Selective iliofemoral stent placement for complex pediatric cases: a decade of institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric iliofemoral venous thromboembolism that is resistant to conventional treatments poses significant management challenges. Stent placement represents a potentially underutilized strategy in children when stenosis or thrombosis persists intraprocedurally or recurs postoperatively, despite treatments such as venoplasty, lysis, and thrombectomy. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to report our institutional experience with iliofemoral stenting in 17 pediatric patients with recurrent iliofemoral venous thromboembolism or stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an IRB-approved retrospective review of pediatric patients (<18 years of age) who underwent iliofemoral venous stenting for recurrent stenosis or thrombosis between January 2012 and December 2022 at a single tertiary care institution. Patient demographics, risk factors for venous thromboembolism, presenting symptoms, and procedural characteristics were recorded. The primary outcome was stent patency rates at interval imaging follow-up. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with mean age of 14.6 years (range 7-17) and mean BMI of 27.7 were stented during the study period. Sixteen of 17 patients presented with evidence of May-Thurner anatomy. 14/17 patients presented with acute iliofemoral venous thromboembolism, 2/17 with chronic venous thromboembolism, and 1/17 with left lower extremity swelling without thrombosis. Seventy-three total angiographic procedures were performed, which included angioplasty, lysis, and thrombectomy, and 23 stent placements. Patients underwent an average of 3 procedures (range 1-9) over a mean of 2.8 months (range 0-17 months) prior to undergoing stent placement. Stents were deployed successfully in all patients. The median follow-up was 18 months (range, 1-77 months). Primary and secondary patency rates were 13/17 (76%) and 14/14 (100%) at 12 months and 12/17 (71%) and 14/14 (100%) at 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our experience of 17 patients, stent placement appears to be a durable option for children with iliofemoral venous thromboembolism following failure to establish vessel patency or development of recurrent thrombosis/stenosis postoperatively.

Impact of insertion site on complications in central venous access devices.

PURPOSE: There is still debate over the safest route for the placement of long-term central venous access devices. The aim of this study was to review a large, single-institution experience to determine the impact of access location on peri-operative complications. METHODS: The records of patients undergoing subcutaneous port (SQP) and tunneled catheter insertion over a seven-year period were reviewed. Vein cannulated (subclavian (SCV) versus internal jugular (IJ) vein), and 30-day complications were assessed. Surgical complications included pneumothorax, hemothorax, infections, arrhythmia or malpositioning requiring intervention. RESULTS: A total of 1,309 patients were included (618 SQP, 691 tunneled catheters). The location for insertion was SCV (909, 69.4%) and IJ (400, 30.6%). There were 69 complications (5.2%) (41, 4.5% SCV, 28, 7.0% IJV) including: malpositioning/malfunctioning (SCV 13, 1.4% and IJV 14, 3.0%), pneumothorax (SCV 4, 0.4% and IJV 1, 0.3%), hemothorax (SCV 0 and IJV 1, 0.3%), arrhythmia (SCV 1, 0.1%, and IJV 0), and infection within 30 days of placement (SCV 20, 2.2% and IJ 11, 2.8%). The complication rates were not significantly different based on site (p = 0.080). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in complication rates when using the subclavian versus the internal jugular vein as the site for long-term central venous access. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.

A CT scan-based formula for predicting central venous catheter length in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: Placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) is the most commonly performed pediatric procedure. This study aims to develop simple formulas to calculate intravascular length of CVCs prior to insertion to minimize reliance on fluoroscopic and radiographic imaging, which may not be uniformly available. METHODS: We performed a single-institution, retrospective review of 115 pediatric patients who received both CVC placement and computed tomography (CT) imaging of the chest within 3 months of the procedure. Using measurements from the CT imaging, formulas calculating the length of the intravascular component of the CVC based on height and insertion laterality were developed and compared to previously published formulas. These formulas were then trialed prospectively to validate reliability and application. RESULTS: Formulas were developed for right-sided and left subclavian insertion. The right-side formula accurately predicted CVC length in 52.6% of patients, compared to 47.4% by the Andropoulos formula. The left subclavian formula accurately estimated 62.5%, compared to 34.5% by the Stroud formula. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal intravascular length of central venous catheters may be determined by simple formulas based on patient height and insertion site. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Interhospital variability in localization techniques for small pulmonary nodules in children: A pediatric surgical oncology research collaborative study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary nodules that are deep within lung parenchyma and/or small in size can be challenging to localize for biopsy. This study describes current trends in performance of image-guided localization techniques for pulmonary nodules in pediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients < 21 years of age undergoing localization of pulmonary nodules at 15 institutions. Localization and resection success, time in interventional radiology (IR), operating room (OR) and total anesthesia time, complications, and technical problems were compared between techniques. RESULTS: 225 patients were included with an average of 1.3 lesions (range 1-5). Median nodule size and depth were 4 mm (range 0-30) and 5.4 mm (0-61), respectively. The most common localization techniques were: wire + methylene blue dye (MBD) (28%), MBD only (25%), wire only (14%), technetium-99 only (11%), coil + MBD (7%) and coil only (5%). Localization technique was associated with institution (p < 0.01); technique and institution were significantly associated with mean IR, OR, and anesthesia time (all p < 0.05). Comparing techniques, there was no difference in successful IR localization (range 92-100%, p = 0.75), successful resection (94-100%, p = 0.98), IR technical problems (p = 0.22), or operative complications (p = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Many IR localization techniques for small pulmonary nodules in children can be successful, but there is wide variability in application by institution and in procedure time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective review, Level 3.

Why do subcutaneous ports get stuck? A case-control study.

PURPOSE: We sought to identify clinical features associated with difficult subcutaneous port removals in children. METHODS: Ports placed between April 2014 and September 2017 at our institution were prospectively tracked for difficult removals. A case-control analysis was performed. Patients with ports that were difficult to remove (stuck; cases) were compared to biological sex and age-matched controls in a ratio of 1:3. Logistic regression determined the association between case/control status and clinical features adjusting for biological sex and age as covariates. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent associations. RESULTS: 57 stuck ports (28 extreme [10 endovascular intervention] and 29 moderate) and 171 controls were analyzed. Stuck ports were associated with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (86% cases versus 22.2% controls; p < 0.001) and a longer placement duration (median 2.6 years [interquartile range (IQR) 2.5-2.6] versus 0.8 years [IQR 0.5-1.4]; p < 0.001). On univariate analysis, procedural and device features associated with stuck ports included subclavian access (71.9% cases versus 48.5% controls; p = 0.0126), a polyurethane versus silicone catheter (96.5% cases versus 79.9% controls; p = 0.001), and a rough catheter appearance at removal (92.6% cases versus 9.4% controls; p < 0.0001). A diagnosis of ALL and duration of line placement were associated with having a stuck port on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Polyurethane central venous catheters placed for the two-year treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia may become difficult to remove. This constellation of factors warrants more extensive preoperative discussion of risk, endovascular backup availability, and scheduling for longer operating room time.

Liposomal Bupivacaine for Pediatric Celiac Plexus Block: A Case Report of Refractory Constipation Management.

Liposomal bupivacaine is a long-acting amide local anesthetic with a limited list of indications. At the time of publication, use is limited to field block and surgical wound infiltration and, more recently, interscalene nerve block. Although commonly used in adults, less is known about the safety and efficacy in pediatric patients. We present the use of liposomal bupivacaine for pediatric celiac plexus block in a 12-year-old boy suffering from gastrointestinal complications (eg, pain, constipation, and ileus) after bone marrow transplantation. Celiac plexus block utilizing liposomal bupivacaine was successfully used to palliate his pain and to normalize bowel function.

Retrospective analysis of predisposing factors for difficult lumbar punctures requiring image guidance in pediatric oncology patients.

Success rates of lumbar punctures (LPs) in children are reportedly as low as 50%. In addition to procedural complications and failure, difficult LPs are a risk factor for traumatic LPs (TLPs), which can potentially affect diagnostic utility and alter treatment plans for pediatric oncology patients. To identify the intrinsic factors associated with technically difficult LPs in the pediatric oncology population, we performed a retrospective review of patients who required diagnostic imaging modalities for LP procedures at a single pediatric oncology institution between September 2008 and November 2018. We evaluated data from 64 LPs performed in 33 patients who were referred for image-guided LPs after undergoing technically difficult LPs that were unsuccessful using anatomic landmarks. In these cases, 96.9% of patients had at least one of the following intrinsic factors: body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25, anatomic spinal abnormalities, history of ≥ 5 previous LPs, age < 12 months, and history of back surgery. Elevated BMI was the most common factor associated with difficult LP (81.8%), followed by spinal abnormalities (51.5%), and history of ≥ 5 previous LPs (33.3%). Age < 12 months and history of back surgery were also associated with difficult LPs, but at a lower frequency. On the basis of these findings, we propose clinical recommendations for preprocedural identification of patients at risk of difficult LPs to reduce complications, including TLP, failure, and exposure to general anesthesia.

Alternative approaches to retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes based on surgical approach for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in patients with paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma (PT-RMS). METHODS: Patients undergoing RPLND for PT-RMS over 10 years at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Length of stay (LOS), complications, oral morphine equivalents per kilogram (OME/Kg), lymph node yield, and time to chemotherapy were assessed. The surgical approaches compared were: open transabdominal, open extraperitoneal, laparoscopic, and retroperitoneoscopic. For cases with lymphatic mapping, indocyanine green (ICG) was injected into the spermatic cord. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included: five open transabdominal, six open extraperitoneal, three laparoscopic, and six retroperitoneoscopic operations. LOS was shorter in the retroperitoneoscopic group than laparoscopic (p = 0.029) and both open groups (p < 0.001). Mean OME/kg used was lowest in the retroperitoneoscopic (0.13 ±â€¯0.15) group compared to laparoscopic (0.68 ±â€¯0.53, p = 0.043), open transabdominal (14.90 ±â€¯8.87, p = 0.003), and extraperitoneal (10.11 ±â€¯2.44, p < 0.001). Time to chemotherapy was shorter for retroperitoneoscopic patients (0.13 days ±â€¯0.15) compared to open transabdominal (15.6 days±6.5, p = 0.005). There was no difference in lymph node yield between groups. Spermatic cord ICG demonstrated iliac lymph node avidity on near-infrared spectroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive RPLND appears to offer a faster recovery without compromising lymph node yield for patients with PT-RMS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Neutropenia at the time of subcutaneous port insertion may not be a risk factor for early infectious complications in pediatric oncology patients.

BACKGROUND: The risk of infection associated with subcutaneous port (SQP) placement in patients with neutropenia remains unclear. We reviewed the rate of early infectious complications (<30 days) following SQP placement in pediatric oncology patients with or without neutropenia [absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <500/mm3]. METHODS: Baseline characteristics and infectious complications were compared between groups using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 614 SQP were placed in 542 patients. Compared to nonneutropenic patients, those with neutropenia were more likely to have leukemia (n = 74, 94% vs n = 268, 50%), preoperative fever (n = 17, 22% vs n = 25, 5%), recent documented infection (n = 15, 19% vs n = 47, 9%), and were younger (81 vs 109 months) (p values <0.01). After adjusting for fever and underlying-disease, there was a nonsignificant association between neutropenia and early postoperative infection (OR 2.42, 95% CI 0.82-7.18, p = 0.11). Only preoperative fever was a predictor of infection (OR 6.09, 95% CI 2.08-17.81, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: SQP placement appears safe in most neutropenic patients. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Pain Outcomes After Celiac Plexus Block in Children and Young Adults with Cancer.

Purpose: The use of celiac plexus block (CPB) for abdominal pain has been extensively reported in adults. However, pediatric literature is limited to three single case reports and a series of three cases. This study evaluated the effectiveness of CPB in children and young adults (aged 8-20 years) with abdominal malignancies. Methods: Pain outcomes after CPB were evaluated in four children and young adults with cancer. Mean daily pain score (PS, 0-10) and morphine consumption (intravenous morphine equivalent daily [MED], mg/kg/day) before and after CPB were used to assess effectiveness. Results: Mean daily PS reduced after CPB in all patients. In one patient, this reduction was sustained up to 6 months of follow-up, and analgesics were discontinued 1 week after CPB. The other three patients had limited survival (6, 16, and 37 days) after CPB. One patient had a PS of 0 over the last few days of life, but the MED was escalated from 0.74 before the block to 5.4 mg/kg/day at the end of life. In the other two patients, MED was lower during the first week after CPB than that before CPB (4.55 vs. 1.59 and 2.88 vs. 1.51 mg/kg/day, respectively). As these two patients had disease progression during their last days of life, the MED was increased to 4.75 and 263.9 mg/kg/day, respectively. Conclusions: Our results suggest that CPB may contribute to reducing PS and MED. We observed the use of CPB rather late in the disease trajectory.

Treatment algorithm based on the multivariate survival analyses in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with trans-arterial chemoembolization.

PURPOSE: To develop the treatment algorithm from multivariate survival analyses (MVA) in patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) C (advanced) Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with Trans-arterial Chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Consecutive unresectable and non-tranplantable patients with advanced HCC, who received DEB TACE were studied. A total of 238 patients (mean age, 62.4yrs) was included in the study. Survivals were analyzed according to different parameters from the time of the 1st DEB TACE. Kaplan Meier and Cox Proportional Hazard model were used for survival analysis. The SS was constructed from MVA and named BCLC C HCC Prognostic (BCHP) staging system (SS). RESULTS: Overall median survival (OS) was 16.2 months. In HCC patients with venous thrombosis (VT) of large vein [main portal vein (PV), right or left PV, hepatic vein, inferior vena cava] (22.7%) versus small vein (segmental/subsegmental PV) (9.7%) versus no VT had OSs of 6.4 months versus 20 months versus 22.8 months respectively (p<0.001). On MVA, the significant independent prognostic factors (PFs) of survival were CP class, eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) performance status (PS), single HCC<5 cm, site of VT, metastases, serum creatinine and serum alpha-feto protein. Based on these PFs, the BCHP staging system was constructed. The OSs of stages I, II and III were 28.4 months, 11.8 months and 2.4 months accordingly (p<0.001). The treatment plan was proposed according to the different stages. CONCLUSION: On MVA of patients with advanced HCC treated with TACE, significant independent prognostic factors (PFs) of survival were CP class, ECOG PS, single HCC<5 cm or others, site of VT, metastases, serum creatinine and serum alpha-feto protein. New BCHP SS was proposed based on MVA data to identify the suitable advanced HCC patients for TACE treatments.

Selective Internal Yttrium-90 Radioembolization Therapy (90Y-SIRT) Versus Best Supportive Care in Patients With Unresectable Metastatic Melanoma to the Liver Refractory to Systemic Therapy: Safety and Efficacy Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate survival, efficacy, and safety of selective internal yttrium-90 radioembolization therapy (Y-SIRT) in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma (MM) to liver refractory to systemic therapy. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective review of 58 patients diagnosed with unresectable MM to the liver, refractory to systemic therapy, between February 2003 and March 2012 was conducted. Of these, 28 received resin-based Y-SIRT (group A), and 30 patients received best supportive care (group B). Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: Groups A and B were similar for the Child-Pugh class, ECOG scores, age, sex, and race. Median overall survival (OS) from diagnosis of primary melanoma in groups A and B were 119.9 and 26.1 months, respectively (P<0.001). Median OS from hepatic metastasis in groups A and B were 19.9 and 4.8 months, respectively (P<0.0001). In group A, median OS from hepatic metastasis in the Child-Pugh A, B, and C patients was 37.7, 4.2, and 3.6 months, respectively (P<0.001). In group B, median OS from hepatic metastasis in the Child-Pugh A, B, and C patients was 7.8, 4.2, and 1.9 months, respectively (P=0.04). Within group A, median OS from first Y-SIRT was 10.1 months; median OS of the Child-Pugh A, B, and C patients from first Y-SIRT was 10.3, 1.2, and 0.9 months, respectively (P=0.04). Median OS from first Y-SIRT was significantly greater in the absence of diffuse (>10) liver metastases (15.1 vs. 4.7 mo, P=0.02), and in the absence of extrahepatic metastases (21.3 vs. 8.6 mo, P<0.001). Common clinical toxicities following Y-SIRT included abdominal pain (17.9%), fatigue (14.3%), and self-limiting grade III bilirubin toxicity (10.7%). CONCLUSION: For patients with unresectable MM to the liver refractory to systemic therapy, resin-based Y was associated with longer survival from liver metastases than best supportive care. Child-Pugh A patients with <10 metastatic lesions and absence of extrahepatic metastases demonstrated greatest survival following Y-SIRT.

Percutaneous interventional management of biliary complications after pediatric liver transplantation: A 16-year single-institution experience.

The aim of the study was to investigate the BiCx after the pediatric OLT and to assess the efficacy of the fluoroscopic-guided PBI in the patients with BiCx as compared to the SR. A total of 340 OLTs were performed in 302 patients over the last 16 years. The inclusion criteria were the presence of BS or BL as a complication after OLT. The management of the BiCx was studied. Graft revision, graft loss, and survival were evaluated following PBI and SR. BiCx occurred in 17.1% (58/339) of the transplants; 6.2% (21/339) of transplants demonstrated BL and 12.7% (43/339) of the transplants had BS. Overall graft survival rates at 1 and 3 years in OLT with BL treated with PBI were 75.0% and 68.8% as compared with 75% and 66.7% in OLT treated with SR (P>.05). Overall graft survival rates at 1 and 3 years in OLT with BS treated with PBI were 70.6% and 54.5% as compared with 71.4% and 50% in OLT with SR or ERCP, respectively (P>.05). Based on the results, we conclude that PBI is as effective as SR in patients with the BL and BS after OLT.

Survival in unresectable AJCC stage I and II HCC and the effect of DEB-TACE: SEER versus tertiary cancer center cohort study.

AIM: To evaluate overall survival (OS) in unresectable American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I/II hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with drug-eluting-bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) versus best supportive care. MATERIALS & METHODS: OS in consecutive patients with AJCC stage I/II unresectable HCC diagnosed in 2005-2010 who underwent DEB-TACE and similar patients from SEER with no surgery/radiation recommended/performed was evaluated. RESULTS: Median OS from HCC diagnosis was 28.9 months (DEB-TACE) versus 10.0 months (SEER), p < 0.0001. Median OS was 36.3 months (DEB-TACE) versus 12.0 months (SEER) in AJCC I, and 27.9 months (DEB-TACE) versus 10.0 months (SEER) in AJCC II, p < 0.0001. Significant independent prognostic factors for OS were single primary tumor, no vascular invasion, normal α-fetoprotein and DEB-TACE. CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE in patients with unresectable AJCC stage I/II HCC was a significant independent prognostic factor for greater OS in a population-based study.

Lung Shunt Fraction prior to Yttrium-90 Radioembolization Predicts Survival in Patients with Neuroendocrine Liver Metastases: Single-Center Prospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate survival outcomes following radioembolization with Yttrium-90 (Y90) for neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NETLMs). This study was designed to assess the efficacy of Y90 radioembolization and to evaluate lung shunt fraction (LSF) as a predictor for survival. METHODS: A single-center, prospective study of 44 consecutive patients (median age: 58.5 years, 29.5 % male) diagnosed with pancreatic (52.3 %) or carcinoid (47.7 %) NETLMs from 2006 to 2012 who underwent Y90 radioembolization was performed. Patients' baseline characteristics, including LSF and median overall survival (OS) from first Y90 radioembolization, were recorded and compared between patients with high (≥10 %) and low (<10 %) LSF. Baseline comparisons were performed using Fisher's exact tests for categorical and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) and multivariate analyses (Cox Proportional Hazard Model) for risk factor analysis were performed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, race, tumor properties, or previous treatments between patients with high (n = 15) and low (n = 29) LSF. The median OS was 27.4 months (95 %CI 12.73-55.23), with 4.77 months (95 %CI 2.87-26.73) for high and 42.77 months (95 %CI 18.47-59.73) for low LSF (p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis identified high LSF (p = 0.001), total serum bilirubin >1.2 mg (p = 0.016), and lack of pretreatment with octreotide (p = 0.01) as independent prognostic factors for poorer survival. Tumor type and total radiation dose did not predict survival. CONCLUSIONS: LSF ≥10 %, elevated bilirubin levels, and lack of pretreatment with octreotide were found to be independent prognostic factors for poorer survival in patients with NETLMs.

Preservation of quality of life with doxorubicin drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Longitudinal prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The study aims to determine the effects of doxorubicin drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) therapies on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective study assessing HRQOL of consecutive patients with unresectable HCC who underwent DEB-TACE. Longitudinal assessment of HRQOL scores via Short-Form-36 (SF-36) was performed. Baseline HRQOL scores were evaluated for significant change (P < 0.05) pre-therapy, post-therapy, and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Analysis of overall survival (OS) from HCC diagnosis and OS from first DEB-TACE was performed. Paired t-tests were used to compare HRQOL domain scores. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen patients (83 male; median age 60 years) were enrolled. Patients had lower baseline scores within all eight HRQOL domains of the SF-36 compared with US age-adjusted healthy norms. No significant changes in all eight domains were observed post-therapy and at 6- or 12-month follow-up compared with baseline (P > 0.05). No significant differences in all eight domains were observed between patients receiving ≥ 4 versus ≤ 3 DEB-TACE (P > 0.05). Both groups were similar for age at HCC diagnosis, gender, ethnicity, HCC etiology, Child-Pugh class and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (P > 0.05). Patients receiving staged DEB-TACE demonstrated significantly greater median OS from HCC diagnosis (≥ 4 vs ≤ 3 DEB-TACE procedures, 31.9 vs 23.7 months, P = 0.04) and from first DEB-TACE (≥ 4 vs ≤ 3 DEB-TACE, 29.1 vs 20.2 months, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE therapy for HCC demonstrated long-term preservation of HRQOL. In addition, staged DEB-TACE with four or more therapies does not significantly impact long-term HRQOL compared with patients who received three or fewer therapies.

Survival, efficacy, and safety of small versus large doxorubicin drug-eluting beads TACE chemoembolization in patients with unresectable HCC.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the overall survival, efficacy, and safety of small (100-300 µm) versus large (300-500 and 500-700 µm) doxorubicin drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB TACE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-four consecutive patients with unresectable HCC who underwent 269 DEB TACE procedures in 48 months were studied. DEB TACE procedures were performed using different DEB sizes: 100-300 µm (Group A, 59 patients) and with mixed 300-500 and 500-700 µm DEB (Group B, 35 patients). Survival rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The overall median survival in groups A and B were 15.1 and 11.1 months, respectively (p=0.005). Both groups were similar in demographics, tumor burden, and differential staging (p>0.5). Substratification of overall survival according to Child-Pugh class and Okuda, Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP), and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging were significantly higher in group A than in group B (p<0.05). Common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) grade III adverse events and 30-day mortality were significantly lower in group A than in group B (6.8% vs 20%; p=0.04, and 0% vs 14.3%; p=0.001, respectively). The particle size, Child-Pugh class, and serum α-fetoprotein level were significant prognostic indicators of survival on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: TACE with 100-300 µm sized DEB is associated with significantly higher survival rate and lower complications than TACE with 300-500 and 500-700 µm sized DEB.

Modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors and European Association for The Study of the Liver criteria using delayed-phase imaging at an early time point predict survival in patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma following yttrium-90 radioembolization.

PURPOSE: To investigate early imaging prognostic factors in unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) refractory to standard chemotherapy after yttrium-90 ((90)Y) radioembolization therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an institutional review board-approved prospective correlative study, 21 consecutive patients with ICC refractory to standard chemotherapy underwent (90)Y radioembolization therapy. Target and overall Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST), modified RECIST (mRECIST), and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) treatment responses were assessed. The mRECIST and EASL criteria were modified for application on delayed phases of dynamic contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging studies. Conventional definitions for complete and partial response were applied; these responses comprised objective response. Restaging imaging was obtained at 1- and 3-month intervals until patient death. Survival analyses by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank proportional models including application of the landmark method to avoid lead-time bias were performed from the day of treatment. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Median overall survival (OS) from the time of (90)Y therapy was 16.3 months (95% confidence interval, 7.2-25.4 mo). Significant differences between mRECIST and EASL versus RECIST were found when categorizing patients into responders and nonresponders (P < .001). Significantly prolonged OS was observed for patients with targeted objective response based on modified mRECIST and EASL criteria (P = .005 and P = .001, respectively) at 3 months. RECIST was not found to correlate with survival at 1- or 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Modified target mRECIST and EASL criteria that employ delayed-phase contrast enhancement at 3 months after (90)Y radioembolization therapy for ICC predicted OS. RECIST did not correlate with survival.