Impact of Trans-Arterial Chemo-Embolization on Tumor Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Trans-arterial Chemo-embolization is a treatment done for hepatic metastatic tumors caused by Chronic Liver Disease to reduce the tumor load on the liver. Objective: To assess the treatment response of TACE (Trans-Arterial Chemo-Embolization) in patients with HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) based on the m-RECIST criteria. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted for a duration of one year; from December 2021 to December 2022. The Data were collected from Allied Hospital Faisalabad. TACE was done on a total of 80 patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma ages between 31 to 80 years and the response was evaluated by m-RECIST criteria on a CT Triphasic scan. The chi-square test was used to find the association between gender and tumor response. Results: A total of 80 TACE-treated patients of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, (n=56) 70% were males and (n=24) 30% were females. Tumor response was evaluated as CR in (n=45) 56% of patients, (n=26) 32% showed PR, (n=6) 8% had SD, while (n=3) 4% had PD. Most of the patients showed significant tumor necrosis, 70-90% tumor necrosis was seen in 52% of the patients. An association between gender (male participants; n=56) and tumor response to TACE (71 responded out of which 56 were males) was found to be significant. Conclusions: TACE is a better treatment option for unresectable and larger HCC if proper care, management, and continuation of disease assessment are done after the treatment, as it results in tumor burden reduction and improved chances of qualifying for liver transplant in suitable cases.