Effectiveness of Transarterial Embolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma as a Bridge to Transplantation.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2016
Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of bland transarterial embolization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a "bridge" to transplantation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 117 patients with HCC that met Milan criteria underwent bland embolization as their initial and sole therapy for treatment of HCC (88 men and 29 women; mean age, 60.4 y; range, 35-88 y). Subsequent postembolization contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies were reviewed to determine whether Milan criteria were met in an intent-to-transplant analysis. Freedom from progression beyond Milan criteria and survival were calculated by Kaplan-Meier technique. Predictors of progression and survival were also assessed.
RESULTS: After embolization, 87% and 78% of patients' disease still met Milan criteria at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The median time until disease progression beyond Milan criteria was 22.6 months (95% confidence interval, 16.2-29 mo). α-Fetoprotein levels, number of lesions, United Network for Organ Sharing stage, Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, and cirrhosis etiology did not correlate significantly with stability within Milan criteria. A total of 34 patients (29%) underwent eventual liver transplantation at a median of 3.3 months (range, 0.5-20.9 mo). Liver transplantation was a significant independent predictor of longer survival (6.9 y vs 2.6 y; P < .001). The major complication rate within 30 days of embolization was 2.6%, including one mortality.
CONCLUSIONS: Bland transarterial embolization as a bridging strategy to maintain HCC within Milan criteria was successful in 78% of patients at 1 year, which compares favorably with other locoregional embolotherapies.
Volume
27
Issue
1
First Page
39
Last Page
45
ISSN
1535-7732
Published In/Presented At
Hodavance, M. S., Vikingstad, E. M., Griffin, A. S., Pabon-Ramos, W. M., Berg, C. L., Suhocki, P. V., & Kim, C. Y. (2016). Effectiveness of Transarterial Embolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma as a Bridge to Transplantation. Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR, 27(1), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2015.08.032
Disciplines
Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology
PubMedID
26508449
Department(s)
Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging
Document Type
Article