Chemoocclusion vs chemoperfusion for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomised trial.

AIMS: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) can be associated with considerable toxicity and treatment-associated mortality. Transient transarterial chemoocclusion (TACO) using degradable starch microspheres (DSM) has been proposed as a potentially safer alternative while maintaining anti-tumour efficiency. In a randomised phase II trial TACO was compared to transarterial chemoperfusion without DSM (TACP). METHODS: Seventy-four patients with advanced HCC were randomised to two treatment arms: (i) TACO (600-1200 mg DSM) and (ii) TACP. In both arms regional chemotherapy consisted of cisplatin (100 mg/m2) and doxorubicin (60 mg/m2). Both arms were corresponding in terms of age, gender, liver performance state, and tumour-stage. A maximum of six treatment cycles was applied in monthly intervals. Follow-up was performed in terms of tumour response, time to progression, survival and quality of life. RESULTS: Tumour response rates did not differ significantly between the two treatment arms, however, there was a tendency towards higher response rates in the TACO arm (TACO vs TACP): partial response: 26 vs 9%, stable disease: 41 vs 55%, progressive disease: 33 vs 36%. Time to tumour progression (32 vs 27 weeks), and overall survival (60 vs 69 weeks) were not significantly different. Grade 4 adverse events were rare in both arms and treatment-associated mortality was not observed. In addition, there was no significant difference in terms of quality of life under therapy (EORTC). CONCLUSION: TACO with DSM did not improve response or survival significantly compared to TACP in advanced non-resectable HCC.

[Intraarterial calcium stimulation (ASVS) for pancreatic insulinoma: comparison of preoperative localization procedures]. / Der Kalziumstimulationstest (ASVS) bei Insulinomen des Pankreas: Vergleich mit der bildgebenden Lokalisationsdiagnostik.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of clinical relevance of the arterial stimulation procedure with venous sampling (ASVS) in the preoperative localization of insulinoma. METHODS: Thirteen patients with endogenous hyperinsulinism underwent preoperative transabdominal ultrasound (US), helical CT (CT), MRI, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and angiography (DSA) in conjunction with the ASVS-test for the detection of insulinoma. The results were compared with intraoperative findings, intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) and histology. RESULTS: Sensitivity was as follows: US 8%, MRI 27%, CT 46%, EUS 50%,DSA 69%,and ASVS 92%. Intraoperative palpation and IOUS yielded a sensitivity of 77%. In 3 patients the tumors were neither palpable nor detectable by IOUS, the mode of resection was based on preoperative diagnostics. The ASVS procedure as a functional test was superior to all other modalities for the preoperative tumor detection. CONCLUSION: The ASVS was the most sensitive diagnostic modality. It should especially be considered in terms of health economical aspects when CT or MRI do not yield conclusive results.

[Indicators for longterm survival after the transjugular portosystemic intrahepatic shunt procedure]. / Indikatoren für das Langzeitüberleben nach Anlage eines transjugulären intrahepatischen portosystemischen Shunts (TIPS).

INTRODUCTION: Complications of portal hypertension can be treated effectively by the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure (TIPS). Indicators for long time survival after TIPS implantation are presented. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 1992 until May 1995 forty-two consecutive patients (26 male, 16 female) with liver cirrhosis complicated by variceal bleeding (n = 27) or refractory ascites (n = 15) were treated by TIPS implantation and followed up clinically in a prospective, open study. The follow up period range was 5-3278 days. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were applied to determine the correlation between patient characteristics and long term survival after TIPS implantation. The indicators were dichotomized at the median. The outcome variable was dichotomized. Positive outcome was defined as survival longer than three years without liver transplantation, all other outcomes were regarded as negative. Survival rates were determined for all patients and for subgroups according to results of the regression analyses. RESULTS: During follow-up liver transplantation was performed in 8 of the 42 patients. 29 patients died. Mean survival was 1440 (+/-1060) days. Survival after one, two, three and six years was 76% (n = 32), 69%(n = 29), 62% (n = 26) and 38% (n = 16), respectively. The multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant better survival related to a prothrombine time >70%, MEGX synthesis >30 microgram/l, and ICG clearance <13 min. Patients with high ICG clearance (OR = 1.9), high MEGX synthesis (OR = 5.0) or high prothrombine time scores (OR = 5.2) had a significantly longer survival. This survival advantage increased with follow up time. CONCLUSION: Longterm survival after TIPS implantation is influenced by the initial liver function. This survival advantage increases during follow up and is most pronounced after 6 years.

Role of the intra-arterial calcium stimulation test in the preoperative localization of insulinomas.

The aim of this study was determination of the significance of the arterial stimulation test with venous sampling (ASVS) in the preoperative localization of insulinoma. Eleven patients with endogenous hyperinsulinism underwent preoperative transabdominal US, spiral computer tomography (spiral CT), MRI, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) as well as angiography (DSA) combined with ASVS. The results were compared with intraoperative findings, intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) and histopathology. There were no complications related to the ASVS test. In 11 patients the tumor could be localized with the various modalities as follows: US 1 of 11 (9%), MRI 3 of 10 (30%), spiral CT 4 of 11 (36%), EUS 5 of 10 (50%), DSA 8 of 11 (73%), and ASVS 10 of 11 (91%). In 2 patients the tumors were intraoperatively neither palpable nor detectable by IOUS, and consequently the intraoperative management was governed by information provided by DSA combined with the ASVS test. Ten patients had solitary benign insulinomas and 1 patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia I had two tumors adjacent to each other in the pancreatic tail. Arterial stimulation test with venous sampling was the most sensitive preoperative test for regionalizing the insulinoma in our set of patients. It can be performed safely in the course of a regular DSA examination and may affect intra-operative management in patients in whom the tumors are not detectable by palpation or IOUS.

[18F]fluoride PET indicates reduced bone formation in severe glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

A 61-year-old female patient presenting with mixed connective tissue disease (Sharp syndrome), underwent a long-term high dose glucocorticoid treatment because of multiple organ manifestations. Under steroid therapy she developed severe osteoporosis resulting in multiple fractures. A dynamic [18F]fluoride PET study in this patient revealed reduced fluoride influx in non-fractured vertebrae. This finding corresponds to pathogenetic concepts which propose an inhibition of bone formation as major cause of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. In the light of the presented case it seems to be promising to evaluate the diagnostic benefit of [18F]fluoride PET in osteoporosis.