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Transcatheter arterial embolization followed by percutaneous ethanol injection in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) followed by percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in the treatment of large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions.

Methods

Fifteen patients with HCC were treated by means of TAE followed by 6–16 ethanol injections. In 10 patients, the HCC was solitary (3–8 cm); 3 patients had 1, and 2 patients had 2 daughter nodules (3 cm or smaller) in addition. In 12 of 15 main tumors and in 4 of 7 daughter nodules, a tumor capsule was observed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Combined treatment with TAE and PEI resulted in complete necrosis of 12 of 15 main tumors and 7 of 7 daughter nodules on biopsy. Treatment failure (incomplete necrosis) occurred in 3 unencapsulated main tumors. The 1-year survival rate in 10 patients was 100%.

Conclusion

The combination of TAE and PEI proved to be an effective treatment for large HCC, including those with 1–2 small daughter nodules. The presence of a tumor capsule significantly correlates (p < 0.05) with a favorable outcome of treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, I-56100, Pisa, Italy

    Riccardo Lencioni, Claudio Vignali, Davide Caramella, Roberto Cioni, Salvatore Mazzeo & Carlo Bartolozzi

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  1. Riccardo Lencioni
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  2. Claudio Vignali
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  3. Davide Caramella
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  4. Roberto Cioni
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  5. Salvatore Mazzeo
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  6. Carlo Bartolozzi
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Lencioni, R., Vignali, C., Caramella, D. et al. Transcatheter arterial embolization followed by percutaneous ethanol injection in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 17, 70–75 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00193920

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