Effects of Short-Term Lenvatinib Administration Prior to Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Aim: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with lenvatinib, employing a 4-day lenvatinib administration followed by TACE without an interval (short-term LEN-TACE), was performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim was to assess tumor hemodynamics following the 4-day lenvatinib and to evaluate the treatment outcomes after the short-term LEN-TACE. Methods: 25 unresectable HCC patients received this combined therapy. Lenvatinib (4–12 mg) was administrated for 4 days prior to TACE. Perfusion CT scans were obtained before and after the lenvatinib administration. Either cTACE (76%) or DEB-TACE (24%) were performed. Results: intra-tumor blood flow significantly decreased after the 4-day lenvatinib (p r = −0.55). The 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 75.0%. Conclusions: The short-term LEN-TACE is feasible and safe, demonstrating promising outcomes with a high CR ratio, contributing to lipiodol retention in the tumor after cTACE, and extended PFS. To confirm the advantages of this treatment protocol, a prospective clinical trial is mandatory.

Keywords

• hepatocellular carcinoma
• lenvatinib
• transarterial chemoembolization
• combined therapy