Ultraselective conventional transarterial chemoembolization: When and how?

Ultraselective conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE), defined as cTACE at the most distal portion of the subsubsegmental hepatic artery, is mainly performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤5 cm. Distal advancement of a microcatheter enables injection of a larger volume of iodized oil into the portal vein in the limited area under non-physiological hemodynamics. As a result, the reversed portal flow into the tumor through the drainage route of the tumor that occurs when the hepatic artery is embolized is temporarily blocked. By adding gelatin sponge slurry embolization, both the hepatic artery and portal vein are embolized and not only complete necrosis of can be achieved. Ultraselective cTACE can cure small HCCs including less hypervascular tumor portions and replace surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation in selected patients.

Safety margin of embolized area can reduce local recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after superselective transarterial chemoembolization

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to determine the relationship between the safety margin of an embolized area and local tumor recurrence (LTR) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent superselective transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: The medical records of 77 HCC patients with 109 HCC nodules who underwent superselective TACE were retrospectively analyzed for LTR. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for 16 potential factors using Cox proportional hazard regression. Iodized oil deposition on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging was divided into three grades: A=complete tumor staining and complete circumferential safety margin, B=complete tumor staining but incomplete safety margin, C=incomplete tumor staining. The effect of a safety margin on LTR was evaluated by comparison between grade A and B group. RESULTS: Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that grade A iodized oil deposition and portal vein visualization were the only two independent significant factors of LTR (P<0.001 and P=0.029, respectively). The 12- and 24-month LTR rates of tumors for grade A (n=62), grade B (n=30), and grade C (n=17) were 16% vs. 41% vs. 100% and 16% vs. 61% vs. 100%, respectively (P<0.001). The tumors in the grade A group had a 75% risk reduction in LTR (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.10 to 0.64; P=0.004) compared to the grade B group. CONCLUSIONS: LTR was significantly lower when a greater degree of iodized oil deposition occurred with a complete circumferential safety margin. In superselective TACE, the safety margin of the embolized areas using intraprocedural CBCT affected LTR in HCC patients.

Comparison of Combined Therapy Using Conventional Chemoembolization and Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Conventional Chemoembolization for Ultrasound-Invisible Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage 0 or A)

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic efficacy between conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) and combined therapy using cTACE and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in ultrasound (US)-invisible early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to June 2016, 167 patients with US-invisible early stage HCCs were treated with cTACE alone (cTACE group; n = 85) or cTACE followed by immediate fluoroscopy-guided RFA targeting intratumoral iodized oil retention (combined group; n = 82). Procedure-related complications, local tumor progression (LTP), time to progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: There was no major complication in either group. The cTACE group showed higher 1-, 3-, and 5-year LTP rates than the combined group; i.e., 12.5%, 31.7%, and 37.0%, respectively, in the cTACE group; compared to 7.3%, 16.5%, and 16.5%, respectively, in the combined group; p = 0.013. The median TTP was 18 months in the cTACE group and 24 months in the combined group (p = 0.037). Cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 100%, 93.2%, and 87.7%, respectively, in the cTACE group and 100%, 96.6%, and 87.4%, respectively, in the combined group (p = 0.686). Tumor diameter > 20 mm and cTACE monotherapy were independent risk factors for LTP and TTP. CONCLUSION: Combined therapy using cTACE followed by fluoroscopy-guided RFA is a safe and effective treatment in US-invisible early stage HCCs. It provides less LTP and longer TTP than cTACE alone.

Arterial embolization of massive hepatocellular carcinoma with lipiodol and gelatin sponge.

BACKGROUND: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been used to treat unresectable massive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lots of embolic agents have been applied in embolization because of it can decrease patient discomfort and side‑effects. AIM: The aim was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of TACE with lipiodol and gelatin sponge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 109 patients with massive HCC (the size of tumor >10 cm and unresectable) from January 2011 to August 2014 in our institution was divided into group A and group B based on the different embolitic agents. Before and about 1‑month after each case of TACE, clinical and biological data such as tumor size, child‑pugh stage, serum Alpha‑fetoprotein (AFP), complications, were recorded at the same time. RESULTS: In group A, the diameter of the tumor reduced from 12.57 ± 1.26 cm to 9.04 ± 0.89 cm. No patient was complete response (CR), partial response (PR) 36, stable disease (SD) 7 and PD 6; in group B, the diameter of tumor decreased from 12.08 ± 1.42 cm to 8.43 ± 1.05 cm, CR 0, but PR 27, SD 18 and PD 15. RR in group A was significantly higher than in group B (P < 0.05).The change of child‑pugh stage and AFP pre‑ and post‑operative in group A can be found significantly better than in group B. CONCLUSIONS: TACE with lipiodol and gelatin sponge is a highly effective for massive HCC.

Computed Tomographic-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Recurrent or Residual Hepatocellular Carcinomas around Retained Iodized Oil after Transarterial Chemoembolization

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy, safety, and risk factors influencing local tumor progression, following CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of recurrent or residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), around iodized oil retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients (M : F = 51 : 13, 65.0 +/- 8.2 years old) with recurrent or residual HCC (75 index tumors, size = 14.0 +/- 4.6 mm) had been treated by CT-guided RFA, using retained iodized oil as markers for targeting. The technical success, technique effectiveness rate and complications of RFA were then assessed. On pre-ablative and immediate follow-up CT after RFA, we evaluated the size of enhancing index tumors and iodized oil retention, presence of abutting vessels, completeness of ablation of iodized oil retention, and the presence of ablative margins greater than 5 mm. Also, the time interval between transarterial chemoembolization and RFA was assessed. The cumulative local tumor progression rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazards model was adopted, to clarify the independent factors affecting local tumor progression. RESULTS: The technical success and technique effectiveness rate was 100% and 98.7%, respectively. Major complications were observed in 5.6%. The cumulative rates of local tumor progression at 1 and 2 years were 17.5% and 37.5%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, partial ablation of the targeted iodized oil retention was the sole independent predictor of a higher local tumor progression rate. CONCLUSION: CT-guided RFA of HCC around iodized oil retention was effective and safe. Local tumor progression can be minimized by complete ablation of not only index tumors, but targeted iodized oil deposits as well.

Extrahepatic collateral arteries are involved in the blood supply to hepatocellular carcinoma: angiographic demonstration and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the incidence of extrahepatic collateral arteries involved in the blood supply to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to assess the technical success rates and complications of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) through the collaterals.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>1356 TACE procedures were performed in 874 consecutive patients through extrahepatic collateral pathways to HCC between August 2006 and August 2010 in our department. The extrahepatic collateral pathways to HCC revealed on angiography were retrospectively evaluated. TACE through extrahepatic collaterals using iodized oil and gelatin sponge particles was performed when a catheter was advanced into the feeding branch to avoid nontarget embolization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Incidences of collateral source to HCC were 76.3% from the right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA), 2.4% from the left inferior phrenic artery (LIPA), 6.9% from the right and 0.4% from the left internal mammary arteries (RIMA, LIMA), 2.9% from the right intercostal artery (RICA), 2.0% from the omental artery, 0.8% from the right or middle colic artery, 2.3% from the cystic artery, 1.3% from the left and 1.1% from the right gastric arteries (LGA, RGA), 3.5% from the right renal capsular artery (RRCA), right middle adrenal artery (RMAA) and right inferior adrenal artery (IAA). Technical success rates of TACE were 95.9% in the RIPA, 93.8% in the LIPA, 100.0% in the RIMA and LIMA, 55.0% in the RICA, 77.8% in the omental artery, 63.6% in the colic artery, 67.7% in the cystic artery, 76.5% in the LGA, 73.3% in the RGA and 95.8% in the RRCA, RMAA, and RIAA. Complications included skin erythema and necrosis after TACE through the RIMA, skin erythema after TACE through the RICA, cholecystitis after TACE through the cystic artery (n = 1), and pleural effusion, basal atelectasis and hiccup after TACE through the IPA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TACE through extrahepatic collaterals is safe and feasible, and with a high success rate in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.</p>

Evaluation of the efficacy and prognostic factors for colorectal liver metastases treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and to determine the prognostic factors of TACE in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 183 patients with unresectable CRLM treated with TACE from Jan. 2002 to Dec. 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Log-rank method was used for univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis of the prognostic factors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The median survival time was 22 months, and the 0.5-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 93.9%, 81.1%, 39.8%, 18.2%, and 3.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor involved more than one lobe of the liver, and elevated CEA and CA19-9 levels were independent risk factors for the overall survival (P < 0.01). Females, more times of TACE, combination with regional therapy and received phase II resection were related with a good survival (P < 0.01) in CRLM patients after TACE treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is an effective therapy for unresectable colorectal liver metastases. Patients with tumor spread more than one lobe of the liver, high CEA and CA19-9 levels are independent poor prognostic factors. Females, patients received more times of TACE, combined with regional therapy and received phase II resection may have a good survival.</p>

Therapeutic effects of sorafenib combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation on postsurgical recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib in combination with microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) and trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with recurrent liver cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2006 to January 2010, 90 patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were treated with MCT and TACE in our hospital. The treatment group received sorafenib + MCT + TACE, and the control group received MCT + TACE.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>RR of the treatment group was 66.7%, which of the control group was 52.0% (P > 0.05). DCR was 83.3% in the treatment group and 64.5% in the control group (P < 0.05). Through a comparison of survival curves along with the extension of time, the survival rates of the two groups were decreased, but the treatment group (group 1) had a significantly higher one than the control group (group 2), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Sorafenib combined with MCT and TACE can improve the disease control rate and prolong the survival in patients with recurrent HCC.</p>

Radiofrequency Ablation for Viable Hepatocellular Carcinoma around Retained Iodized Oil after Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization: Usefulness of Biplane Fluoroscopy Plus Ultrasound Guidance

OBJECTIVE: To assess the technical feasibility and local efficacy of biplane fluoroscopy plus US-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for viable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) around retained iodized oil after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our prospective study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent was obtained from all participating patients. For patients with viable HCC around retained iodized oil after TACE, biplane fluoroscopy plus US-guided RFA was performed. We evaluated the rate of technical success and major complications on a post-RFA CT examination and local tumor progression with a follow-up CT. RESULTS: Among 40 consecutive patients, 19 were excluded due to one of the following reasons: poorly visible HCC on fluoroscopy (n = 13), high risk location (n = 2), RFA performed under monoplane fluoroscopy and US guidance (n = 2), and poorly identifiable new HCCs on US (n = 2). The remaining 21 patients with 21 viable HCCs were included. The size of total tumors ranged from 1.4 to 5.0 cm (mean: 3.2 cm) in the longest diameter. Technical success was achieved for all 21 HCCs, and major complications were observed in none of the patients. During the follow-up period (mean, 20.3 months; range, 6.5-29.9 months), local tumor progression was found in two patients (2/21, 9.5%). Distant intrahepatic metastasis developed in 76.2% (16/21) of patients. CONCLUSION: When retained iodized oil around the tumor after TACE hampers the targeting of the viable tumor for RFA, biplane fluoroscopy plus US-guided RFA may be performed owing to its technical feasibility and effective treatment for viable HCCs.

Effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with pingyangmycin-lipiodol emulsion on VX2 liver tumors in rabbits / 中华肝脏病杂志

To evaluate the changes induced in tumor tissue, the feeding artery, and neovascularization upon pingyangmycin-lipiodol emulsion treatment via transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using the rabbit VX2 liver cancer model. The VX2 liver tumor model was established in 28 rabbits, and baseline tumor volume (V1, in mm3) was measured by spiral scan computed tomography (CT). Then, the rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7 each) and administered intraarterial therapies of: ultrafluid lipoidol embolization (group A); pingyangmycin (group B); pingyangmycin-lipiodol emulsion (group C); or saline (group D). All rabbits were sacrificed seven days later, and the response to therapy was determined by measuring the tumor volume (V2, in mm3), calculating the tumor growth rate, detecting expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tumor biomarker, and performing histological analysis of the microvessel density (MVD) in the liver. Prior to therapy, the average V1 of the groups was statistically similar (A: 389.8+/-167.3, B: 404.1+/-184.9, C: 355.1+/-158.3, D: 378.1+/-189.0; (F = 0.257, P more than 0.05). In contrast, after therapy the average V2 of the groups was significantly different (A: 922.6+/-32.9, B: 665.9+/-99.9, C: 349.5+/-177.8, D: 1403.5+/-411.2; F = 26.23, P less than 0.05), as was the tumor growth ratio (A: 1.4, B: 0.6, C: -0.02, D: 2.7) and the mean positive ratio of VEGF (A: 57.1%, B: 42.9%, C: 28.6%, D: 100%; F = 8.407, P less than 0.05). MVD was highest in group D and lowest in group C (all, P less than 0.05). Bivariate correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between VEGF expression and MVD (r = 0.743, P less than 0.01). Pingyangmycin exerts anti-tumor effects in the rabbit VX2 liver cancer model, but is more effective when administered as the combination therapy of pingyangmycin-lipiodol emulsion with TACE.

Analysis of 41 cases of primary hypervascular non-small cell lung cancer treated with embolization of emulsion of chemotherapeutics and iodized oil / 中国肺癌杂志

<p><b>BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE</b>Transcatheter arterial chemotherapy and embolization is the main method in the treatment of lung cancer, but most of the reports do not study individually to small cell lung cancer (SCLC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), hypovascular and hypervascular lung cancer. The pre-embolization perfusion of hemotherapeutics is still being used routinely and seldom report to iodized oil embolization. The article summarized the quality of life after the treatment, clinical efficiency, survival time and complications to evaluate the clinical effect of primary hypervascular NSCLC treated with embolization of emulsion of chemotherapeutics and iodized oil.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study totally analyzed 41 cases which confirmed by pathology and follow up study from January, 2008 to January 2009. The CT scan with IV contrast demonstrates over moderate enhanced lesion which indicate hypervascular. Within the 41 cases, 23 cases of central, 18 cases of peripheral. Suqamous carcinoma 21 cases, adenocarcinoma 15 cases and squamoadenocarcinoma 5 cases. Stage IIIb 34 cases, stage IV 7 cases. Superselective incubation with microcatheter under DSA, to embolize the capillary bed with liquefied iodized oil and the emulsion of pharmorubicin, to embolize the supply artery of the tumor with gelatin foam microparticle. The liquefied iodized oil 5 mL-10 mL, pharmorubicin 10 mg-30 mg. The longest follow up is 12 months and to compare with the references of 2007-2009.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The KPS is widely acclaimed after the treatment (P < 0.05), no complete response (CR), 31 cases of partial response (PR), 7 cases of no change (NC) and 3 cases of progressive disease (PD), the total efficiency (CR+PR) is 75.6%. The clinical efficiency (CR+PR+NC) is 92.68%. 33 cases of total survival tome over 12 months (80.48%), IIIb stage 29/34 (85.29%), IV stage 4/7 (57.14%). 1 case with severe complication-spinal injury.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>To treat primary hypervascular NSCLC with simple embolization of emulsion of chemotherapeutics and iodized oil is very useful and can avoid the side effect of chemotherapeutics. The key point to avoid spinal injury and other severe complications is to distinguish the spinal aretery and intratumor AV fistula by using superselective incubation with microcatheter under DSA.</p>

Effect of percutaneous intratumoral injection of lipiodol emulsion of chemotherapie agents on implanted VX2 tumor in rabbits / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the therapeutic effect of percutaneous intratumoral injection with lipiodol emulsion of chemotherapie agents (CALE) on implanted VX2 tumor in rabbits.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve New Zealand rabbits with implanted VX2 tumor (24 models) were divided into lipiodol group, chemotherapeutic agent group and CALE group with intratumoral injections of the corresponding agents. The pathological changes of all the lesions were observed and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated 7 days after the operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the lipiodol group and chemotherapie agent group, intratumoral injection of CALE resulted in the highest tumor necrosis rate and greatest tumor necrosis (P<0.01). The labeling indices of PCNA and VEGF expressions in CALE group were markedly lower than those in the other two groups (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Percutaneous intratumoral injection of CALE is an effective ablation approach for treatment of malignant solid tumors.</p>

Features of blood supply and results of transarterial infusion and embolization in spinal metastases / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the features of blood supply and results of transarterial infusion and embolization in spinal metastases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-one patients with spinal metastasis received transarterial infusion and embolization between March 2001 and June 2008. The inclusion criteria were: The metastatic lesion caused back pain; The metastatic lesion involved vertebra at or below T3 level. There were 29 males and 12 females with a mean age of 56.0 (33 - 71) years. Epirubicin was used as the chemotherapeutic agent. Lipoid Ultra-Fluid, Contour SE or gelfoam particles were used as embolitic material.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The technical success of therapy was achieved in 52 vertebrae (100%) including 14 thoracic, 35 lumbar and 3 sacral vertebrae. 105 arteries were used for infusion and embolization (16 intercostal arteries, 78 lumbar arteries, 4 iliolumbar arteries, 4 branches of iliac arteries, and 3 median sacral arteries). Lipoid Ultra-Fluid (2 - 8 ml) was used in 15, Contour SE (300 approximately 500 microm, 20 - 100 mg) in 20, and gelfoam particles in 33 arteries. Three days after treatment, complete pain relief (CR) was achieved in 17 patients, partial pain relief (PR) in 20, and moderate pain relief (MR) in 4, with an effective rate of 90.2%. Two weeks after treatment, CR was achieved in 17 patients, PR in 21, and MR in 3, with an effective rate of 92.7%. No adverse nervous system effect occurred. 16 patients developed swelling and pain of normal tissues which were alleviated after symptomatic treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Transarterial infusion and embolization is an effective therapy in relieving pain resulting from spinal metastases.</p>

Interventional Management of a Renal Cell Carcinoma by Radiofrequency Ablation with Tagging and Cooling

Over the last few years, percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation has been successfully established as a viable treatment modality for small peripheral renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This technique is limited by central tumor location and tumor size. We report the interventional management of a 5.3 cm mixed RCC with central and exophytic parts by combining the RF ablation with embolization, tagging, and retrograde, as well as anterograde cooling. The potential pitfalls of complex hybrid interventions for treating RCC are discussed.

The Current Practice of Transarterial Chemoembolization for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Despite remarkable advancement in the surveillance and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the availability of novel curative options, a great proportion of HCC patients are still not eligible for curative treatment due to an advanced tumor stage or poor hepatic functional reserve. Therefore, there is a continuing need for effective palliative treatments. Although practiced widely, it has only recently been demonstrated that the use of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) provides a survival benefit based on randomized controlled studies. Hence, TACE has become standard treatment in selected patients. TACE combines the effect of targeted chemotherapy with the effect of ischemic necrosis induced by arterial embolization. Most of the TACE procedures have been based on iodized oil utilizing the microembolic and drug-carrying characteristic of iodized oil. Recently, there have been efforts to improve the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to a tumor. In this review, the basic principles, technical issues and complications of TACE are reviewed and recent advancement in TACE technique and clinical applicability are briefed.

Cyst Ablation Using a Mixture of N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Iodized Oil in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: the Long-Term Results

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to assess the long-term results of cyst ablation with using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and iodized oil in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and symptomatic cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Cyst ablation using a mixture of NBCA and iodized oil was performed in 99 cysts from 21 patients who had such symptoms as abdominal distension and pain. The collapse or reaccumulation of the ablated cysts after the procedure was assessed during the follow-up period of 36 to 90 months. The treatment effects, including symptom relief, and the clinical data such as the blood pressure and serum creatinine levels were also assessed, together with the complications. RESULTS: The procedure was technically successful in all 99 cysts from the 21 patients. Any procedure-related significant complications were not detected. Seventy-seven of 99 cysts (78%) were successfully collapsed on the follow-up CT. Twenty-two cysts showed reaccumulation during long-term follow-up period. The clinical symptoms were relieved in 17 of the 21 patients (76%). Four of 12 patients (33%) with hypertension and two of six patients (33%) with azotemia were improved. End stage renal disease (ESRD) occurred in six of the 21 patients (28%) during the follow-up period. The mean age of ESRD in our patients was 57 years. The mean time interval for the development of ESRD was 19 months. CONCLUSION: Ablation using a mixture of NBCA and iodized oil may be an effective, safe method for obtaining symptom relief in patients with ADPKD.

Cerebral Lipiodol Embolism after Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 대한소화기학회지

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the mainstay of treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although various complications of TACE have been reported, cerebral lipiodol embolism after TACE is rare. We report a 67-year-old man, who had patent foramen ovale and developed cerebral lipiodol embolism after TACE via the inferior phrenic artery. At 20 months after third TACE of 3 cm sized HCC in the left hepatic lobe, computed tomography (CT) revealed about 1.6 cm newly developed HCC in the anterior superior segment of right hepatic lobe. The angiogram revealed the HCC was supplied from the right inferior phrenic artery. Toward the end of TACE, there were accumulations of the iodized oil in the pulmonary vasculature. Immediately after TACE, he complained of weakness in right upper and lower limbs and sensory decrease in right limbs and right hemitrunk. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cerebral lipiodol embolism. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed no visible thrombi but contrast-echocardiography using hand agitated saline revealed an intracardiac right to left shunt consistent with patent foramen ovale. Motor weakness and sensory decrease were gradually improved, and all neurological symptoms disappeared over 4 weeks.

The Antitumor Effect and Hepatotoxicity of a Hexokinase II Inhibitor 3-Bromopyruvate: In Vivo Investigation of Intraarterial Administration in a Rabbit VX2 Hepatoma Model

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the antitumor effect and hepatotoxicity of an intraarterial delivery of low-dose and high-dose 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) and those of a conventional Lipiodol-doxorubicin emulsion in a rabbit VX2 hepatoma model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experiment was approved by the animal care committee at our institution. VX2 carcinoma was implanted in the livers of 36 rabbits. Transcatheter intraarterial administration was performed using low dose 3-BrPA (25 mL in a 1 mM concentration, n = 10), high dose 3-BrPA (25 mL in a 5 mM concentration, n = 10) and Lipiodol-doxorubicin emulsion (1.6 mg doxorubicin/ 0.4 mL Lipiodol, n = 10), and six rabbits were treated with normal saline alone as a control group. One week later, the proportion of tumor necrosis was calculated based on histopathologic examination. The hepatotoxicity was evaluated by biochemical analysis. The differences between these groups were statistically assessed with using Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: The tumor necrosis rate was significantly higher in the high dose group (93% +/- 7.6 [mean +/- SD]) than that in the control group (48% +/- 21.7) (p = 0.0002), but the tumor necrosis rate was not significantly higher in the low dose group (62% +/- 20.0) (p = 0.2780). However, the tumor necrosis rate of the high dose group was significantly lower than that of the Lipiodol-doxorubicin treatment group (99% +/- 2.7) (p = 0.0015). The hepatotoxicity observed in the 3-BrPA groups was comparable to that of the Lipiodol-doxorubicin group. CONCLUSION: Even though intraarterial delivery of 3-BrPA shows a dose-related antitumor effect, single session treatment seems to have limited efficacy when compared with the conventional method.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with high-dose iodized oil for hepatic VX2 tumor in rabbits / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with high-dose iodized oil on hepatic tumor growth and metastasis in rabbits.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight rabbits with implanted VX2 tumor were randomly divided into control group, routine dose iodized oil TACE group and high-dose iodized oil TACE group to receive perfusion through the hepatic artery with 0.9% saline, 5 mg adriamycin with routine-dose iodized oil, and 5 mg adriamycin with high-dose iodized oil, respectively. The tumor volume, tumor necrosis, intrahepatic and lung metastasis were examined 2 weeks after TACE.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No significant difference was found in the tumor volume between the 3 groups before TACE (P>0.05). The rabbits receiving TACE with iodized oil, especially at the high dose, showed significantly reduced tumor volume as compared with the control group (P<0.01). TACE with high-dose iodized oil resulted in significantly increased tumor necrosis rate in comparison with the control group and TACE with a routine dose of iodized oil (P<0.05); high-dose iodized oil TACE was also associated with reduced intrahepatic and lung metastasis as compared routine dose iodized oil TACE (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TACE with high-dose iodized oil can obviously inhibit the growth and intrahepatic and lung metastasis of transplanted VX2 liver tumor in rabbits .</p>

Water mobility of diffusion MRI in prediction of response to chemoembolization in liver cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the value of pretreatment and posttreatment changes of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) in predicting response to chemoembolization in liver cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients with liver cancer were examined with diffusion-weighted MRI at two b values (0 and 500 s/mm(2)) before and after chemoemblization. Quantitative ADC maps were calculated using images under b values of 0 and 500 s/mm(2). The mean ADC values of lesions before and after chemoemblization were compared. The correlation of response to chemoembolization with ADC value was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean value of pretreatment ADC in non-responding lesions were significantly higher than that in the responding lesions (1.687 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s vs. 1.278 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s, P < 0.05). The results of receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that when a threshold ADC value was set on 1.618 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s, the sensitivity and specificity for identification of non-responding lesions were 96.0% and 77.8%, respectively. After transarterial chemoembolization, the responding lesions had a significant increase in ADC values than non-responding lesions (32.6% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.025). The results of ROC analysis indicated that when the changes of ADC value for identification of responding lesions before and after transarterial chemoembolization was > or = 16.2%, the sensitivity and specificity were 72% and 100%, respectively. However, no significant change was observed in normal liver parenchyma and spleen (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pretreatment mean ADC value can be used to predict the response to chemoembolization, and for selection of therapy in liver cancer. A significant increase in mean ADC can be observed if the lesions responds to chemoembolization.</p>