Conventional or Drug-Eluting Beads? Randomized Controlled Study of Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: JIVROSG-1302.

Introduction: With the advent of effective systemic therapy, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is established as a highly effective locoregional treatment modality for carefully selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This randomized controlled trial was conducted to clarify whether selective TACE with drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE) loaded with epirubicin or selective conventional TACE (cTACE) with epirubicin-ethiodized oil might be more effective for obtaining complete response(CR) in patients with HCC. Methods: Between March 2016 and May 2019, Child-Pugh class A or B patients with unresectable HCC who were scheduled to receive selective TACE were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to the DEB-TACE arm or the cTACE arm. The primary endpoint was the CR rate at 3 months, as evaluated according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors by an independent review committee, and the secondary endpoints were the CR rate at 1 month and incidences of adverse events. Results: A total of 200 patients (DEB-TACE, 99 patients; cTACE, 101 patients) were enrolled in the study. The CR rates at 3 months and 1 month were significantly higher in the cTACE arm (75.2%, 84.2%) as compared with the DEB-TACE arm (27.6%, 35.7%). However, the frequencies of adverse events of any grade, including pyrexia (DEB-TACE vs. cTACE, 19.4% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.0001), fatigue (5.1% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.0194), malaise (11.1% vs. 25.7%, p = 0.0103), appetite loss (12.1% vs. 28.7%, p = 0.0048), abdominal pain (12.1% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.0423), increased serum bilirubin (22.2% vs. 48.5%, p = 0.0002), hypoalbuminemia (43.4% vs. 60.3%, p = 0.0154), increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (35.7% vs. 81.2%, p < 0.0001), and increased serum alanine aminotransferase (35.7% vs. 77.2%, p < 0.0001), were also significantly higher in the cTACE arm than in the DEB-TACE arm. Conclusions: Selective cTACE appeared to have higher CR rates for local tumor control as compared to selective DEB-TACE for HCC. However, the frequency of postembolization syndrome was also significantly higher in the cTACE group than in the DEB-TACE group. Thus, to achieve CR, cTACE may be selected over DEB-TACE in patients who can be expected to tolerate postembolization syndrome.

Schwannoma in and around the porta hepatis: radiological features in eight cases and literature review.

PURPOSE: Schwannomas in and around the porta hepatis (porta hepatic schwannomas) are rare benign tumors easily misdiagnosed as other pathologies, including malignancies. We aimed to evaluate their imaging features on ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/CT (FDG-PET/CT). METHODS: We performed a multi-institutional retrospective study by reviewing the clinical and imaging findings of pathologically proven eight porta hepatic schwannomas (mean age, 55 years; range, 38-80 years; one male and seven females). Preoperative imaging included three ultrasonography, eight CT, eight MRI, and two FDG-PET/CT. RESULTS: All patients were asymptomatic. The mean tumor size was 61.9 mm (range, 30-180 mm), and all tumors demonstrated well-defined lesions on ultrasonography and their solid components showed soft tissue attenuation on non-contrast CT. MRI showed two distinct components in all cases: the component with T1-weighted hypointensities and T2-weighted hyperintensities with poor enhancement (suggestive of Antoni B histology); the component with T2-weighted hypointensities with gradually increasing enhancement (suggestive of Antoni A histology), resulting in a heterogeneous pattern on post-contrast CT or MRI (8/8, 100%). The separated deviation of surrounding bile ducts and vessels without obstruction allowed the recognition of extrahepatic localization and their benign nature. A ginger root-like morphology (2/8, 25%) seemed to be suggestive of extension along the Glisson's sheath, although this finding was not seen frequently. CONCLUSION: Recognizing imaging features such as extrahepatic location, benign nature with internal structures suggestive of Antoni A/B histology, and characteristic tumor extension may provide key diagnostic clues for porta hepatic schwannomas.

Vessel Occlusion using Hydrogel-Coated versus Nonhydrogel Embolization Coils in Peripheral Arterial Applications: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydrogel-coated coils for vessel occlusion in the body trunk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 77 patients with various peripheral vascular lesions, treatable by embolization with coils, were randomized (hydrogel group, n = 38; nonhydrogel group, n = 39). In the hydrogel group, embolization of the target vessel was conducted using 0.018-inch hydrogel-coated coils (AZUR 18; Terumo Medical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) with or without bare platinum coils. The nonhydrogel group received both bare platinum coils and fibered coils without the use of hydrogel-coated coils. RESULTS: Complete target vessel occlusion was accomplished in 36 patients in the hydrogel group and 37 patients in the nonhydrogel group. No major adverse events were observed in either group. The median number of coils/vessel diameter and the median total coil length/vessel diameter were significantly larger in the nonhydrogel group than in the hydrogel group (P = .005 and P = .004, respectively). The median embolization length was significantly longer in the nonhydrogel group (31.95 mm) than in the hydrogel group (23.43 mm) (P = .002). If no expansion was assumed, the median packing density in the hydrogel group was 44.9%, which was similar to that in the nonhydrogel group (46.5%) (P = .79). With full expansion assumed, the median packing density in the hydrogel group was 125.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrogel-coated coils can be safely used for peripheral vascular coil embolization, and hydrogel-coated and conventional coils in combination allow for a shorter embolization segment and shorter coil length.

Feasibility and Techniques of Securing 3D-Safety Margin in Superselective Transarterial Chemoembolization to Improve Local Tumor Control for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Intend-to-Treat Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the technical success rate of obtaining 3D-safety margin in superselective conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) using 3D images for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Consecutive 48 HCC nodules (diameter, 1-3 cm) in 44 patients were intentionally treated by superselective cTACE in an attempt to achieve 3D-safety margin. Superselective CT during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) was obtained before cTACE. When negative 3D-safety margin was found, branches supplied into the margin area were detected by using a 3D workstation. The technical success rate to obtain 3D-safety margin was investigated by intend-to-treat analysis. Local tumor recurrence rate and adverse events were also evaluated. RESULT: Nine of 48 tumors (18.8%) had 3D-safety margin in the initial superselective CTHA. After pulling back of the catheter and/or selection of another branch based on 3D images, 3D-safety margin was finally achieved in 45 (93.8%). There were 8 of 46 tumors (17.4%) with local recurrence after 5-year follow-up. Grade 3-4 of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin were found in 38.6, 36.4, and 2.3%, respectively. One portal vein thrombus and 3 biliary dilation or biloma were developed. CONCLUSION: Superselective cTACE obtaining 3D-safety margin in small HCC was feasible with a high success rate by using 3D images, which could be tolerable and prevent local tumor recurrence.

Efficacy of combined bland embolization and chemoembolization for huge (≥10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the efficacy of combined therapy involving bland transarterial embolization using gelatin sponge particles (bland GS-TAE) followed by transarterial chemoembolization using lipiodol mixed with anticancer agents and GS particles (Lip-TACE) to reduce the adverse events and increase the therapeutic effect of Lip-TACE in the treatment of huge (≥10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive patients with huge HCCs (≥10 cm in diameter) were enrolled in this study. First, bland GS-TAE was performed to reduce the tumor volume, and then Lip-TACE was performed to control the remaining tumor at intervals of around three weeks. Tumor response, survival, and adverse events of this combined therapy were assessed. RESULTS: The tumor response was assessed three months after combined TACE, with complete response in 38.1% and partial response in 57.1% of cases. Severe adverse events were seen in two patients, acute cholecystitis and tumor rupture. The median survival time was 2.7 years, and the one-, two-, three-, and five-year overall survival rates were 76.2%, 66.7%, 42.9%, and 25.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Combined therapy involving bland GS-TAE followed by Lip-TACE can be performed safety and may improve survival in patients with huge HCCs.

Clinical impact of radiofrequency ablation and stereotactic body radiation therapy for colorectal liver metastasis as local therapies for elderly, vulnerable patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Surgical resection is the standard local therapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, elderly and vulnerable patients sometimes have various organ dysfunctions. We have to conduct nonsurgical local therapies for those patients who might not tolerate surgery or systemic chemotherapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 254 patients who underwent local therapies, including surgery, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), for CRLM from January 2010 to December 2016, at seven tertiary-care institutions in Japan. This study was designed to include elderly, vulnerable patients who received local therapy for CRLM. For those undergoing liver resection, only those having one or more points of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were enrolled. RESULTS: Of the total 169 enrolled patients, 122 patients underwent surgery, 42 RFA, and 5 SBRT as the first local therapy for CRLM. Median overall survival from the first local therapy was 5.9 years for the surgery group, 2.7 years for the RFA group, and 3.8 years for the SBRT group. The proportion of the patients with CCI ≧3 was significantly higher in the group of RFA/SBRT than surgery (P < 0.0001). In selected patients with CCI ≧3, there was no difference of the median survival time between the surgery group and the RFA group. CONCLUSIONS: We could have other treatment options to provide nonsurgical local therapies (RFA/SBRT) for elderly, vulnerable CRLM patients who have risks for surgery.

Randomized Controlled Study to Compare Uncovered Stent Versus Covered Stent as Percutaneous Endoprosthesis for Malignant Biliary Obstruction (JIVROSG-0207).

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of uncovered stent and covered stent as percutaneous endoprosthesis for malignant biliary obstruction of the extrahepatic bile duct. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After completion of percutaneous internal and external tube placement for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction, 60 patients were registered and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an uncovered or covered stent group. Metallic stent placement was performed within 1 week after registration, and an external biliary drainage tube was removed >3 days after stent placement. The primary endpoint was the obstructive jaundice-free survival rate at 24 weeks after registration, and the secondary endpoints were the success rate of percutaneous tube removal and adverse events. RESULTS: The obstructive jaundice-free survival rate at 24 weeks after registration was 13/29 (44.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.4%-62.5%) and 15/30 (50.0%, 95% CI: 33.2%-66.8%) in the uncovered and covered stent groups, respectively. The success rate of percutaneous tube removal was 28/29 (96.6%, 95% CI: 82.8%-99.4%) and 30/30 (100%, 95% CI: 90.5%-100%) in the uncovered and covered stent groups, respectively. There were no procedure-related deaths. Twenty-eight adverse events were observed in 21 patients (7 in the uncovered stent group and 14 in the covered stent group). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the obstructive jaundice-free survival rate at 24 weeks between the 2 groups. Considering the technical difficulty and invasiveness of covered stent placement, the placement of covered stents may not be needed in patients with a short prognosis of <24 weeks.

Transarterial- chemoembolization remains an effective therapy for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma with preserved liver function.

AIM: To evaluate outcomes as well as prognostic factors of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with preserved liver function to determine positioning of TACE. METHODS: Of 158 treatment-naïve patients with intermediate-stage HCC who received initial TACE from February 2007 to January 2016, 113 patients met the following inclusion criteria: no combined therapy within 4 weeks after initial TACE, and Child-Pugh score under 7. Response rate and overall survival were evaluated. The prognostic factors were investigated in univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards models. The deterioration of liver function after repeated TACE was also evaluated. RESULTS: The response rate was 92.7% (complete response, 63.3%; partial response, 29.4%). The median survival time was 45.2 months. Survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 90.4%, 77.0%, and 60.8% respectively. Age ≥ 75 years (P = 0.022), serum α-fetoprotein level ≥ 200 ng/mL (P = .010), tumor number ≥ 11 (P = 0.008), and heterogeneous enhancement on dynamic computed tomography (P = 0.024) were poor prognostic factors. The deterioration rate of Child-Pugh score and albumin-bilirubin grade was 18.5% and 12.3%, respectively, after the first TACE, 15.6% and 5.1%, respectively, after the second TACE, and 14.5% and 11.1%, respectively, after the third TACE. CONCLUSION: Superselective TACE can achieve high tumor response rates with prolonged overall survival for patients with intermediate-stage HCC with preserved liver function. Age, serum α-fetoprotein level, tumor number ≥ 11, and heterogeneous enhancement on dynamic computed tomography indicated significantly poor prognosis.

Multicenter investigation of the incidence of inferior vena cava filter fracture.

PURPOSE: Inferior vena cava filter fracture (FF) may cause life-threatening complications, including cardiac tamponade, although the actual prevalence remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the incidence of FF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on fracture incidence with filter brands, filter positions [suprarenal (SR) vs. infrarenal (IR)], and follow-up durations were collected from the databases of eight hospitals. RESULTS: Of 532 patients, Günther Tulip (GT), Trap/OptEase (TE/OE), ALN and VenaTech (VT) were implanted in 345, 147, 38 and 2 patients, respectively. Of these, filter retrieval was attempted in 110 (21.7%) patients and was successful in 106 (96.4%). Of the remaining 426 patients, FFs were observed in two (0.7%) of 270 GT filters and 19 (14.1%) of 135 TE/OE filters. Fragment embolization occurred in one patient with a GT filter (50.0%) and three with a TE/OE filter (15.8%) with a total follow-up interval of 718.0 ± 1019.4 days. FF occurred more frequently in TE/OE than in GT filters (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed significantly higher fracture-free rates for GT than TE/OE (p < 0.001) and IR-TE/OE than SR-TE/OE (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TE/OE filters are not suitable for permanent implantation due to the relatively early and high fracture rates.

Phase I/II Study of Radiofrequency Ablation for Painful Bone Metastases: Japan Interventional Radiology in Oncology Study Group 0208.

PURPOSE: A prospective multicenter phase I/II trial was performed to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for metastatic bone tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients (27 men, 6 women, mean age 61 years) with metastatic bone tumors were enrolled. In phase I, nine patients were enrolled, and the safety of RFA was evaluated. In phase II, 23 patients were included, and an intent-to-treat analysis was performed. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the treatment's safety. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the efficacy of pain relief at 1 week after RFA. RESULTS: RFA was performed in 32 of 33 enrolled patients. No serious complications were observed during the phase I, so phase II was performed. Four patients exhibited adverse events, including one case each of Grade 3 pain and, Grade 2 hypotension, and one patient developed Grade 1 burns at the grounding pad and puncture site. One patient died of liver failure on day 7 after RFA due to the progression of the primary lesion. The efficacy was excellent (no increase in analgesic dosage, post-RFA VAS score of 0-2 or decreased by not less than 5 compared to before RFA) in 20 patients (60.6%), good (no increase in analgesic dosage, post-RFA VAS score decreased by not less than 2 but by < 5 compared to before RFA) in 3 (9.1%), and poor in 10 patients (30.3%). Thus, the response rate was 69.7%. CONCLUSION: RFA is a safe and effective method for treating painful metastatic bone tumors.

A case of uterine torsion concurrent with a ruptured ovarian endometrial cyst.

The patient was a 54-year-old female presented with severe abdominal swelling and intermittent pain. On emergent CT, massive ascites with thickened peritoneum and intra-pelvic cystic mass approximately 20 cm in diameter were observed. The cyst wall showed redundant irregular shape. The uterus was enlarged with intramural mass located at its right anterior fundus. MRI showed this pelvic cyst as high intensity on T1-weighted images, so that it was suspected as an endometrial cyst. The operation revealed the rupture of endometrial cyst and the uterine torsion of 180° around the long axis. Retrospectively, the X-shaped configuration of the upper vagina was observed on MRI and both the adnexa, including right ovarian cyst, were connected to the opposite side ovarian vein. Torsion of a non-gravid uterus is rare. In this case, the uterine torsion seemed to be caused by enlarged uterine body and ruptured endometrial cyst. Radiologists should be aware of this potential complication of huge ovarian mass and enlarged uterus and its appearance.

Adjuvant Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy After Resection for Pancreatic Cancer Using Coaxial Catheter-Port System Compared with Conventional System.

PURPOSE: Previous reports have shown the effectiveness of adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in pancreatic cancer. However, percutaneous catheter placement is technically difficult after pancreatic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of HAIC using a coaxial technique compared with conventional technique for postoperative pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 93 consecutive patients who received percutaneous catheter-port system placement after pancreatectomy were enrolled. In 58 patients from March 2006 to August 2010 (Group A), a conventional technique with a 5-Fr indwelling catheter was used and in 35 patients from September 2010 to September 2012 (Group B), a coaxial technique with a 2.7-Fr coaxial catheter was used. RESULTS: The overall technical success rates were 97.1 % in Group B and 86.2 % in Group A. In cases with arterial tortuousness and stenosis, the success rate was significantly higher in Group B (91.7 vs. 53.8 %; P = 0.046). Fluoroscopic and total procedure times were significantly shorter in Group B: 14.7 versus 26.7 min (P = 0.001) and 64.8 versus 80.7 min (P = 0.0051), respectively. No differences were seen in the complication rate. The 1 year liver metastasis rates were 9.9 % using the conventional system and 9.1 % using the coaxial system (P = 0.678). The overall median survival time was 44 months. There was no difference in the survival period between two systems (P = 0.312). CONCLUSIONS: The coaxial technique is useful for catheter placement after pancreatectomy, achieving a high success rate and reducing fluoroscopic and procedure times, while maintaining the safety and efficacy for adjuvant HAIC in pancreatic cancer.

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with fine-powder cisplatin and iodized-oil suspension in patients with intermediate-stage and advanced-stage (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage-B or stage-C) hepatocellular carcinoma: multicenter phase-II clinical study.

PURPOSE: This single-arm, multicenter, phase-II trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) using fine-powder cisplatin and iodized-oil suspension in patients with intermediate- and advanced-stage [Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage-B and stage-C] hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). METHODS: The Institutional Review Board approved this study and patients provided written informed consent. Thirty-five patients (24 men and 11 women, mean 74 ± 6 years [range 60-87 years]) with BCLC stage-B (57 %, 20/35) or stage-C (43 %, 15/35) HCCs who were not candidates for other locoregional treatments were enrolled. HAIC was performed using a suspension of fine-powder cisplatin with a maximum dose of 65 mg/m(2) and iodized oil on demand. The primary endpoint was the response rate evaluated based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST) and modified RECIST (mRECIST). Secondary endpoints were overall survival, progression-free survival, and safety. RESULTS: The initial and best overall response rates at 4 weeks and 3 months, respectively, were 14 and 17 % based on RECIST, and 57 and 23 % based on mRECIST. The median overall and progression-free survival times were 18 and 4 months, respectively. The most frequent grade-3 or grade-4 adverse events were elevation of serum alanine (23 %) and aspartate aminotransferase (20 %), and thrombocytopenia (17 %). CONCLUSION: This HAIC provides promising therapeutic effects with acceptable safety to patients with intermediate-stage and advanced-stage HCCs.

Prognosis of patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinomas based on the Child-Pugh score: subclassifying the intermediate stage (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B).

PURPOSE: Retrospective evaluation of intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient survival after undergoing chemoembolization based on the Child-Pugh score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of intermediate-stage HCC patients undergoing chemoembolization were gathered from 43 centers in Japan. Overall survival rates were compared with Child-Pugh scores. RESULTS: Of the 329 patients examined in this study, Child-Pugh scores were 5 (CP-5) in 136 patients (41.3%), 6 (CP-6) in 101 patients (30.7%), 7 (CP-7) in 58 (17.7%), 8 (CP-8) in 22 (6.7%), and 9 (CP-9) in 12 (3.6%). Two-year survival rates were 77.5% in CP-5 patients (p = 0.047 vs. CP-6), 65.1% in CP-6 patients (p = 0.038 vs. CP-7), 51.3% in CP-7 patients (p = 0.30 vs. CP-8, p = 0.034 vs. CP-9), 50.3% in CP-8 patients (p = 0.0065 vs. CP-9), and 16.7% in CP-9 patients. Two-year survival rates were 77.2% in 139 patients meeting the 4 tumors of 7 cm criterion with Child-Pugh class A (B1) (p < 0.0001 vs. B2), 59.5% in 178 patients other than B1 and B3 (B2) (p = 0.0014 vs. B3), and 16.7% in 12 patients with Child-Pugh score 9 (B3). CONCLUSION: The Child-Pugh score is a useful prognostic factor to stratify intermediate-stage HCC patients.

An early-stage, non-hypervascular HCC successfully treated by superselective, bland transarterial embolization using 40-µm microspheres.

Transcatheter embolization is considered to be less effective for early-stage hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) without a hypervascular arterial supply. In the present case report, a 65-year-old male with hepatitis type C and non-hypervascular HCC located in the hepatic hilum was successfully treated by bland transarterial embolization (TAE). After the temporary protective embolization of normal liver tissue using large gelatin particles, diluted 40-µm microspheres were injected via the tumor-feeding artery. The tumor shrank, and the patient has survived for 25 months without recurrence.

Subgrouping of intermediate-stage (BCLC stage B) hepatocellular carcinoma based on tumor number and size and Child-Pugh grade correlated with prognosis after transarterial chemoembolization.

PURPOSE: To find a subgroup that benefits most from transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in terms of tumor number and size and liver profile in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 325 intermediate-stage HCC patients who received TACE as the initial treatment were gathered. Four tumor numbers (3-6 tumors) and five maximum tumor diameters (3-7 cm) as well as all of their combinations but one (3 tumors and 3 cm) and Child-Pugh grade were used as variables to ascertain prognostic factors. RESULTS: The respective 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates in all patients were 86.5, 47.0, and 23.7%, respectively. Tumor numbers of 4 (P = 0.00145) and 5 (P = 0.036), and tumor size of 7 cm (P = 0.015), and 12 other combinations of tumor number and size, and Child-Pugh grade (P = 0.0015) were identified as significant prognostic factors in univariate analysis, and 4 tumors of 7 cm (P = 0.0008) and Child-Pugh grade (P = 0.0036) remained significant in the stepwise Cox proportional hazard model. The overall survival was significantly better in a patient subgroup having two factors other than patient subgroups having one or no prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: A patient subgroup having two prognostic factors benefited most from TACE in intermediate-stage HCC patients.

Guidelines on the use of gelatin sponge particles in embolotherapy.

Gelatin sponge (GS) is one of the most widely used embolic agents in interventional procedures. There are four commercially available GS products in Japan; however, the endovascular use of Gelfoam and Spongel is off-label, and Gelpart can only be used for hepatic artery embolization and Serescue can only be used for hemostasis of arterial bleeding. GS has been used for a variety of clinical indications, mainly tumor embolization and stopping massive arterial bleeding. The optimal size and preparation procedure of GS particles differs slightly for each clinical indication. In addition, there is a risk of ischemic and/or infectious complications associated with GS embolization in various situations. Therefore, radiologists should be familiar with not only the preparation and handling of GS particles, but also the disadvantages and potential risks, in order to perform GS embolization safely and effectively.

Repeated bland-TAE using small microspheres injected via an implantable port-catheter system for liver metastases: an initial experience.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of repeated bland-TAE using small-size microspheres for liver metastases. To date, there have been no publications as to whether bland-TAE could be effective for nonhypervascular liver tumors. METHODS: Bland-TAE with 100-µm, calibrated microspheres was performed in two chemoresistant patients: one with colorectal metastases and the other with gastric metastases. Both patients had multiple tumors in the entire liver. An implantable port-catheter system was placed in the hepatic artery to conduct repeated embolizations, thereby achieving enough efficacies. Microspheres were injected via the port until the disappearance of the tumor stains. Angiographies via the port were conducted 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after bland-TAE to evaluate the patency of the hepatic artery. RESULTS: The hepatic artery started to recanalize 1 day after TAE and tumor stains appeared again during the 14 days. In both patients, bland-TAE was repeated four times in intervals of 14-21 days. The enhanced CTs showed necrotic changes and the decrease in size of the tumors. The serum CEA level decreased from 2,989 to 70 ng/ml and from 174 to 48 ng/ml, respectively. Bilomas and a liver abscess developed as complications. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated bland-TAE using 100-µm microspheres injected via an implantable port-catheter system could be effective for liver metastases, although the caution of biliary injury is needed.

Isolated fat-containing pancreatic metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma.

We report a case of a 50-year-old male with isolated pancreatic metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in which chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging detected the presence of fat, and which mimicked fatty replacement. A solitary metastatic pancreatic tumor originating from HCC is very rare. Furthermore, we believe that this is the first report of fat-containing pancreatic metastasis from HCC.

Prospective study of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: an Asian cooperative study between Japan and Korea.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization used for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with an Asian cooperative prospective study between Japan and Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with unresectable HCC unsuitable for curative treatment or with no prior therapy for HCC were enrolled. The patients underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with emulsion of Lipiodol and anthracycline agent, followed by embolization with gelatin sponge particles, which was repeated on an as-needed basis. The primary endpoint was 2-year survival rate, and the secondary endpoints were adverse events and response rate. RESULTS: The 2-year survival rate of 99 patients was 75.0% (95% confidence interval, 65.2%-82.8%). The median time-to-progression was 7.8 months, and the median overall survival period was 3.1 years. Of 99 patients, 42 (42%) achieved a complete response, and 31 (31%) had a partial response. The response rate was 73% using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The grade 3-4 toxicities included increased alanine aminotransferase level in 36%, increased aspartate aminotransferase level in 35%, thrombocytopenia in 12%, and abdominal pain in 4% of patients. All other toxicities were generally transient. CONCLUSIONS: Asian transcatheter arterial chemoembolization demonstrated sufficient safety and reasonable efficacy as a standard treatment for unresectable HCC. These results could be useful as reference data for future trials of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.