Transarterial Infusion of Epirubicin and Cisplatin Combined With Systemic Infusion of 5-Flurouracil Versus Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Refractoriness of Transarterial Chemoembolization Using Doxorubicin.

Transarterial chemoembolization using doxorubicin (TACE-DOX) is an effective therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there are limited options for patients with TACE refractoriness. We compared the effectiveness between sorafenib and transarterial chemolipiodolization using epirubicin and cisplatin combined with systemic infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU; TACL-ECF) in patients with previous TACE-DOX refractoriness. We retrospectively analyzed 742 consecutively enrolled cohort patients who received TACE-DOX as the first-line therapy for HCC. Among the 94 patients who failed with TACE-DOX, 49 patients were treated with TACL-ECF and 45 patients were treated with sorafenib as a rescue therapy. The TACL-ECF regimen comprised transarterial infusion of epirubicin and cisplatin combined with systemic infusion of 5-FU. Of the 94 patients, 22 and 72 patients were in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages B and C, respectively; 66% patients were classified as having Child-Pugh class A (CPC A). Overall survival (OS) after rescue therapy did not differ between the sorafenib and TACL-ECF groups (4.1 months vs 6.4 months, P = .355). Progression-free survival (PFS) did not differ between the sorafenib and TACL-ECF groups (2.8 months vs 3.5 months, P = .629). Adverse events of CTC grade 3/4 occurred more frequently in the sorafenib group than in the TACL-ECF group (P = .024). The present study showed that the OS and PFS did not differ between patients given rescue TACL-ECF therapy and those given sorafenib therapy. The TACL-ECF treatment was better tolerated than sorafenib. The TACL-ECF might be considered as an alternative therapy for the patients with TACE-DOX refractoriness, especially CPC B and sorafenib-intolerant patients.

Transhepatic Tract Embolisation After Biliary Intervention Using n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Autologous Blood: A Retrospective Analysis of 42 Patients.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of transhepatic tract embolisation after a biliary intervention using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and autologous blood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2017 and December 2018, 42 consecutive patients (mean age: 71 ± 15 years, 24 men) with malignant (n = 26) or benign (n = 16) biliary obstructions underwent percutaneous biliary intervention followed by tract embolisation within 2 weeks. Forty-six transhepatic tracts (4 bilateral) in 42 patients were embolised using a NBCA and lipiodol mixtures (1:1-1:2 ratios) after intraductal infusion of peripherally obtained autologous blood. The indwelling catheter diameters were 8.5-14 Fr. The median interval between percutaneous biliary drainage and tract embolisation was 10 days (range 3-14 days). Glue-cast formation via fluoroscopy and immediate complications were reviewed retrospectively in medical records. Follow-up data (median: 135, range 11-720 days) including computed tomography (CT) images (n = 17) were evaluated for delayed complications and glue-cast formation. RESULTS: Successful glue-cast formations were achieved in all 46 tracts. No patients experienced haemorrhage, and only one patient had external bile leakage. Eight patients complained of abdominal pain (numerical scale ≤ 5) immediately after embolisation, which was controlled by analgesics. Two patients had transient fever. Segmental (n = 11) or sub-segmental (n = 6) glue-cast patterns were identified along the transhepatic tract by follow-up CT. No biliary obstructions were caused by inadvertent glue spread. Fragmented glue was detected outside the stent in one patient. CONCLUSION: Transhepatic parenchymal tract embolisation with NBCA and autologous blood is a safe and feasible method for preventing bile leakage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case Series.