Patient dosimetry for 90Y selective internal radiation treatment based on 90Y PET imaging.

Until recently, the radiation dose to patients undergoing the 90Y selective internal radiation treatment (SIRT) procedure is determined by applying the partition model to 99mTc MAA pretreatment scan. There can be great uncertainty in radiation dose calculated from this approach and we presented a method to compute the 3D dose distributions resulting from 90Y SIRT based on 90Y positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Five 90Y SIRT treatments were retrospectively analyzed. After 90Y SIRT, patients had 90Y PET/CT imaging within 6 hours of the procedure. To obtain the 3D dose distribution of the patients, their respective 90Y PET images were convolved with a Monte Carlo generated voxel dose kernel. The sensitivity of the PET/CT scanner for 90Y was determined through phantom studies. The 3D dose distributions were then presented in DICOM RT dose format. By applying the linear quadratic model to the dose data, we derived the biologically effective dose and dose equivalent to 2 Gy/fraction delivery, taking into account the spatial and temporal dose rate variations specific for SIRT. Based on this data, we intend to infer tumor control probability and risk of radiation induced liver injury from SIRT by comparison with established dose limits. For the five cases, the mean dose to target ranged from 51.7 ± 28.6 Gy to 163 ± 53.7 Gy. Due to the inhomogeneous nature of the dose distribution, the GTVs were not covered adequately, leading to very low values of tumor control probability. The mean dose to the normal liver ranged from 21.4 ± 30.7 to 36.7 ± 25.9 Gy. According to QUANTEC recommendation, a patient with primary liver cancer and a patient with metastatic liver cancer has more than 5% risk of radiotherapy-induced liver disease (RILD).

High-intensity focused ultrasound for hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in a single tertiary referral center. BACKGROUND: HIFU is the latest developed local ablation technique for unresectable HCC. The initial experience on its efficacy is promising, but the survival benefit of patients undergoing HIFU for HCC is poorly defined. METHODS: From October 2006 to December 2008, 49 patients received HIFU for unresectable HCC. Each patient underwent a single session of HIFU with a curative intent. Treatment efficacy and survival outcome were evaluated. Clinicopathologic factors affecting the primary technique effectiveness and overall survival rates were investigated by univariate analysis. RESULTS: The median size of the treated tumors was 2.2 cm, ranging from 0.9 to 8 cm. The majority of patients had single tumors (n = 41, 83.6%). Thirty-one patients (63.2%) had artificial right pleural effusion during HIFU treatment to reduce damage to the lung and diaphragm. The hospital mortality rate was 2% (n = 1) and the complication rate was 8.1% (n = 4). The primary technique effectiveness rate was 79.5% (39 of 49 patients). It increased from 66.6% in the initial series to 89.2% in the last 28 patients. Tumor size (≥3.0 cm) was the significant risk factor affecting the complete ablation rate. The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 87.7% and 62.4%, respectively. Child-Pugh liver function grading was the significant prognostic factor influencing the overall survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: HIFU is an effective treatment modality for unresectable HCC with a high technique effectiveness rate and favorable survival outcome.

Incomplete ablation after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of risk factors and prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND: Complete ablation rates after a single session of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vary from 48% to 97%. Limited data are available regarding risk factors and prognostic significance of incomplete ablation. METHODS: Between April 2001 and March 2006, 298 patients underwent RFA of 393 HCC nodules with an intent of complete ablation after a single session. Risk factors for incomplete ablation and its effect on overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-three (91.6%) underwent complete tumor ablation, whereas the other 25 (8.4%) underwent incomplete tumor ablation after a single session of RFA. By multivariate analysis, tumor size > 3 cm (P = .049) was found to be the only independent risk factor for incomplete ablation. There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between patients with complete and incomplete ablation. By univariate analysis, no previous transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), preoperative serum alfa-fetoprotein < or = 100 microg/mL, and complete response after further treatment of incomplete ablation were associated with better overall survival in patients with incomplete ablation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that incomplete ablation after RFA of HCC was associated with tumor size > 3 cm. Our data also suggest that aggressive further treatment of tumors with incomplete ablation aiming at complete tumor response improves overall survival.

Analysis of recurrence pattern and its influence on survival outcome after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective local ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with favorable long-term outcome. There is no data on the analysis of recurrence pattern and its influence on long-term survival outcome after RFA in HCC patients. AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate the tumor recurrence pattern and its influence on long-term survival in patients with HCC treated with RFA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2001 to January 2005, 209 patients received RFA using internally cooled electrode as the sole treatment modality for HCC. Among them, 117 patients (56%) had unresectable HCC because of bilobar disease, poor liver function, and/or high medical risk for resection; whereas 92 patients (44%) underwent RFA as the primary treatment for small resectable HCC. The ablation procedure was performed through percutaneous (n=101), laparoscopic (n=17), or open approaches (n=91). The tumor recurrence pattern and long-term survival were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was carried out to identify independent prognostic factors affecting the overall survival of patients. RESULTS: The mortality and morbidity rates were 0.9 and 15.7%, respectively. Complete tumor ablation was achieved in 192 patients (92.7%). With a median follow-up period of 26 months, local recurrence occurred in 28 patients (14.5%). Same segment and different segment intrahepatic recurrence occurred in 30 patients (15.6%) and 78 patients (40.6%), respectively. Twenty patients (10.4%) developed distant extrahepatic metastases. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 87.2, 66.6, and 42%, respectively. Different segment intrahepatic recurrence and distant recurrence after RFA carried significant poor prognostic influence on overall survival outcome. Using multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh grade (risk ratio [RR]=2.918, 95% confident interval [CI] 1.704-4.998, p=0.000), tumor size (RR=1.231, 95% CI 1.031-1.469, p=0.021), and pattern of recurrence (risk ratio [RR]=1.464, 95% CI 1.156-1.987, P=0.020) were identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. CONCLUSION: The tumor recurrence pattern after RFA carries significant prognostic value in relation to overall survival. Long-term regular surveillance and aggressive treatment strategy are required for patients with different segment intrahepatic recurrence to optimize the benefits of RFA.

A phase I/II trial of chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma using a novel intra-arterial drug-eluting bead.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To assess the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using doxorubicin-eluting beads (DEB) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Patients with incurable HCC and Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis were considered eligible for this phase I/II trial. Two courses of TACE using DEB were given at an interval of 2 months, and tumor response was assessed by computerized tomography scan. The phase I trial was a dose-escalating study starting from 25 mg to 150 mg doxorubicin in cohorts of 3 patients. The 150-mg doxorubicin dose was used for the phase II study. Primary end points were treatment-related complications and deaths. Secondary end points included tumor response and pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin. RESULTS: In the phase I study involving 15 patients, no dose-limiting toxicity was observed for up to 150 mg doxorubicin, which was used for 20 patients in the phase II study. The pharmacokinetic study showed a low peak plasma doxorubicin concentration (49.4 +/- 23.7 ng/mL), and no systemic toxicity was observed. The treatment-related complication rate was 11.4%. There was no treatment-related death. Among 30 patients who completed 2 courses of TACE, the partial response rate and the complete response rates were 50% and 0%, respectively, by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) criteria at computerized tomography scan 1 month after the second TACE. By modified RECIST criteria, taking into account the extent of tumor necrosis, 19 (63.3%) patients had a partial response and 2 (6.7%) had a complete response. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that TACE using DEB is a safe and effective treatment for HCC, supporting a phase III randomized trial to compare this novel treatment with conventional TACE using doxorubicin-Lipiodol emulsion.

Duodenopleural fistula formation after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment option in the management of unresectable or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It can be performed either through laparotomy or in a minimally invasive manner by percutaneous, laparoscopic or thoracoscopic routes. Percutaneous RFA is associated with reduced surgical trauma and thus can be performed in patients with significant comorbidities. The procedure can be repeated after short intervals for sequential ablation of multiple liver lesions. However, the associated risks should not be underestimated. This is the first report of a rare complication of duodeno-pleural fistula after percutaneous RFA of a recurrent subcapsular HCC. The risk of bowel perforation during the ablation of subcapsular HCC requires special attention, since only the position of the tip of the electrode, but not the zone of ablation, can be assessed accurately by imaging during the procedure. Our case demonstrated that there was leakage of bowel content from the duodenal injury site into the pleural cavity through the RFA track. Subsequent uncontrolled infection resulted in empyema thoracis and led to the death of the patient.

Comparable survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated by radiofrequency ablation or transarterial chemoembolization.

HYPOTHESIS: The survival benefits of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are similar for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma amenable to either treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: Tertiary care institution. PATIENTS: From February 22, 2001, to March 10, 2004, 91 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (tumor diameter <5 cm and <4 tumor nodules) treated by either TACE or RFA were analyzed from a prospective database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The treatment-related morbidity, mortality, overall survival, and time to disease progression. RESULTS: Forty patients received TACE and 51 patients received RFA during the study period. Demographic data were comparable in both groups of patients. The treatment-related morbidities of TACE and RFA were 10% and 28%, respectively (P = .04). There was no treatment-related mortality in either group. There was 1 patient (2%) with complete tumor remission in the TACE group, and the complete ablation rate in the RFA group was 96%. The time to disease progression was similar in both groups (P = .95). The overall survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 80% and 58%, respectively, in the TACE group and 82% and 72%, respectively, in the RFA group (P = .21). CONCLUSIONS: The overall survival and time for disease progression were similar in both groups of patients. In terms of the survival result, the efficacies of RFA and TACE were comparable for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Outcome of transarterial chemoembolization in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma eligible for radiofrequency ablation.

AIM: To evaluate the outcome of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) <5 cm in diameter eligible for radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS: The treatment-related mortality, morbidity, long-term survival, and prognostic factors of HCC patients who had TACE and fulfilled the present inclusion criteria for RFA were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 748 patients treated with TACE between January 1990 and December 2002, 114 patients were also eligible for RFA. The treatment-related mortality and morbidity were 1% and 19%, respectively. Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 80%, 43%, and 23%, respectively. Older age and a high albumin level were associated with a better survival, whereas a high alpha-fetoprotein level (AFP) and the size of the largest tumor >3 cm in diameter were adverse prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The morbidity, mortality, and survival data after TACE for small HCCs eligible for RFA are comparable to those reported after RFA in the literature. Our data suggest the need for a randomized comparison of the two treatment modalities for small HCCs.

Hepatic resection for incidentaloma.

The study goal was to review a single-center experience in hepatic resection for patients who presented with incidental liver tumors. With recent advances in diagnostic imaging techniques, incidental finding of liver tumors, or "incidentalomas," is increasing in asymptomatic and healthy individuals. However, little information is available in the literature regarding the underlying pathology and operative outcomes after hepatic resection. Between January 1989 and December 2002, 1011 patients underwent hepatic resection for liver tumors; of these patients, 107 (11%) were asymptomatic individuals who presented with incidentalomas. Incidentalomas were first detected on percutaneous ultrasonography (n = 83), computed tomography (n = 23), or magnetic resonance imaging (n = 1). Fifteen (14%) patients had preoperative aspiration for cytology or biopsy for histology, and the results correlated with the final pathology in 12 patients. Fifty-six (52%) patients underwent major hepatic resection with resection of three or more Coiunaud's segments. Median postoperative hospital stay was 8 days (range, 3-66 days). The operative mortality rate was 1%, and the operative morbidity rate was 21%. Histologic examination of the resected specimen revealed malignant liver tumors in 62 (58%) patients, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n = 48), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 8), lymphoma (n = 2), cystadenocarcinoma (n = 2), carcinoid tumor (n = 1), and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (n = 1). Benign pathologies were found in 45 (42%) patients, including focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 17), hemangioma (n = 12), angiomyolipoma (n = 5), cirrhotic regenerative nodule (n = 4), hepatic adenoma (n = 2), and others (n = 5). On multivariate analysis, male sex, age of greater than 50 years, and tumor size of greater than 4 cm were the independent predictive factors for malignant diseases. On retrospective analysis, 48 patients with HCC who presented with incidentalomas had significantly better survival outcomes after hepatic resection than did 646 patients with HCC who presented otherwise during the same study period. Hepatic resection for patients with incidentalomas is associated with a low operative mortality and acceptable morbidity. The diagnosis of malignant disease, especially HCC, should be considered in male patients older than 50 years who present with large hepatic lesions.

Treatment of hepatic artery thrombosis after orthotopic liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated conservative treatment for delayed hepatic artery thrombosis after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: Whole-graft OLTs (n=108) and live donor liver transplants (LDLTs; n=140) were performed in 237 patients between October 1991 and July 2002. Seven episodes of hepatic artery thrombosis were identified in six patients. Among the six patients, three had received whole-graft OLT and three had received right-lobe LDLT. Treatment included retransplantation, thrombectomy plus thrombolysis, and conservative treatment of hepatic and biliary complications. RESULTS: Five patients survived after treatment. Among the three LDLT recipients who received conservative treatment, two had subsequent collateral formation and one had spontaneous recanalization of arterial inflow. Of the three recipients of whole-graft OLT, the first died because of hepatic failure and technically difficult retransplantation, the second had thrombectomy plus thrombolysis but had recurrence of thrombosis that spontaneously recannulated during conservative treatment, and the third patient had successful retransplantation for graft failure. CONCLUSION: In the absence of hepatic failure, conservative treatment appears to be effective for patients with hepatic artery thrombosis. Collateralization is more likely to develop after LDLT than after whole-graft OLT.

Improvement in sleep apnea during nocturnal peritoneal dialysis is associated with reduced airway congestion and better uremic clearance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, nocturnal PD (NPD) is known to improve sleep apnea compared with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), but the contributing factors are unclear. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEASUREMENTS: Thirty-eight incident ESRD patients underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) during NPD and CAPD. Bioelectrical impedance analysis, magnetic resonance imaging of the upper airway, and urea kinetics (Kt/V) during sleep were measured on both occasions. RESULTS: The prevalence of severe sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI > or = 15/h) was 21.1% during NPD, and 42.1% during CAPD. Mean AHI increased from 9.6 +/- 2.7/h during NPD to 21.5 +/- 4.2/h during CAPD. Both obstructive and central apnea worsened after conversion to CAPD. NPD achieved greater reductions in total body water, hydration fraction, and net ultrafiltration than CAPD during sleep. Overnight peritoneal Kt/V and creatinine clearance were lower after conversion. Both peritoneal Kt/V and peritoneal creatinine clearance correlated with AHI, as did their changes after conversion. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging revealed reduced pharyngeal volumes and cross-sectional area, and tongue enlargement after conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in sleep apnea during NPD versus CAPD is associated with better fluid and uremic clearance and reduced upper airway congestion during sleep.

Pediatric liver transplantation in Hong Kong-a domain with scarce deceased donors.

AIM: The study aimed to assess the outcome of live-donor liver transplantation for pediatric patients in a region with limited access to deceased donors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 1993 to September 2008, 78 pediatric patients aged between 73 days and 17 years (mean, 40 months) received 83 liver transplants. Sixty-two were living-related liver transplantations (LRLTs), and 21 were deceased-donor liver transplantations (DDLTs). The mean follow-up period was 6.5 years. The prospectively collected data of these patients were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates of patients and grafts were 91%, 90%, 88% and 87%, 86%, 83%, respectively. The survival rates of LRLT patients and DDLT patients were 89%, 89%, 87%, and 90%, 86%, 86%, respectively (P = .58). The survival rates of patients aged 12 months or younger and patients older than 12 months were 95%, 92%, 90% and 90%, 90%, 87%, respectively (P = .65). One live donor developed temporary peroneal palsy, and another developed lung collapse (3%, 2/62). All live donors resumed their normal activities with no difficulty. CONCLUSION: With meticulous surgical techniques and postoperative care, it is justifiable to accept donated livers from voluntary live donors for transplantation to save pediatric patients in a place with scarce deceased donors.

Risk factors and prognostic factors of local recurrence after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Local recurrence rates after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vary from 2% to 36% in the literature. Limited data were available about the prognostic significance of local recurrence. STUDY DESIGN: Between April 2001 and March 2006, 273 patients with 357 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules underwent RFA, with radiologically complete tumor ablation after a single session of RFA. The risk factors of local recurrence and its impact on overall survival of patients were analyzed. RESULTS: With a median followup period of 24 months, local recurrence occurred in 35 patients (12.8%). By multivariate analysis, tumor size > 2.5 cm was the only independent risk factor for local recurrence. There was no notable difference in overall survival between patients with and without local recurrence. By multivariate analysis, local recurrence more than 12 months after RFA and complete response after additional treatment of local recurrence were associated with better overall survival in patients with local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that tumor size > 2.5 cm was the main risk factor for local recurrence after RFA of hepatocellular carcinoma. Our data suggested that additional aggressive treatment of local recurrence aimed at complete tumor response improves overall survival of patients. Late local recurrence was also associated with better prognosis, suggesting different tumor biology between early and late local recurrent tumors after RFA.

Comparison of early endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The role and potential benefits of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis have not been documented. We report a large prospective randomized study comparing early EUS and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of these patients. METHODS: A prospective randomized study was performed on 140 patients with acute pancreatitis suspected to have a biliary cause. The patients were randomized to have EUS (n = 70) or ERCP (n = 70) within 24 hours from admission. In the EUS group, when EUS detected choledocholithiasis, therapeutic ERCP was performed during the same endoscopy session. In the ERCP group, diagnostic ERCP was performed, followed by therapeutic endoscopy when choledocholithiasis was detected. RESULTS: Examination of the biliary tree by EUS was successful in all patients in the EUS group, whereas cannulation of the common duct during ERCP was unsuccessful in 10 patients (14%) in the ERCP group (P = .001). Combined percutaneous ultrasonography and ERCP missed detection of cholelithiasis in 6 patients in the ERCP group. The overall morbidity rate was 7% in the EUS group, and that in the ERCP group was 14% (P = .172). The hospital stay and mortality rates were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients with acute biliary pancreatitis, EUS could safely replace diagnostic ERCP in the management for selecting patients with choledocholithiasis for therapeutic ERCP with a higher successful examination rate, a higher sensitivity in the detection of cholelithiasis, and a comparable morbidity rate.

Biliary reconstruction and complications of right lobe live donor liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the possible reasons of failure of biliary reconstruction in right lobe live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and to devise the best method of reconstruction and treatment strategy for the complications. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Right lobe LDLT was associated with a high biliary complication rate (15-64%) in the reported series. The causes of failure were not completely understood and the best treatment strategy has not been defined. METHODS: From 1996 to 2001, 74 patients received right lobe LDLT. The operative procedures of the first 37 patients were critically reviewed to identify the possible reasons of leakage or stenosis from the anastomosis. The causes included right hepatic duct ischemia, double or triple hepaticojejunostomies, unrecognized branch of right hepatic duct, jejunal opening smaller than the size of right hepatic duct, and ductal plasty without division of newly created septum. The second 37 patients had biliary reconstruction by a modified technique that preserved blood supply to the right hepatic duct and aimed at avoidance of risk factors. RESULTS: The overall complication rate decreased from 43% in the first 37 patients to 8% in the second 37 patients. There was no leakage from the anastomosis in the second group of patients. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) for the biliary complications resulted in right portal vein and hepatic artery injury in four patients and accounted for mortality in three of them. To avoid complications from PTBD, three patients in the second group developing stenosis of hepaticojejunostomy had repeated hepaticojejunostomy without preoperative PTBD and recovered. CONCLUSIONS: With identification of risk factors and modification of the surgical technique, the complication rate of biliary reconstruction of right lobe LDLT could be reduced. Repeated hepaticojejunostomy without preoperative PTBD is the preferred approach once a complication develops.

A prospective study regarding the complications of transcatheter intraarterial lipiodol chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cause of cancer death throughout the world. The majority of patients are not suitable for curative resection either because of the advanced stage of the disease at the time of presentation or because of underlying cirrhosis. Transcatheter intraarterial lipiodol chemoembolization (TACE) has been reported to be one of the most effective palliative measures for HCC. However, its severe side effects continue to make its use controversial. METHODS: In the current study, the authors prospectively evaluated 197 sessions of TACE performed in 59 patients with HCC. RESULTS: Acute hepatic decompensation occurred in 20% of the 197 sessions with 3% of cases being irreversible. Significant elevation of bilirubin was associated with the dosage of cisplatin used (P = 0.0001), basal bilirubin level (P = 0.0001), basal prothrombin time (P =0.004), basal aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level (P = 0.013), and stage of cirrhosis (P < 0.0001). Patients with irreversible hepatic decompensation were more likely to have higher pre-TACE bilirubin levels (P = 0.009), more prolonged prothrombin time (P = 0.015), received a higher dose of cisplatin (P = 0.033), and more advanced cirrhosis (P < 0.0001). The majority of the other side effects were self-limiting with the exception of one patient who died of liver and splenic abscesses. Approximately 36% of the patients achieved a tumor response, 39% achieved stable disease, and 29% developed progressive disease. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study identified factors that appeared to predispose patients to irreversible hepatic decompensation after TACE. Despite the high percentage of patients who developed hepatic decompensation after TACE, irreversible damage occurred in only a minority.

Randomized controlled trial of transarterial lipiodol chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

This randomized, controlled trial assessed the efficacy of transarterial Lipiodol (Lipiodol Ultrafluide, Laboratoire Guerbet, Aulnay-Sous-Bois, France) chemoembolization in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. From March 1996 to October 1997, 80 out of 279 Asian patients with newly diagnosed unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma fulfilled the entry criteria and randomly were assigned to treatment with chemoembolization using a variable dose of an emulsion of cisplatin in Lipiodol and gelatin-sponge particles injected through the hepatic artery (chemoembolization group, 40 patients) or symptomatic treatment (control group, 40 patients). One patient assigned to the control group secondarily was excluded because of unrecognized systemic metastasis. Chemoembolization was repeated every 2 to 3 months unless there was evidence of contraindications or progressive disease. Survival was the main end point. The chemoembolization group received a total of 192 courses of chemoembolization with a median of 4.5 (range, 1-15) courses per patient. Chemoembolization resulted in a marked tumor response, and the actuarial survival was significantly better in the chemoembolization group (1 year, 57%; 2 years, 31%; 3 years, 26%) than in the control group (1 year, 32%; 2 years, 11%; 3 years, 3%; P =.002). When adjustments for baseline variables that were prognostic on univariate analysis were made with a multivariate Cox model, the survival benefit of chemoembolization remained significant (relative risk of death, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29-0.81; P =.006). Although death from liver failure was more frequent in patients who received chemoembolization, the liver functions of the survivors were not significantly different. In conclusion, in Asian patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, transarterial Lipiodol chemoembolization significantly improves survival and is an effective form of treatment.

Cholangiocarcinoma in liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually associated with chronic liver diseases and liver cirrhosis, while conversely, cholangiocarcinoma (CC) usually occurs in a non-cirrhotic liver. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate CC in liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Between January 1998 and December 1999, 26 patients with CC were retrospectively reviewed. The occurrence of CC in chronic hepatitis B infection-related liver cirrhosis, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with CC (19 with a non-cirrhotic liver and seven with chronic hepatitis B infection-related liver cirrhosis) were included in the present study. All cases of CC in the cirrhotic group were incidentally discovered during routine screening for HCC. The mean age (+/- SD) was 58.8 +/- 14 years in the cirrhotic group and 73.2 +/- 15.9 years (P = 0.001) in the non-cirrhotic group. When compared to the cirrhotic group, the non-cirrhotic group had a higher median level of albumin (42 compared to 30 g/L, P = 0.005), bilirubin (117.5 compared to 18 micro mol/L, P = 0.01), alkaline phosphatase (291.5 compared to 100 U/L, P = 0.001) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidases (215.5 compared to 31 U/L, P = 0.001). In contrast, the cirrhotic group had a higher median prothrombin time (PT) compared to the non-cirrhotic group (18.2 compared to 12 s, P = 0.05). In the non-cirrhotic group, only one patient (5.3%) showed evidence of PVT on a computerized tomography and Doppler ultrasound, while in the cirrhotic group six patients (85.7%) had PVT (P < 0.001). The median survival period in the cirrhotic group was six months (range 2-24 months) compared to 16 months (range 6-41 months) in the non-cirrhotic group (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: CC in cirrhotic liver presented at a younger age and patients who developed CC were prone to PVT. The survival period was also shorter in comparison to that of non-cirrhotic liver patients.

Thermal ablative therapy for malignant liver tumors: a critical appraisal.

The management of primary and secondary malignant liver tumors poses a great challenge to clinicians. Although surgical resection is the gold-standard treatment, most patients have unresectable malignant liver tumors. Over the past decade, various modalities of loco-regional therapy have gained much interest. Among them, thermal ablative therapy, including cryotherapy, microwave coagulation, interstitial laser therapy, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have been proven to be safe and effective. Despite the effective tumor eradication achieved within cryotherapy, the underlying freeze/thaw mechanism has resulted in serious complications that include bleeding from liver cracking and the 'cryoshock' phenomenon. Thermal ablation using microwave and laser therapy for malignant liver tumors is curative and is associated with minimal complications. However, this treatment modality is effective only for tumors <3 cm diameter. Radiofrequency ablation seems to be the most promising form of thermal ablative therapy in terms of a lower complication rate and a larger volume of ablation. However, its use is restricted by the difficulty encountered when using imaging studies to monitor the areas of ablation during and after the procedure. Moreover, the techniques of RFA need to be refined in order to achieve the same oncological radicality of malignant liver tumors as achieved by surgical resection. As each of the loco-regional therapies has its own advantages and limitations, a multidisciplinary approach using a combination of therapies will be the future trend for the management of malignant liver tumors.