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Balloon-Occluded Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (b-TACE) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Performed with Polyethylene-Glycol Epirubicin-Loaded Drug-Eluting Embolics: Safety and Preliminary Results

​Pierleone Lucatelli et al. CVIR(2019)

5/21/2021 -  

Background:

The combination of DEM-TACE with the b-TACE may improve the oncological response in HCC and the choice of a different delivery system will provide the Interventional Oncologist with another opportunity to further address the specific needs of every single patient, in line with the modern concept of individualized medicine.


Objective:

To report technical success, safety profile and oncological results of balloon-occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using a balloon micro-catheter and epirubicin-loaded polyethylene-glycol (PEG) microsphere in HCC


Methods

  • Single-centre, single-arm, retrospective study with 6-month follow-up
  • 22 patients (Child–Pugh A 68% [15/22], B in 32% [7/22]; age 67.05 ± 14 years) with 29 HCC were treated in 24 procedures.
  • Technical success is defined: ability to place the balloon micro-catheter within the required vascular segment, balloon-occluded arterial stump pressure drops and assessment of microsphere deposition.
  • Laboratory assessment pre/post-procedural and complications were analysed, respectively, according to CTCAEv5 and CIRSE system. Postembolization syndrome (PES) was defined as fever and/or nausea and/or pain onset.
  • Oncological results were evaluated using m-RECIST criteria with CT/MRI imaging at 1 and 3–6 months.

Results

Pierleone Lucatelli et al registry demonstrated:


Technical success:

  • Pre-planned feeder was reached in all cases.

  • Pressure drop average was 51.1 ± 21.6 mmHg.

  • Exclusive target embolization was achieved in 14/24 procedures (58.3%).


Safety:

  • Laboratory test modifications were all grade 1.

  • 4/24 adverse events occurred (17%): pseudo-aneurysm of the feeder (grade 3), liver abscess (grade 2) and 2 asymptomatic segmentary biliary tree dilatations (grade 2).

  • Post-embolisation syndrome PES occurred in 8/24 (33%).


Efficacy:

  • The complete response at 1 and 3–6 months was 44.8% (13/29) and 52.9% (9/17)

  • The partial response at 1 and 3–6 months was 55% (16/29) and 23.5% (16/29)

Limitations:

  • Due to the lack of data on the b-TACE performed with DEM, the comparison with the existing literature is influenced by several causes of bias: use of lipiodol, different drugs and population characteristics (e.g. number and dimension of treated tumours).

  • The small sample size sample size (22 patients) and the nonrandomized nature of this series.


Conclusion

Pierleone Lucatelli et al concluded that Epirubicin-loaded PEG microsphere b-TACE is technically feasible, safe and effective procedure for HCC treatment.


Key Takeaway:

The main findings of Pierleone Lucatelli et al are that:

  • Epirubicin-loaded PEG microsphere b-TACE is technically feasible, safe and effective procedure for HCC treatment.

  • The combination of b-TACE and DEM was safe and obtained Satisfactory complete response rates CR, at 1 and 3–6 months,

  • Despite the initial complexity added to the procedure by the presence of the balloon micro-catheter and the different catheter manipulation technique, the operators were able to position and inflate the balloon micro-catheter in the selected vascular segment in all cases.


Access to full publication: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-019-02192-y

Use/Indications 

  • European Economic Area Indications for use of Occlusafe Temporary Occlusion Balloon Catheter
  • Occlusafe™ is intended to be used for gaining temporary occlusion in the peripheral vasculature. The Occlusafe™ provides temporary vascular occlusion which is useful in selectively stopping or controlling blood flow
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  • Occlusafe™ is manufactured by Terumo Clinical Supply Co., Ltd. and exclusively distributed by Terumo Europe NV in the EMEA region. All brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of TERUMO CORPORATION and their respective owners. Scientific and clinical data related to this document are on file at Terumo Clinical Supply Co., Ltd. Refer to Instructions for Use for additional information.

This literature summary is not a systemic review. It is only an example of Occlusafe™ Temporary Occlusion Balloon Catheter related literatures.

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