Comparison of drug-eluting bead with conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) has shown efficacy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). However, whether DEB-TACE is superior to conventional TACE (cTACE) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of DEB-TACE versus cTACE in treating HCC with PVTT. METHODS: The study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Southeast China. HCC patients with PVTT were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to the DEB-TACE or cTACE groups. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and incidence of adverse events (AEs). An independent review committee assessed the radiologic response according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). AEs were assessed by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0. Systemic therapies were not limited. RESULTS: Between September 2018, and July 2020, 163 patients were randomized to undergo DEB-TACE (n=82) or cTACE (n=81). Nine patients were excluded, and 154 patients were included in the final analysis; the median age was 55 years (range, 24-78 y), and 140 (90.9%) were male. The median PFS in the DEB-TACE group was 6.0 months (95% CI, 5.0 to 10.0) versus 4.0 months (95% CI, 3.0 to 5.0) in the cTACE group (hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.95; P=0.027). The DEB-TACE group showed a higher response rate (51[66.2%] vs. 36 [46.8%]; P=0.0015) and a longer median OS (12.0 months [95% CI, 9.0 to 16.0] vs. 8.0 months [95% CI, 7.0 to 11.0], P=0.039) than the cTACE group. Multivariate analysis showed that the treatment group, ALBI score, distant metastasis and additional TKIs were the four independent prognostic factors correlated with PFS. In addition, the treatment group, PVTT group and combined with surgery were independently correlated with OS. AEs were similar in the two groups, and postembolization syndrome was the most frequent AEs. CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE is superior to cTACE in treating HCC patients with PVTT due to the improved PFS and OS with an acceptable safety profile and may become a promising treatment strategy for HCC patients with PVTT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800018035.

Coil and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate migration into the stomach after TIPS for gastroesophageal variceal bleeding: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a well-established therapeutic option for the management of variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis. The simultaneous migration of the coil and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) is an extremely rare but significant complication after TIPS. Because of its rare presentation, there are currently no definitive recommendations for the management of this condition. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old man with hepatitis B cirrhosis underwent TIPS placement for uncontrolled gastroesophageal varix (GEV) bleeding secondary to portal hypertension in August 2018. During the procedure, large GEVs were embolized using a coil and NBCA. After a year, coil and NBCA migration into the stomach was observed. Attempts to remove the coil using biopsy forceps during esophagogastroduodenoscopy failed. The patient refused further intervention on the coil to prevent further complications and received conservative therapy instead. Close surveillance with endoscopy is recommended for detecting coils and varices. CONCLUSIONS: The present case reports an extremely rare but significant complication after TIPS, which highlights the management and follow-up recommendation for such rare complications. Our experience may provide guidance for the management of future similar cases and stimulate discussion about treatment methods of similar patients.

Comparison of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in the Treatment of Cirrhosis With or Without Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Retrospective Study.

Aim: The purpose of our study was to conduct a retrospective analysis to compare the effectiveness of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in the treatment of patients with cirrhosis with or without portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Methods: We included a total of 203 cirrhosis patients successfully treated with TIPS between January 2015 and January 2018, including 72 cirrhosis patients with PVT (35.5%) and 131 without PVT (64.5%). Our subjects were followed for at least 1 year after treatment with TIPS. Data were collected to estimate the mortality, shunt dysfunction, and complication rates after TIPS creation. Results: During the mean follow-up time of 19.5 ± 12.8 months, 21 (10.3%) patients died, 15 (7.4%) developed shunt dysfunction, and 44 (21.6%) experienced overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). No significant differences in mortality (P = 0.134), shunt dysfunction (P = 0.214), or OHE (P = 0.632) were noted between the groups. Age, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and refractory ascites requiring TIPS were risk factors for mortality. A history of diabetes, percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization (PTVE), 8-mm diameter stent, and platelet (PLT) increased the risk of shunt dysfunction. The prevalence of variceal bleeding and recurrent ascites was comparable between the two groups (16.7 vs. 16.7% P = 0.998 and 2.7 vs. 3.8% P = 0.678, respectively). Conclusions: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts are feasible in the management of cirrhosis with PVT. No significant differences in survival or shunt dysfunction were noted between the PVT and no-PVT groups. The risk of recurrent variceal bleeding, recurrent ascites, and OHE in the PVT group was generally similar to that in the no-PVT group. TIPS represents a potentially feasible treatment option in cirrhosis patients with PVT.

Safety and efficacy of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization with CalliSpheres® microsphere for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: a preliminary study.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the safety and therapeutic effectiveness of drug-eluting beads transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) with CalliSpheres® microsphere (CSM) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), and to analyze the prognostic factors. Method: Between November 2015 and November 2017, consecutive 58 HCC patients with PVTT who received DEB-TACE with CSM treatment were prospectively enrolled in this study. The demographic characteristics, adverse events (AEs) and treatment response were collected. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the independent factors correlated with OS. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) was 79.3% in terms of tumors and 44.8% in thrombi. The median PFS and OS of patients were 5.0 months and 9.0 months respectively. The cumulative survival rate at 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 18- and 24-month were 94.8%, 72.4%, 53.4%, 41.4%, 22.4% and 19.0%, respectively. In a stepwise multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, the higher Child-Pugh classification (HR=2.279; 95%CI, 1.042-4.985, p = 0.039) and tumor burden (p = 0.008) were the significant predictors of poorer OS after adjustment for known risk factors. The most common clinical AEs were postembolization syndrome (PES) and the most prevalent laboratory toxicity was transient liver function damage. Conclusion: DEB-TACE with CSM is safe and well-tolerated in HCC patients with PVTT, and reveals a favorable preliminary clinical outcome. The higher Child-Pugh classification and liver tumor burden are independent prognostic factors associated with poor survival for HCC patients with PVTT treated by DEB-TACE with CSM.

Complete Response of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Macroscopic Vascular Invasion and Pulmonary Metastasis to the Combination of Drug-Eluting Beads Transarterial Chemoembolization and Huaier Granule: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with macroscopic vascular invasion and distant metastasis is an advanced-stage disease with an extremely poor prognosis and low survival rate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies to extend the lives of patients with advanced HCC. CASE PRESENTATION: We represent a case of HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion and pulmonary metastasis responding dramatically to the combination treatment with drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) and Huaier granule. A 64-year-old man with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced liver cirrhosis was diagnosed with advanced HCC involved renal vein and inferior vena cava accompanied by pulmonary metastasis. The patient received three cycles of on-demand DEB-TACE from 9th September 2016 to 22nd August 2017 and combined with Huaier granule 20 g three times a day orally. Eight months following the treatment, complete response occurred with regression of HCC and vascular thrombus and disappearance of pulmonary metastasis. The levels of AFP had decreased from 8165.8ng/mL to within the normal range (1.7 ng/mL). This is the first case report of complete response of HCC to the combination treatment with DEB-TACE and Huaier granule. At the most recent follow-up, he remained in remission 36 months after cessation of treatment without clinical or imaging evidence of disease recurrence. The current overall survival is 54 months since the initial treatment. CONCLUSION: Data from this clinical case report suggest that the combination treatment with DEB-TACE and Huaier granule is a promising therapeutic option for advanced HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion and distant metastasis.

Feasibility of computed tomography-guided irreversible electroporation for porcine kidney ablation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) in porcine kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under CT guidance, two monopole probes were used to precisely puncture through the renal parenchyma into the renal hilum in nine anesthetized adult Bama miniature pigs. After which, IRE ablation was performed. Biochemical and pathological examinations were carried out 2 h, 2, 7, and 14 days after the procedure. RESULTS: All procedures were performed successfully without any serious complications such as bleeding, infection, or death. All pigs survived until the end of the study. Pathological examinations showed that cells in the ablation area were dead within 2 days after the procedure, whereas the vascular endothelium showed only slight damage. After 2 days, endothelialization ensued and regrowth of smooth muscle cells was observed after 14 days. Hemogram tests indicated a transient increase but gradually returned to baseline levels 14 days after the procedure. CONCLUSION: IRE was essentially safe, however further studies on tumor ablation using several different animal models are needed.

Adjuvant Transarterial Chemoembolization for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Hepatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The care for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging. This study is to evaluate the effect of adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A HCC patients after hepatectomy. METHODS: Consecutive HCC patients with BCLC stage A, treated by hepatectomy alone (HA) or hepatectomy with TACE (HT), were retrospectively enrolled. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline differences. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier. The impact of TACE on survival outcome was determined by Cox hazard regression. RESULTS: After PSM, 230 patients (115 HT and 115 HA) were enrolled in the analysis. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rates were 87.0, 63.5, and 50.4%, respectively, for the HT group, and 87.8, 67.0, and 58.3% for the HA group. The OS rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-year were 99.1, 93.9, and 87%, respectively, for the HT group, and 100, 92.2, and 88.7% for the HA group. No significant differences were seen in either the RFS (log-rank test, χ2 = 0.891, p = 0.345) or OS (log-rank test, χ2 = 0.146, p = 0.702) between the specific pairs of two groups. Cox regression identified that TACE was not the factor affecting RFS or OS (p = 0.399; HR 0.847; 95% CI 0.576-1.245 for RFS vs. p = 0.989; HR 0.995; 95% CI 0.471-2.100 for OS). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that TACE is not an effective intervention in the adjuvant setting for BCLC stage A HCC after hepatectomy.

Drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization with CalliSpheres microspheres for treatment of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of doxorubicin-loaded drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) with CalliSpheres microspheres (CSM) in treating unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Methods: 88 unresectable ICC patients who received DEB-TACE treatment with CSM were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Information about treatment response, survival and adverse events were collected. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and factors affecting OS were determined by Cox's proportional hazards regression model. Results: Tumor response of the whole sample of 88 patients was partial response (PR) in 58 (65.9%) patients, stable disease (SD) in 19 (21.6%) and progressive disease (PD) in 11 (12.5%) at one month after therapy, with no complete responses (CR). The median PFS and OS were 3.0 months and 9.0 months respectively. Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis disclosed that subsequent treatment was an independent favorable prognostic factor, while cholangiectasis, extensive intrahepatic tumor burden and extrahepatic metastasis were the three prognostic factors associated with poor survival in ICC patients. Besides, common adverse events included nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain and transient elevation of liver transaminase in patients treated by DEB-TACE with CSM. Conclusion: DEB-TACE with CSM is safe and well-tolerated for unresectable ICC patients, with a low complication rate and a relative benefit in terms of survival. Subsequent treatments including systemic/loco-regional treatments is an independent favorable prognostic factor, but cholangiectasis, extensive intrahepatic tumor burden and extrahepatic metastases are the three prognostic factors associated with poor survival.

Gene Therapy with Cytosine Deaminase and Endostatin Fusion Gene Mediated by Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Hepatomas.

PURPOSE: Gene-targeting therapy provides a novel therapeutic approach for tumor treatment using genetically modified endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as cellular carriers. This study applied EPCs armed with cytosine deaminase (CD) and endostatin (ES) fusion gene in liver cancer to explore its therapeutic effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EPCs from heart blood of male BALB/c nude mice were cultured and transfected with CD and ES fusion gene. Subsequently, these genetically modified cells were injected into mice bearing hepatoma through their tail veins. The tumor volumes and cell apoptosis were followed up. RESULTS: Tumor volume in the group injected CD/ES-EPCs greatly decreased. The positive rate of VEGF and CD31 in the tumor tissue was lowest in the CD/ES-EPC group. Furthermore, the number of apoptotic cells was highest in the CD/ES-EPC group. CONCLUSION: The EPCs transfected with CD/ES inhibited tumor growth and preferentially induced tumor cell apoptosis, providing a novel methodology for cancer-targeting therapy.

Transcatheter embolization of hepatocellular carcinoma with epirubicin-loaded DC beads in Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of transcatheter chemoembolization with drug eluting beads (DEB-TACE) and compared it to the conventional TACE (cTACE) therapy method for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Chinese patients. METHODS: Seventy-four patients were treated with DEB-TACE using the DC bead, and 80 patients were treated with cTACE for HCC. The modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST) criteria were used to evaluate clinical response, with adverse events assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). RESULTS: Post-TACE, 9 patients (12.2%) achieved complete response (CR) and 44 (59.5%) achieved partial response (PR), with an overall tumor response rate (ORR) of 71.6% in the DEB-TACE group. Twelve patients (15%) achieved CR, and 38 (47.5%) achieved PR, with an ORR of 62.5% in the cTACE group. However, there was no significant difference in ORR between the two groups (P=0.229). Univariate logistic regression analysis determined that more than 3 nodules, higher Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage, portal vein invasion, previous chemotherapy (cTACE), and previous surgery were correlated with a worse ORR. Most common adverse events were not severe. CONCLUSIONS: DEB-TACE by DC bead was efficient and well-tolerated compared to cTACE in Chinese HCC patients. However, the present study showed no significant difference in ORR between the DEB-TACE and cTACE in the patient group with HCC. The BCLC stage, number of nodules, portal vein invasion, cTACE, and surgery history could possibly be a predictive factor for HCC treatment response.

Efficacy and safety profile of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization by CalliSpheres® beads in Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of drug eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) treatment by CalliSpheres® in Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as the predicting factors for response. METHODS: 99 patients with HCC were consecutively enrolled in this study. All participants were treated by CalliSpheres® DEB-TACE. Clinical response was evaluated according to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) criteria. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) was used to assess the adverse events and liver dysfunction during and after the operation. RESULTS: Post treatment, 16 patients (16.2%) achieved CR and 59 (59.6%) achieved PR, the ORR was 75.8%. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with higher BCLC stage were of worse CR and ORR rates, and the CR as well as ORR between patients with cTACE history and patients without cTACE history were similar. Univariate logistic regression analysis displayed that number of nodules > 3, higher BCLC stage and previous cTACE might be correlated with worse ORR but with no statistical significance. As to liver function, CTCAE grades of laboratory indexes for liver function were increased at 1 week compared to baseline and recovered to the baseline grades at 1-3 months post operation. Besides, most of the common adverse events were light and moderate in our study. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, DEB-TACE by CalliSpheres® was efficient and well tolerated in Chinese HCC patients, and BCLC stage, number of nodules and cTACE history were possibly correlated with treatment response.

Correction: Efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for liver metastases arising from pancreatic cancer.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14642.].

Correction: Post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage: DSA diagnosis and endovascular treatment.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17450.].

Effects of liver cirrhosis on portal vein embolization prior to right hepatectomy in patients with primary liver cancer.

Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) induces compensatory hyperplasia of the future liver remnants (FLR), thus increasing resectability in the non-cirrhotic patients with primary liver cancer (PLC). However, it is unclear if it is similar in patients with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, the present study investigated the PVE value prior to liver resection in patients with PLC, and the liver cirrhotic effects on the compensatory hypertrophy of FLRs following PVE. In the present study, 21 patients with PLC who successfully underwent hepatic resection subsequent to PVE, were retrospectively examined. The patients were divided into a non-cirrhosis group and a cirrhosis group according to the absence or presence of cirrhosis, respectively. The FLR volume between the two groups of patients was compared. There was a significant difference in the FLR volume for all patients prior to, and 4-6 weeks following, PVE (P<0.001). PVE induced significant compensatory hypertrophy in the FLRs whether in the non-cirrhosis group (P=0.002) or cirrhosis group (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was identified between the two groups with respect to FLR volume enlargement 4-6 weeks following PVE (P=0.373). In conclusion, PVE prior to hepatectomy may promote FLR compensatory hypertrophy and an increase in the resectability of PLC tumors. No significant effects of liver cirrhosis were identified on liver lobe hyperplasia following PVE.

In vivo evaluation of bronchial injury of irreversible electroporation in a porcine lung ablation model by using laboratory, pathological, and CT findings.

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) creates permanent pores in the cell membrane, leading to irreversible cell death. In this study, the impact of IRE on bronchial injury was comprehensively examined in a timed series study. Altogether, 8 Bama miniature pigs were included in this study and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent IRE that was guided and monitored by spiral computed tomography (CT). The monopole probe of the IRE was positioned at the right pulmonary hilum. Specimens were collected at 0 h, 2 h, 2 d, 7 d, and 14 d after the IRE procedure for a pathological examination. A small amount of needle-tract bleeding occurred in two animals, and mild pneumothorax occurred in another. IRE can elicit acute bronchial inflammation, bleeding, and mucosal injury, but severe complications were not found. Pathological examinations and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed dead vascular epithelium cells in the region of the ablation, while the bronchioli and the vascular extracellular matrix were preserved. At 2 hours post-IRE, there were marked increases in bronchoalveolar macrophages (P<0.001), but the inflammation could recover after 14 days and showed no statistical significance when compared with the control group at the same time. In conclusion, CT-guided IRE ablation can elicit acute but recoverable bronchial inflammation, bleeding, and mucosal injury in porcine lung tissues. However, longer follow-up is still required to establish an evaluation of the long-term safety.

Post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage: DSA diagnosis and endovascular treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnostic value of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and the effectiveness of endovascular treatment for a post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage (PPH). RESULTS: During the DSA examination, positive results were found in 29 patients, yielding a positive rate of 69.0%. The manifestations of the DSA examination included contrast medium extravasation, pseudoaneurysm, and artery walls coarse. All 29 patients with positive results underwent endovascular treatment, including transartery embolization (TAE) in 28 patients and covered stents placement in one patient. The technical success and clinical success rates were 100% and 72.4%, respectively. Re-bleeding occurred in 8 of the 29 patients after the first treatment (27.6%). The mortality of PPH was 17.2% (5 of 29). Two of the five PPH patients died following severe infections, and three died from multiple organ failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A DSA examination was conducted using clinical and imaging data of 42 patients, and endovascular treatment for delayed PPH was retrospectively analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: DSA examination is a minimally invasive and rapid method for the diagnosis of delayed PPH. For patients with positive DSA results, endovascular treatment can be performed rapidly, safely, and effectively. Therefore, the DSA examination and endovascular treatment could be considered a preferred treatment approach for delayed PPH.

Efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for liver metastases arising from pancreatic cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in treating patients with liver metastases from pancreatic cancer, and explore the prognostic risk factors. RESULTS: Three of the 27 patients were totally recovered, and 12 were partially alleviated. The total efficacy rate was 55.6% (15/27). The median survival time was 13.6 months, and the 0.5-, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 70.4% (19/27), 48.1% (13/27), 22.2% (6/27), 14.8 (4/27), 11.1% (3/27), respectively. None of the groups showed any severe complications. Univariate analysis showed that pathological type, concomitant therapies for liver metastasis, vascular supply, CA199 levels and extrahepatic metastasis were related to prognosis (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that pancreatic cancer pathology and extrahepatic metastasis were independent risk factors influencing patients' prognosis (χ2 = 13.182, 17.989, P < 0.05). METHODS: The clinical records of 27 patients with lliver metastases from pancreatic cancer diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University between May 2009 and May 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The short-term and long-term efficacy and toxic side effects of TACE were observed. The prognostic risk factors were analyzed using Cox (proportional hazards) regression model. CONCLUSION: TACE is an effective therapy for treating liver metastases from pancreatic malignancy. Pathological type and extrahepatic metastasis of pancreatic tumor are independent risk factors for patients' prognosis. The prognosis of patients with liver metastasis from pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm is superior to that of extrahepatic metastasis.

Chemoembolization of liver cancer with drug-loading microsphere 50-100µm.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the mainstay of treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The efficacy of conventional TACE (cTACE) in liver metastases is not satisfactory, which might be due to the fact of embolic material used. Recently, as a new type of drug-loading microsphere, HepaSphere has been introduced in China. In this study, there were total 30 patients (18 males and 12 females) with liver cancer underwent embolization with Hepasphere microsphere. And a total of 44 TACE procedures were performed using 50-100µm HepaSphere. There were 16 patients diagnosed as HCC and 14 patients as liver metastases. The follow up period ranged from 3 to 15 months (median 10 months). Response rates were calculated on intention-to-treat basis. One month after TACE, total objective response was 63.3% and disease control rate was 86.7%. No severe complication (such as infection, liver abscess, abdominal bleeding, tumor rupture) was observed. In conclusion, chemoembolization with Hepasphere microsphere may be a safe and possibly effective palliative treatment for patients with liver cancer.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization Alone for Giant Hepatic Hemangioma.

Giant hepatic hemangioma is a benign liver condition that may be treated using surgery. We studied the digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) characteristics of giant hepatic hemangioma, and the effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) alone for its treatment. This was a retrospective study of 27 patients diagnosed with giant hepatic hemangioma and treated with TAE alone (using lipiodol mixed with pingyangmycin) at the Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, between January 2010 and March 2013. The feeding arteries were identified using DSA. All patients were followed up for between three weeks and 12 months. Changes in tumor diameter and symptoms were observed. The 27 patients included had giant hepatic hemangiomas ranging from 5.3 to 24.5 cm (mean, 11.24±5.08 cm) in the right (n = 13), left (n = 1) or both (n = 13) lobes. Preoperative hepatic angiography showed multiple abnormal vascular lakes in the early phase, known as the "early leaving but late returning, hanging nut on a twig" sign. On the day after TAE, hepatic transaminase levels were increased (ALT: 22.69±17.95 to 94.88±210.32 U/L; ALT: 24.00±12.37 to 99.70±211.54 U/L; both P<0.05), but not total bilirubin. Six patients complained of abdominal pain, and 12 experienced transient fever. In the months after TAE, tumor size decreased (baseline: 11.24±5.08; 3 months: 8.95±4.33; 6 months: 7.60±3.90 cm; P<0.05), and the patients' condition improved. These results indicated that TAE was effective and safe for treating giant hepatic hemangioma. TAE may be a useful alternative to surgery for the treatment of hepatic hemangioma.