Risk Factors for Postembolization Syndrome After Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Hepatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) is a key treatment for unresectable liver tumors.
• Postembolization Syndrome (PES) is the most frequent complication following TACE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors associated with PES development after TACE for liver neoplasms.
• To analyze patient and procedural variables influencing PES incidence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 163 patients undergoing TACE (01/01/2012 - 31/01/2018).
• Evaluation of factors including age, gender, chemotherapy, tumor characteristics, embolization material, and procedural technique.
• PES diagnosis based on medication for pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting.

Main Results:

• PES occurred in 55% of 316 analyzed TACE procedures.
• Increased risk of PES linked to tumor size (>5 cm), multiple tumors treated, and non-super-selective TACE.
• No significant association found between PES and age, gender, ascites, tumor type, embolic agent size, or chemotherapy drug type.

Conclusions:

• Tumor size, number of tumors, and TACE technique (super-selective vs. non-super-selective) are significant predictors of PES.
• These findings can help optimize TACE procedures and patient management to mitigate PES risk.