Safety and efficacy of drug-eluting microspheres TACE under cone beam CT control in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Drug-eluting microsphere TACE improves survival in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and ensures targeted and controlled cytotoxic and ischemic effects.

Aim: The aim of this single-institution retrospective study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of doxorubicin-loaded drug-eluting microsphere TACE under cone beam CT control in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: A total of 150 patients (mean age 68.3 ± 8.1 years, 131 males and 19 females) between February 2010 and December 2018 were studied. The objective tumor response according to the mRECIST, the time to progression, adverse events and overall survival were evaluated.

Results: In total, 461 procedures were performed (median, 3 per patient). Four (0.9% of all procedures) major complications were noted. Postembolization syndrome occurred after 35.1% of procedures. At the first imaging follow-up, 91% of 144 patients achieved an objective response. The median time to progression was 11.0 months. Overall survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 84%, 53%, 32%, 20% and 14%, respectively. The median survival time was 24.9 months.

Conclusions: Doxorubicin-loaded drug-eluting microsphere TACE performed under cone beam CT control is a safe and effective treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with high tumor response and survival rates.