Hepatocellular carcinoma: treatment with a combination of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and transportal ethanol injection

Preparing for liver surgery with "Alphabet Soup": PVE, ALPPS, TAE-PVE, LVD and RL

Future liver remnant (FLR) size and function is a critical limiting factor for treatment eligibility and postoperative prognosis when considering surgical hepatectomy. Pre-operative portal vein embolization (PVE) has been proven effective in modulating FLR and now widely accepted as a standard of care. However, PVE is not always effective due to potentially inadequate augmentation of the FLR as well as tumor progression while awaiting liver growth. These concerns have prompted exploration of alternative techniques: associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS), transarterial embolization-portal vein embolization (TAE-PVE), liver venous deprivation (LVD), and radiation lobectomy (RL). The article aims to review the principles and applications of PVE and these newer hepatic regenerative techniques.

Portal blood supply to locally progressed hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: Observation on CT during arterial portography

AIM

  To analyze the clinical features of locally progressed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) supplied by portal blood (PB) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

METHODS

  This cohort included 12 tumors (mean diameter ± SD, 1.8 ± 0.8 cm) in 10 patients. PB supply to tumors was judged by CT during arterial portography (CTAP). Imaging data and the clinical course were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

  Six tumors initially had a small tumor portion supplied by PB. In four tumors, TACE was incomplete because of technical problems. PB supply to recurrent tumors was demonstrated 7.3 ± 3.7 months after TACE. On follow-up arteriography, all embolized branches were occluded or severely attenuated. Four tumors showing a partial stain were treated by additional TACE (n = 3) or TACE plus radiofrequency (RF) ablation (n = 1), one without staining was treated by RF ablation, and seven were followed-up. All tumors progressed except for one treated by RF ablation. On serial CTAP images, relatively large-diameter portal veins directly entered 11 tumors (91.7%) and connected with intratumoral vessels in nine (75%). During follow-up, partial arterial supply was demonstrated in two tumors and additional TACE was performed. Nine patients died after 31.4 ± 16.2 months due to tumor progression (n = 8), or hepatic failure (n = 1). One patient has survived for 53 months despite multiple tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

  PB supply to locally progressed tumor after TACE became apparent on CTAP. Arterial damage by TACE, incomplete TACE, and preexisting tumor tissues supplied by PB may be the main causes.

Sequential arterial and portal vein embolization in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: the hospital beaujon experience

When feasible, hepatic resection is the treatment of choice for large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because HCC is often developed on chronic liver disease, which is known to have limited regeneration capacity, major hepatic resections are often contraindicated. Portal vein embolization (PVE) has been introduced to extend the indications for major hepatic resection and to increase the safety of the surgical procedure. However, hypertrophy after PVE is often less than in normal liver. It has been suggested that preoperative sequential arterial embolization and PVE have a strong anticancer effect and could increase the rate of hypertrophy more than PVE alone. In our experience, sequential arterial embolization and PVE effectively increase the future liver remnant and induce a high rate of complete tumor necrosis. This combined procedure should broaden the indication for major resection in chronic liver disease.

Ultraselective Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization with a 2-F Tip Microcatheter for Small Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Relationship Between Local Tumor Recurrence and Visualization of the Portal Vein with Iodized Oil

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the relationship between local tumor recurrence and iodized oil deposition in the portal vein by using ultraselective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for small hepatocellular carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One-hundred twenty-three tumors smaller than 5 cm in diameter (mean diameter, 1.9 cm; median diameter, 1.6 cm) were treated with TACE by using a 2-F tip microcatheter at a distal portion of the subsegmental artery of the liver. Portal vein visualization at spot radiography during TACE was divided into three grades, as follows: 0 = not visualized, 1 = limited near the tumor, and 2 = whole or extended to the embolized area. Local recurrence rates of each grade group were compared. The recurrent pattern was divided into intratumoral and peritumoral recurrence. Complications were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 123 tumors, 53 (43.1%) were classified as grade 2, 52 (42.3%) were classified as grade 1, and 18 (14.6%) tumors were classified as grade 0. Overall local recurrence rates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 25.6%, 34.7%, and 34.7%, respectively. The local recurrence rates for the grades 2, 1, and 0 groups were 7.9%, 24.8%, and 85.7%, respectively, at 12 months and 17.7%, 38.9%, and 85.7% at 24 months. Recurrence rates in the grade 2 group were significantly lower than those in the grades 1 and 0 groups (P = .0485 and P < .0001, respectively). Intratumoral recurrence was observed in 21 tumors, most of which were in the grade 0 group. Peritumoral recurrence was noted in 16 tumors, most of which were in the grade 2 group. There were no major complications.

CONCLUSION

Ultraselective TACE was safe and effective in a significant number of tumors. In particular, local recurrence was significantly lower when a greater degree of portal vein visualization was demonstrated during TACE.

Sequential arterial and portal vein embolizations before right hepatectomy in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Selective transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and portal vein embolization (PVE) could improve the rate of hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) in patients with chronic liver disease. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of this combined procedure.

METHODS

Between November 1998 and October 2004, 36 patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma underwent right hepatectomy after PVE. Additional TACE preceded PVE by 3-4 weeks in 18 patients (TACE+PVE group) and the remaining 18 patients had PVE alone (PVE group).

RESULTS

PVE was well tolerated in all patients. The mean increase in percentage FLR volume was significantly higher in the TACE+PVE group than in the PVE group (mean(s.d.) 12(5) versus 8(4) percent; P=0.022). The rate of hypertrophy was more than 10 percent in 12 patients in the TACE+PVE group and in five who had PVE alone (P=0.044). Duration of surgery, blood loss, incidence of liver failure and mortality (two patients in each group) were similar in the two groups. None of the 17 patients with an increase in FLR volume of more than 10 percent died, whereas there were four deaths among 19 patients with a smaller increase. The incidence of complete tumour necrosis was significantly higher in the TACE+PVE group (15 of 18 versus one of 18; P<0.001), with a higher 5-year disease-free survival rate (37 versus 19 percent; P=0.041).

CONCLUSION

Sequential TACE and PVE before operation increases the rate of hypertrophy of the FLR and leads to a high rate of complete tumour necrosis associated with longer recurrence-free survival.

Current role of portal vein embolization/hepatic artery chemoembolization

This article has reviewed indications, methods, and results of PVE and TACE for hepatobiliary tumors. PVE is applied mainly to increase the safety of major hepatic resection in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, HCC, or metastatic liver tumors. Hepatic arterial embolization causes selective ischemia of the liver tumor and enhances the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent administered concomitantly. A survival benefit of TACE in patients with unresectable or recurrent HCC has been demonstrated. The significance of preoperative TACE is still controversial. TACE is routinely performed before PVE in HCC patients.

Percutaneous portal vein embolization increases the feasibility and safety of major liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in injured liver

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) on the long-term outcome of liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in injured liver.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

On an healthy liver, PVE of the liver to be resected induces hypertrophy of the remnant liver and increases the safety of hepatectomy. On injured liver, this effect is still debated.

METHODS

During the study period, 10 patients underwent preoperative PVE and 19 patients did not before resection of three or more liver segments for HCC in injured liver (cirrhosis or fibrosis). PVE was performed when the estimated rate of remnant functional liver parenchyma (ERRFLP) assessed by computed tomographic scan volumetry was less than 40%.

RESULTS

In all patients, PVE was feasible. There were no deaths or complications. The ERRFLP after PVE was significantly increased compared with the pre-PVE value. Liver resection was performed after PVE in 9 of 10 patients, with surgical death and complication rates of 0% and 45%, respectively. PVE increased the number of resections of three or more segments by 47% (9/19). Overall actuarial survival rates with or without previous PVE (89%, 67%, and 44% vs. 80%, 53%, and 53% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively) and disease-free actuarial survival rates (86%, 64%, and 21% vs. 55%, 17%, and 17% at 1, 3, and 5 years respectively) after hepatectomy were comparable.

CONCLUSION

With the use of PVE, more patients with previously unresectable HCC in injured liver can benefit from resection. Long-term survival rates are comparable to those after resection without PVE.

Resection of nonresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer after percutaneous portal vein embolization

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) on the long-term outcome of liver resection for colorectal metastases.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Preoperative PVE of the liver induces hypertrophy of the remnant liver and increases the safety of hepatectomy.

METHODS

Thirty patients underwent preoperative PVE and 88 patients did not before resection of four or more liver segments. PVE was performed when the estimated rate of remnant functional liver parenchyma (ERRFLP) assessed by CT scan volumetry was less than 40%.

RESULTS

PVE was feasible in all patients. There were no deaths. The complication rate was 3%. The post-PVE ERRFLP was significantly increased compared with the pre-PVE value. Liver resection was performed after PVE in 19 patients (63%), with surgical death and complication rates of 4% and 7% respectively. PVE increased the number of resections of more than four segments by 19% (17/88). Actuarial survival rates after hepatectomy with or without previous PVE were comparable: 81%, 67%, and 40% versus 88%, 61%, and 38% at 1, 3, and 5 years respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PVE allows more patients with previously unresectable liver tumors to benefit from resection. Long-term survival is comparable to that after resection without PVE.

Long-term follow-up arterial chemoembolization combined with transportal ethanol injection used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term efficacy of transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with transportal ethanol injection (TPEI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six patients with unresectable HCC underwent TPEI 2-6 weeks after TACE. The size of the main tumor ranged from 2.0 to 9.0 cm (mean, 4.5 cm). Ethanol (10-65 mL) was injected via a percutaneous transhepatic approach into the portal vein, perfusing the segment to be treated. TACE was repeated after TPEI in 18 patients.

RESULTS

The combined therapy was technically successfully in all 26 cases; however, irreversible hepatic failure developed in two (8%) patients. Recurrent disease occurred either from the treated lesion (four patients) or apart from the treated liver segment (five patients) in nine of 21 patients (43%) followed up for a mean of 34 months. The survival rates were 87%, 72%, 72%, 63%, 51, and 51% at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years, respectively. Resected and autopsied specimens showed complete necrosis in seven of nine main lesions and severe parenchymal damage in the treated liver segment.

CONCLUSION

In selected patients, combined treatment with TACE and TPEI is safe and effective, decreasing recurrence rate in the treated segment, and resulting in a 51% 6-year survival.

Segmental embolization by ethanol iodized oil emulsion for hepatocellular carcinoma

The hemodynamic changes of portal vein before and after intra-arterial infusion of ethanol iodized oil emulsion (EIOE) were studied in 4 healthy dogs. Segmental transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using EIOE was performed in 55 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Twenty patients subsequently underwent surgery. It was concluded that segmental TAE might lead to double embolization of both hepatic arteries and portal veins. It is a more effective therapeutic method for HCC localized in one or a few segments, as compared with conventional TAE.

Regeneration of the un-embolized liver parenchyma following portal vein embolization

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Portal vein embolization (PVE) induces atrophy of the embolized hepatic parenchyma and hypertrophy of the un-embolized liver. It is important to predict hypertrophy of un-embolized liver following PVE to decide a subsequent tactics in patients with liver tumors. The hypertrophy following PVE was evaluated in reference to embolized liver volume and a preceding use of transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (HACE) in this study.

METHODS

Thirty patients with liver tumors were studied. PVE was performed transhepatically. Ethanol (15-65 ml) was injected into portal veins, which perfused the liver segment bearing the tumor until occlusion. Embolization was performed at subsegmental portal branches in five patients, segmental branches in 11 patients and right portal veins in 14 patients. Twenty-three patients with underlying chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) underwent PVE 2-6 weeks after HACE. The remaining seven patients without underlying chronic liver disease had bile duct cancer (6) or liver metastasis (1), and underwent PVE alone. Segmental volume in the liver was measured with computed tomography before and 4 weeks after PVE.

RESULTS

The degree of hypertrophy showed a significant correlation with embolized liver volume (r=0.685, p<0.001). Increase in un-embolized liver volume was 2.4+/-5.8% with subsegmental embolization (NS), 15.2+/-6.4% with segmental embolization (p<0.01) and 46.5+/-18.8% with right PVE (p<0.001). In 14 patients with right PVE, degree of hypertrophy in seven patients with HACE was greater than that in seven patients without HACE (56.7+/-21.6% vs 36.4+/-7.4%; p<0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertrophy of the un-embolized liver parenchyma following PVE was correlated with embolized liver volume and was augmented with combined use of HACE.

Non-surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

A decade ago, surgery was the only satisfactory treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it was limited only to selected cases. For the majority of cases of HCC, systemic chemotherapy was one of the few treatment alternatives, but provided only marginal benefit. In the past 20 years, diagnostic methods have improved to an extent that small HCC less than 1 cm can be detected. Moreover, non-surgical treatment is available, of which regional therapy has been shown to prolong patients' survival, and may even replace surgical resection in some cases. Regional therapy is indicated for the treatment of HCC when there is no extrahepatic metastasis and the patient has adequate liver function reserve, thus permitting repeated therapy. Transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization (TAE) using various embolizers has been well documented to include controlled studies. However, it is not indicated for patients with thrombosed main portal veins. Its therapeutic effect is also doubtful when the tumour is infiltrative in nature or is hypovascular, too large or too small. Additional chemotherapeutic agents mixed into the embolizer with lipiodol and degraded starch microspheres or styrene-maleic acid-neocarzinostatin in which chemotherapeutic agents are embedded, are used with a better response, but the survival rate has not shown significant improvement. Ultrasound-guided local injection therapy is another new method of treatment of HCC. Of these techniques, percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (PEIT) is widely used with excellent results for small, encapsulated tumours in livers with less than three HCC. Percutaneous ethanol injection therapy can also be used in cases with portal vein thrombosis, but it is not suitable for patients having coagulopathy or ascites. Using acetic acid, OK-432, interferon or anti-cancer drugs in the injection therapy shows no further benefit over ethanol alone. Transcatheter echoguided thermotherapy or cryotherapy has been reported in small series of patients, as has target therapy with immune or radiotherapy and conformal radiotherapy. Preliminary studies show encouraging results. Systemic therapy with either single drug or multidrugs is ineffective, with a response rate of less than 20%. Immunotherapy, such as with interferon or other cytokines, is not beneficial. Hormone therapy has not been promising, except for treatment with tamoxifen, which has been reported to show some beneficial effect. Gene therapy is still in its infancy. In summary, recent progress in non-surgical treatment of HCC has resulted in a breakthrough of regional therapy looking quite promising. Moreover, a combination of different types of regional therapies may yield better outcomes in selected individuals.