[Palliative treatment of primary lung tumors with transpulmonary chemoembolization (TPCE)]

To evaluate transpulmonary chemoembolization (TPCE) as a symptomatic palliative method for treating inoperable primary lung tumors.

From 2002 to 2005, 17 patients (17 males, 3 females; average age: 64.5 years) suffering from primary lung tumors were treated in 3.6 sessions (range: 2 to 8) using TPCE. The patients had the following primary tumors: adenocarcinoma (n = 6), pleural mesothelioma (n = 2), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1), small cell carcinoma (n = 1), and non-small cell carcinoma (n = 7). After femoral vein puncture, tumor-supplying pulmonary arteries were selectively explored, and 5 - 10 mg mitomycin C and 5 - 10 mL lipiodol and microsphere particles (Spherex) (20 - 70 microm in diameter) were applied with balloon protection. Diagnosis and follow-up were performed in 4-week intervals with unenhanced and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). The mean follow-up was 11.3 months.

Treatment was well tolerated by all patients with no major side effects or complications. The laboratory parameters were not significantly influenced. 11.8 % of the patients (n = 2) showed high or moderate lipiodol uptake, and 76.5 % (n = 13) showed low lipiodol uptake. After evaluation of morphologic criteria, a mean volume regression of 12.1 ml (40.4 %) of the embolized areas was achieved in four patients (23.5 %), while a constant value was identified during follow-up for seven patients (41.2 %). In six patients (35.3 %), progression of the treated lung tumors was recorded. The tumor increased by a mean of 38.37 ml (165.38 %).

TPCE is a well-tolerated palliative treatment option for patients with primary lung tumors.