J Liver Cancer.  2024 Sep;24(2):217-223. 10.17998/jlc.2024.05.08.

Superselective ablative chemo-ethanol embolization for recurrent single hepatocellular carcinoma: a 6-month outcome analysis

• Lee JH
• Kim KY
• Lee Ch
• Kim M
• Yoon CJ

• KMID: 2559468
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17998/jlc.2024.05.08

Abstract

Backgrounds/Aims
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of superselective ablative chemo-ethanol embolization (SACE) for the treatment of patients with recurrent single hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC).
Methods
This retrospective study included 22 patients (19 men; median age, 63 years [range, 38-86]) with Child-Pugh class of A/ B/C (16/3/3) that underwent SACE between January and June 2023 for recurrent single HCCs measuring ≤5 cm in diameter using a mixture of 99% ethanol and ethiodized oil/doxorubicin emulsion. The primary endpoint was the 6-month tumor response, and the secondary endpoints were the 1-month tumor response and treatment-related safety. This study was approved by our institutional review board, and the requirement for informed consent was waived.
Results
SACE was successfully performed in 22 patients (95.2%). The complete response rates at 1-month and 6-month after treatment were 100.0% and 83.3%, respectively. At 6-month, local tumor progression occurred in one patient and intrahepatic distant metastasis was found in six patients (30.0%). No 6-month mortalities were reported. No adverse events greater than grade 2 or laboratory deteriorations were observed. Biliary complications or liver abscesses were not observed.
Conclusions
SACE for a single rHCC was highly effective in achieving a favorable 6-month tumor response and showed acceptable adverse events. However, further prospective studies are required to verify these findings.

Keyword

Chemoembolization; Ethanol; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Locoregional neoplasm recurrence

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Reference

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