DSM-TACE of HCC: Evaluation of Tumor Response in Patients Ineligible for Other Systemic or Loco-Regional Therapies

Abstract

Purpose To analyze tumor response, survival and safety in patients with non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial hepatic chemoembolization using degradable starch microspheres (DSM-TACE) combined with doxorubicin who had no local interventional or systemic therapy alternative according to an interdisciplinary conference. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 28 patients (23 male, 5 female, median age 67 years) with unresectable HCC, serum bilirubin levels < 3 mg/dl and contraindications to Sorafenib, RFA, SIRT or cTACE were included. DSM-TACE was performed using Embocept® S (15 ml) and doxorubicin (50 mg/25 ml) three times every 4–6 weeks. Patients were initially staged using the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer System (BCLC). Basic liver function was evaluated with the MELD-score. Tumor response was assessed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Results DSM-TACE could be technically successfully performed in all 28 patients. At control imaging after three treatments, the overall rates of complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD) were 14.3 %, 25 %, 39.3 % and 21.4 %, respectively, according to mRECIST. With regard to BCLC stages, the results were as follows (CR, PR, PD): BCLC A (n = 8): 7.1 %, 7.1 %, 10.7 %, 1.2 %; BCLC B (n = 12): 0 %, 10.7 %, 17.9 %, 14.3 %; BCLC C (n = 5): 0 %, 3.6 %, 10.7 %, 3.6 %; BCLC D (n = 3): 3.6 %, 3.6 %, 0 %, 3.6 %. According to this, DSM-TACE showed an overall good median survival of 682 days, although the patients’ survival was strictly dependent on BCLC stage. Conclusion DSM-TACE is a safe and promising treatment alternative for patients with unresectable HCC who are ineligible for other loco-regional therapies. Key Points:  Citation Format