[Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma using precision transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE): results of two years' experience in a general hospital].
OBJECTIVE
To present our experience in the use of microspheres preloaded with adriamycin (DC Bead(®)) in the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma, in a two-year prospective multidisciplinary study in consecutive patients to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerance of this procedure.


METHODS
From May 2007 to January 2010, we performed 30 TACE procedures in 17 patients (3 women and 14 men; mean age, 68 years; age range, 56-85 years). We performed a mean of 1.76 procedures per patient using the precision TACE protocol. Outcomes were evaluated using the RECIST-EASL criteria by clinical, laboratory, CT, and MRI follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.


RESULTS
The procedure was considered an initial technical success in all cases. The total dose was delivered in seven cases; in the remaining cases, the total dose was not reached (mean dose, 80mg). An objective response was observed in 64.7% of patients: a complete response was observed in 29.41% and a partial response in 35.29%. Disease was stabilized in 23.52% and progressed in 11.76%. We observed two cases of abscess/necrosis and one of ischemic cholecystitis. There were no deaths or cases of liver failure related with the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
TACE using microspheres preloaded with adriamycin (DC Beads®) is safe and effective, given the low rate of complications, good tolerance in patients, and increased tumor response.
García-Hidalgo Alonso
M
M
Unidad de Radiología Intervencionista, Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo, Toledo, Spain. mabelgha@gmail.com
Lanciego Pérez
C
C
De La Cruz Pérez
G
G
Velasco Gómez
J
J
Pinto Varela
J M
JM
García-García
L
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001158:Arteries; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000098:blood supply / Q000628:therapy*; D002404:Catheterization; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors