Transcatheter infusion of epirubicin in water-in-oil-in-water emulsion via a cystic artery for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
We have previously reported the clinical efficacy of water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsion containing anticancer agent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial infusion (TAI) of W/O/W emulsion via a cystic artery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).


METHODS
TAI of a W/O/W emulsion was performed at our institute in five patients with Stage III or IV HCC with blood supply from the cystic artery. In all patients, 2-12 ml/O/W emulsion was infused via a cystic artery. Therapeutic effects and complications were evaluated in these patients.


RESULTS
Of the five patients treated, one achieved a complete response and two achieved a partial response. After treatment, acute cholecystitis or gallbladder ischemia that required treatment was not encountered in any patient.


CONCLUSIONS
W/O/W emulsion can be safely infused via a cystic artery without major complications; it is a good therapeutic option for the patients with advanced HCC fed by a cystic artery.
Ikushima
I
I
Department of Radiology, Miyakonojo Medical Association Hospital, 5822-3 Oiwadacho, Miyakonojo 885-0062, Japan. iku@cap.bbiq.jp
Higashi
S
S
Ishii
A
A
Seguchi
K
K
Iryo
Y
Y
Ota
Y
Y
Shima
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001158:Arteries; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004655:Emulsions; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004998:Ethiodized Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial / Q000379:methods*; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D019233:Retreatment; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004655:Emulsions; D015251:Epirubicin; D004998:Ethiodized Oil