DEB(Drug-eluting beads)-TACE for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization using drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE) in patients with small HCC (≤ 2 cm). Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 36 patients with small HCC underwent DEB-TACE since September 2009. Liver function status of all patients was either Child-Pugh class A (n=33) or B (n=3). The size of DEB was either 100-300 (n=20) or 300-500 (n=16) µm and the maximum loading dose of chemotherapeutic agent was 70 mg of doxorubicin in one vial of beads. Tumor response rate was assessed according to EASL criteria.Results: There were no major complications except mild transient post-embolization syndrome. All but one maintained initial Child-Pugh score. Until last follow-up period (1-24 months), EASL criteria rated 86%, 80.5%, 77.7% of CR, 8.3%, 8.3%, 16.6% of PR, 5.5%, 5.5%, 5.5% and 0%, 5.5%, 5.5% of PD (94.4%, 88.8%, 94.3% of OR) at 1 month, 3-6 months, and 12 months respectively. CR rate was higher in patients treated by smaller size of beads (100-300 µm). Conclusion: DEB-TACE was considered as a safe modality for the treatment of small HCC, and showed good tumor response rate in this mid-term result.