DETERMINING THE EFFICACY OF TRANS-ARTERIAL CHEMOEMBOLIZATION FOR HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA ON FOLLOW-UP QUADRIPHASIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Abstract

Abstract

Background

Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the first line treatment in limited unresectable multinodular lesions, with no vascular invasion, no extrahepatic spread and with well- preserved liver functions. Post TACE reduction in tumour burden can be assessed by modified RECIST (mRECIST) criteria on follow up Triphasic CT in which tumour enhancement is evaluated within 3 months after TACE.

Objective

 The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of trans-arterial chemo embolization therapy in cirrhotic patients with HCC on follow up quadriphasic computed tomography.

Material and method

This study is a retrospective study that was conducted from March 2016 to January 2019 at Radiology unit Kuwait Teaching Hospital. 181 consecutive cirrhotic patients with HCC, treated with trans-arterial chemoembolization and evaluated with follow-up quadriphasic CT at a Radiology unit of Kuwait Teaching Hospital. All patients had least one image examination (quadriphasic contrast-enhanced CT) after treatment and were included into the study.

Results

Between March 2016 and January 2019, 181 consecutive patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma presented for TACE. Response assessment in the largest lesion on the basis of mRECIST criteria revealed complete response(CR) in 78, partial response(PR) in 96 , stable disease(SD) in 1 and progressive disease(PD) in 6 patients.

Conclusion

High quality screening, proper management and provision of therapy improves survival from HCC. Early and accurate assessment of tumour response to therapy is mandatory.

Key words

Hepatocellular carcinoma, TACE, quadriphasic CT, mRECIST criteria.