Abstract:
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of portal vein stenting combined with 125I particle strand implantation followed by drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) and molecular-targeted therapy for the treatment of stage Ⅲa liver cancer lacking a blood supply.
Methods A retrospective analysis of 11 patients who had stage Ⅲa liver cancer lacking a blood supply combined with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) was conducted from October 2016 to October 2018. All the patients underwent portal vein stenting combined with 125I particle strand implantation, DEB-TACE, and comprehensive treatment containing molecular-targeted drugs. During the follow-up period, all patients were evaluated for stent patency after the implantation and tumor response after DEB-TACE treatment. The liver function and blood routine changes before and 1 month after the surgery were completed, and the complications were summarized.
Results All 11 patients were judged as stage Ⅲa liver cancer based on the Chinese staging criteria (2017), Child-Pugh classification grade A and B. The imaging findings indicated that these tumors were hypovascular. The maximum diameter of these lesions was (8.4±4.1) (2.8-14.1) cm, and all patients had PVTT. Among them, there were 4 cases of Cheng's type Ⅱ and 7 cases of type Ⅲ: 6 cases of main PVTT ≥50% and 1 case of PVTT < 50%. All patients underwent portal vein stenting combined with 125I particle strand implantation, DEB-TACE, and comprehensive treatment containing molecular-targeted drugs. Three and 6 months after stent implantation, the patency rate was 100%; 3 months after DEB-TACE treatment, complete response was achieved in 4 (36.4%) patients, partial response was achieved in 5 (45.5%) patients, and stable disease was achieved in 2 (18.2%) patients. No patients exhibited progressive disease. Therefore, the objective response rate was 81.8% and disease control rate was 100%. As for the liver and kidney function and blood routine tests, there were no significant differences between baseline and 1 month after the surgery. In addition, no patient had any serious complication during the perioperative period.
Conclusions For patients with stage Ⅲa liver cancer lacking a blood supply and PVTT, a comprehensive treatment strategy including portal vein stenting combined with 125I particle strand implantation, DEB-TACE, and molecular-targeted therapy can restore portal vein blood flow and maintain mid- and longterm stent patency, while effectively killing tumors and controlling tumor growth, which is a safe and effective treatment strategy.