Aim: To investigate the efficacy of transcatheter embolization/chemoembolization (TAE/TACE) in cirrhotic patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not suitable for surgical resection and percutaneous ablation therapy.
Methods: A cohort of 176 consecutive cirrhotic patients with single HCC undergoing TAE/TACE was reviewed; 162 patients had at least one image examination (helical CT scan or triphasic contrast-enhanced MRI) after treatment and were included into the study. TAE was performed with Lipiodol followed by Gelfoam embolization; TACE was performed with Farmorubicin prepared in sterile drip at a dose of 50 mg/m(2), infused over 30 min using a peristaltic pump, and followed by Lipiodol and Gelfoam embolization.
Results: Patients characteristics were: mean age, 62 years; male/female 117/45; Child-Pugh score 6.2 +/- 1.1; MELD 8.7 +/- 2.3; mean HCC size, 3.6 (range 1.0-12.0) cm. HCC size class was <or= 2.0 cm, n = 51; 2.1-3.0 cm, n = 35; 3.1-4.0 cm, n = 29; 4.1-5.0 cm, n = 22; 5.1-6.0 cm, n = 11; and > 6.0 cm, n = 14. Patients received a total of 368 TAE/TACE (mean 2.4 +/- 1.7). Complete tumor necrosis was obtained in 94 patients (58%), massive (90%-99%) necrosis in 16 patients (10%), partial (50%-89%) necrosis in 18 patients (11%) and poor (< 50%) necrosis in the remaining 34 patients (21%). The rate of complete necrosis according to the HCC size class was: 69%, 69%, 52%, 68%, 50% and, 13% for lesions of <or= 2.0, 2.1-3.0, 3.1-4.0, 4.1-5.0, 5.1-6.0, and > 6.0 cm, respectively. Kaplan-Mayer survival at 24-mo was 88%, 68%, 59%, 59%, 45%, and 53% for lesions of <or= 2.0, 2.1-3.0, 3.1-4.0, 4.1-5.0, 5.1-6.0, and > 6.0 cm, respectively.
Conclusion: Our study showed that in cirrhotic patients with single HCC smaller than 6.0 cm, TAE/TACE produces complete local control of tumor in a significant proportion of patients. TAE/TACE is an effective therapeutic option in patients with single HCC not suitable for surgical resection or percutaneous ablation therapies. Further studies should investigate if the new available embolization agents or drug eluting beads may improve the effect on tumor necrosis.