ABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of the study was to determine whether simple routine parameters evaluating the first session of transarterial chemoembolization (variation in alfa-fetoprotein concentration, tumor lipiodol uptake, and post-embolization syndrome) can predict survival of patients treated for hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Seventy-two patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization and evaluated one month after the first sessions with CT scan were included. Transarterial chemoembolization session included hepatic arteriography, lipiodol and doxorubicin (50 mg) emulsion injection, followed by gelatin sponge embolization. The following variables were studied in univariate and multivariate analysis: 6 recorded at the first session (age, cirrhosis etiology, Child-Pugh class, tumor number, largest lesion size, and alpha-fetoprotein concentration), and 5 recorded after the first session (variation in alfa-fetoprotein concentration, tumor lipiodol uptake, post-embolization syndrome, mean interval between each session, and associated treatment). RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 22.7 months (4-106). Mean survival was 30.4 months (95% CI: 23. 3-37.5). Actuarial survival at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years was respectively 65.5%, 44%, 29.5%, and 18%. The only independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis were the Child Pugh class and the mean interval between sessions (P<0.001 and<0.01 respectively). None of our criteria evaluating the first TACE session significantly influenced survival. CONCLUSION: The 3 parameters (variation in alpha-fetoprotein concentration, tumor lipiodol uptake and post-embolization syndrome) after the first transarterial chemoembolization did not predict survival. They could not be used to determine which patient could benefit from repeated transarterial chemoembolization sessions.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy , Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/methods , Liver Neoplasms/mortality , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnostic imaging , Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/adverse effects , Doxorubicin/administration & dosage , Female , Humans , Iodized Oil/administration & dosage , Liver Neoplasms/blood , Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Multivariate Analysis , Prognosis , Proportional Hazards Models , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Survival Analysis , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Treatment Outcome , alpha-Fetoproteins/metabolismABSTRACT
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas or of the stomach is rare and represents a controversial entity. The unusual case of a 50-year-old woman with a large squamous cell carcinoma located in the celiac area and involving liver, stomach and pancreas, is reported here. The patient underwent complete surgical resection. The microscopic diagnosis was well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma without glandular structure. Following the procedure, search for another possible primary lesion (esophagus, anus, colon, lung, head and neck, pelvic floor) was performed. This search was negative. In this context, final diagnosis was primary gastric or pancreatic squamous cell carcinoma. Local recurrence located in the eso-jejunal anastomosis was discovered three years later. Subsequent radiation combined with chemotherapy was instituted, allowing complete remission. During the subsequent 27-month follow-up, no local or systemic recurrence was observed. Pathogenesis of gastric as well as pancreatic primary squamous cell carcinoma remains obscure and controversial. These tumors usually have a very poor prognosis with rapid vascular and lymphatic involvement. Nevertheless, favorable outcome seems possible, as exhibited in our patient.
