Safety and Efficacy of Drug-eluting Microspheres Chemoembolization under Cone Beam Computed Tomography Control in Patients with Early and Intermediate Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting microsphere transarterial chemoembolization (DEM-TACE) is the standard of care in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and ensures targeted and controlled cytotoxic and ischemic effects. Proper patient selection and optimized treatment techniques are associated with longer median survival. The aim of this single-institution retrospective study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of DEM-TACE under cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) control in patients with early and intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 144 patients (mean age 67.9 ± 8.0 years, 127 males and 17 females) between February 2010 and December 2018 were studied. Microparticles of different dimensions according to two manufacturers (diameter of 70–150 μm, 100–300 μm or 300–500 μm and 40-μm, 75-μm or 100-μm) were used and loaded with 50–150 mg of doxorubicin. The objective tumour response according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (mRECIST), the time to progression, adverse events and overall survival were (OS) evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 452 procedures were performed (median, 3 per patient). Four (0.9% of all procedures) major complications were noted. Postembolization syndrome occurred after 35% of procedures. At the first imaging follow-up 2–3 months after first treatment, 91% of patients achieved an objective response. The median time to progression was 10.2 months (95% CI: 8.3-12.1 months). OS rates at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 85%, 53%, 33%, 20% and 14%, respectively. The median survival time was 25.8 months (95% CI: 22.1–29.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: DEM-TACE under CBCT control in patients with early and intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma is a safe and effective method of treatment with high objective tumour response and survival rates.