed. The incidences of complications in the two groups were calculated. Patients in the two groups were followed up, and the progress-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Results The disease control rate of the combined group was 82.61% (38/46), and that of the TACE group was 63.04% (29/46). The disease control rate of the combined group was higher than that of the TACE group (χ2=4.449, P=0.035). Before treatment, the KPS scores of the combined group and the TACE group were 71.84±4.37, 72.22±4.26, with no statistically significant difference (t=0.423, P=0.673). After treatment, the KPS scores of the two groups were higher than those before treatment, and the KPS score of the combined group was higher than that of the TACE group (79.81±6.15 vs. 75.86±6.02; t=3.108, P=0.003). The incidence of complications was 54.35% (25/46) in the combined group and 41.30% (19/46) in the TACE group. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (χ2=1.568, P=0.210). The median PFS and OS in the TACE group were 12.6 and 20.7 months, and those in the combined group were 18.9 and 28.2 months. The PFS and OS of the combined group were longer than those of the TACE group (χ2=72.025, P<0.001; χ2=26.580, P<0.001). Conclusion TACE combined with RFA is effective in the treatment of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, which can effectively improve the KPS score of patients, prolong the PFS and OS, and do not increase the risk of complications. Key words: Colorectal neoplasms; Neoplasm metastasis; Hepatic arterial chemoembolization; Radiofrequency ablation; Survival analysis

A suspected case of Clostridium perfringens sepsis with intravascular hemolysis after transhepatic arterial chemoembolization: a case report

IntroductionSepsis due to Clostridium perfringens, one of several clostridial species, is an important cause of massive intravascular hemolysis in patients with underlying malignancies. Chronic liver diseases, immunosuppression, and presence of malignancies were risk factors for Clostridium perfringens sepsis. Therefore, Clostridium perfringens sepsis should always be considered in patients presenting with liver damage after chemo-embolic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. This case report focuses on findings characteristic of an intravascular hemolysis due to Clostridium perfringens after transhepatic arterial chemoembolization.Case presentationAn 83-year-old Japanese man presented to our hospital because of a third recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. He had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis, and underwent radiofrequency ablation and transhepatic arterial chemoembolization therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma of S4/S8 and S2. He had a medical history of pancreatic carcinoma and underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy approximately 5 years ago. Because follow-up computed tomography showed a recurrence of the hepatocellular carcinoma, he underwent transhepatic arterial chemoembolization with a hepatic arterial infusion of 20 mg epirubicin, followed by 4 mL Lipiodol (ethiodized oil). On the sixth day after the procedure, he complained of fever and hematuria with jaundice. Laboratory findings indicated hemolysis and increased inflammatory response. Although we initiated antibiotic therapy combined with surgical debridement for infection after transhepatic arterial chemoembolization, he died within 6 hours. The autopsy showed a 4-cm local necrotic hepatic tumor. The cut surface revealed a tumor with an internal spongiform appearance, which was a pseudocystic and partially necrotic lesion. In addition, a diffuse spread of Gram-positive rods in multiple organs including the heart was histologically confirmed. The culture obtained by fluid aspiration from the hepatic abscess revealed Clostridium perfringens. Although the role of Clostridium perfringens was never established during the life of this patient, based on the clinical course and the culture from the hepatic abscess at postmortem, intravascular hemolysis secondary to Clostridium perfringens sepsis was suspected.ConclusionIntravascular hemolysis secondary to Clostridium perfringens should always be considered in patients presenting with liver damage after chemo-embolic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Biliary reconstruction is an especially important risk factor for infection.

Abstract No. 619 A novel scoring system to predict overall survival from transhepatic arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma using neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, albumin, bilirubin, and procedure number

We hypothesized that overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) can be predicted by baseline labs and initial treatment success. We reviewed 265 HCC patients who underwent 465 TACEs. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), albumin (g/dL), bilirubin (mg/dL) and procedure number (NALBIP) were evaluated. Lab data were within 3 mo before TACE and modeled as time-varying covariates using uni- and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regressions. Each parameter was assigned a score based on hazard ratio (HR) < 2.5 = 1 (vs. 0) pt or HR ≥ 2.5 = 2 (vs. 0) pts. NALBIP grade was defined by sum of scores from each parameter as: grade A = 0-1 pts, B = 2-3 pts, and C = 4-6 pts. NALBIP grades were compared to OS with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Univariate analysis showed pre-TACE NLR > 3 (HR: 1.74, p=0.0118), log(albumin) < 0.53 (HR: 2.19, p=0.0002), bilirubin > 2 mg/dL (HR: 2.5, p=0.0002), and procedures ≥ 3 (HR: 2.57, p=0.0006) were associated with worse OS. Multivariate analysis indicated all parameters were independently predictive of OS (Table 1). Survival analysis of NALBIP grades revealed that patients assigned grade A, B and C had median OS > 60 mo, 31 mo and 11 mo respectively (log-rank test, P<0.0001; table 1). The NALBIP grade reliably predicts OS and can be a useful tool to guide post-TACE follow-up, in which patients with worse grades will require shorter follow-up intervals.Table 1Predictors of OSParameterUnivariateMultivariateHR95% CIP ValueHR95% CIP ValueNLR>31.741.13-2.680.01181.571.01-2.430.0443log(alb)<0.532.191.45-3.310.00021.681.09-2.610.0183bilirubin>22.51.55-4.050.00022.191.34-3.590.0018procedure≥32.571.50-4.400.00062.131.23-3.670.006795% CINALBIP GradeMedian OS (mo)LowerUpperA>60censoredcensoredB3124censoredC11815alb: albumin, CI: confidence interval, HR: hazard ratio, NALBIP: NLR-albumin-bilirubin-procedure number, NLR: neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, OS: overall survival. Open table in a new tab

Comprehensive treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis.

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is one of the most common complications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC with PVTT usually indicates poor prognosis, which has a number of characteristics including a rapidly progressive disease course, worse liver function, complications connected with portal hypertension, and poorer tolerance to treatment. The exact mechanisms of PVTT remain unknown, even though some concerned signal transduction or molecular pathways have been identified. In western countries, sorafenib is the only recommended therapeutic strategy regardless of PVTT types. However, multiple treatment options including transhepatic arterial chemoembolization, hepatectomy, radiotherapy, and sorafenib available in the clinic. In this review, we enumerate and discuss therapeutics against patients with HCC having PVTT available in the clinic and put forward directions for future research.

Correlations of serum VEGF and MMP-2 levels with CLM in CRC patients and effects of TACE on their expressions.

To investigate the correlations of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) levels with colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), and determine the effects of transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) on their expressions. A total of 110 CRC patients treated in the department of interventional radiology of our hospital from May 2013 to May 2016 were randomly enrolled. All patients received treatment of TACE after surgery. During surgery, 10 mL venous blood was taken, and the protein levels of VEGF and MMP-2 in serum were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlations of VEGF and MMP-2 levels with clinicopathological features of patients were analyzed. The values of VEGF and MMP-2 in predicting CLM were analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Moreover, changes in serum VEGF and MMP-2 levels in CRC patients were analyzed before TACE, and at 1 and 6 months after TACE. The median VEGF and MMP-2 levels in serum of CRC patients were 64.8 ng/mL and 114.4 ng/mL, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in healthy control group (5.3 ng/mL and 6.8 ng/mL) (p<0.05). The expressions of VEGF and MMP-2 in serum of CRC patients were correlated with the depth of tumor infiltration, Dukes' staging, CLM and lymph node metastasis (p<0.05). Logistic regression analyses showed that the expression levels of VEGF and MMP-2 were positively correlated with CLM (p<0.05). The ROC curve revealed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of serum VEGF in the diagnosis of CLM were 62.2%, 78.5% and 80.2%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of serum MMP-2 in the diagnosis of CLM were 68.9%, 85.5% and 82.2%, respectively. The serum VEGF levels in CRC patients before TACE, and at 1 and 6 months after TACE were (64.8±58.8) ng/mL, (43.1±27.3) ng/mL and (24.8±12.3) ng/mL, respectively, showing a downward trend (p<0.05). The serum MMP-2 levels in CRC patients before TACE, and at 1 and 6 months after TACE were (114.4±136.2) ng/mL, (73.4±58.5) ng/mL and (39.6±30.4) ng/mL, respectively, also indicating a reducing trend (p<0.05). The levels of VEGF and MMP-2 in portal vein serum of CRC patients can be used as effective indexes for judging the prognosis of CRC and predicting CLM. Patients with high expression of VEGF and MMP-2 should be actively treated with TACE after surgery to improve the survival rate.

Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma with Multiple Liver Metastases Presenting as Jaundice Due to CBD Obstruction

Background: Whereas more than 80% of NETs found in the liver are metastatic, primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (PHNETs) are very rare. We experienced a case of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PHNEC) with multiple liver metastases presenting as jaundice due to the mid CBD obstruction. To the best of our knowledge, few studies have reported similar cases like ours in the English literature. Case presentation: A 81-year-old man was admitted with jaundice of two week's duration. His initial laboratory findings were total bilirubin 19.75 mg/dl, direct bilirubin 15.72 mg/dl, aspartate aminotransferase 65 IU/L, alanine aminotransferase 71 IU/L, alkaline phosphatase 525 U/L, gamma-glutamic transpeptidase 313 U/L and CA19-9 529 U/ml. Abdominal CT revealed marked dilatation of intrahepatic bile duct (IHD) and proximal CBD due to CBD invasion by conglomerated lymphadenopathies in the hepatoduodenal ligament and showed subtly enhancing lesion with central hypodense portion in the liver segment 8/5. MRI with MRCP showed multiple variable sized T2 high signal intensity masses (the largest 3.6 cm) in the both hemiliver, which showed diffusion restriction and delayed enhancement, and diffuse IHD and proximal CBD dilatation with conglomerated lymph nodes at portocaval space and hepatoduodenal ligament. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed, but biopsy could not be done because of concomitant hemobilia. So, we performed sono-guided liver biopsy at the intrahepatic masses. Histopathology revealed poorly differentiated carcinoma. The immunohistochemical staining for CD56, synaptophysin and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) revealed positive reaction. So, the diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma, large cell type was confirmed. Chest CT for excluding metastasis from extrahepatic primary site or distant metastatic involvement showed no mass-like lesion in the both lung fields. He refused any methods of treatment such as chemotherapy or transhepatic arterial chemoembolization, and wanted only conservative treatment. Therefore, he was discharged after insertion of self-expandable metal stent at the mid CBD obstruction site and he was died 5 months later. Conclusion: Our case suggests that PHNEC can be presented as multiple intrahepatic masses with CBD obstruction even though PHNETs are very rare. Therefore, it is important to confirm the pathology even in such cases.Figure 1Figure 2