Efficacy and Safety of Transarterial Chemoembolization with a Three-Stage Mixed Chemoembolic Regimen for Large Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Yanjie Yang,1,2,* Nan Du,1,2,* Jingqin Ma,1,2,* Zhijie Peng,1,2 Bo Zhou,1,2 Jiaze Yu,1,2 Xin Zhou,1,2 Wen Zhang,1,2 Zhiping Yan1,2 1Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhiping Yan; Wen Zhang, Email [email protected]; [email protected]: This study aimed to assess the treatment response, survival outcomes, and safety of a novel transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) technique with a three-stage mixed chemoembolic regimen (M-TACE) in patients with large unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) measuring more than 5 cm in maximum diameter.Methods: Between January 2017 and March 2023, a total of 82 patients were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Treatment response was assessed in the first month after M-TACE; progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. The prognostic factors associated with patient survival were statistically analyzed by the Cox regression model. Adverse events were recorded.Results: The maximum diameter of the tumors ranged from 5.3 cm to 20.0 cm (mean 10.71 cm). The objective response (OR) and disease control rates were 74.4 and 92.7%, respectively, at 1-month follow-up. The median survival time was 22 months (95% CI, 13.10– 30.90 months). The OS rates were 82.0% at six months, 62.5% at one year, and 43.0% at two years. Targeted therapy and/or immunotherapy (P=0.001) and tumor response at one month (P=0.020) were protective factors for OS. In terms of safety, no major complications occurred and the only observed decrease within the normal range occurred in albumin and platelet levels one month after the embolization procedure. This decrease in levels did not show a significant relationship with the OR rates.Conclusion: M-TACE demonstrated a promising objective tumor response, making it a viable and effective treatment option for patients with large unresectable HCC.Plain Language Summary: 1. A groundbreaking TACE therapy for large unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma demonstrates enhanced safety and efficacy compared to conventional TACE methods. 2. The M-TACE technique effectively minimizes the required lipiodol dosage for the treatment of large unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, optimizing patient care and reducing potential complications. 3. The M-TACE technique employs a three-stage approach, strategically implementing segmental embolization based on the diameter of the vessels, thereby enhancing the precision and efficacy of the treatment.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, transarterial chemoembolization, treatment response, prognosis, adverse events

Keywords

• hepatocellular carcinoma
• transarterial chemoembolization
• treatment response
• prognosis
• adverse events