Liver-directed therapies for fibrolamellar carcinoma: A single-center experience

This article aims to present the single-institution outcomes of patients with Fibrolamellar Carcinoma (FLC) treated with liver-directed therapies (LDT).

In this single-center retrospective study, all patients diagnosed with FLC who underwent LDT were identified. Between July 2012 and July 2023, six patients were identified. One patient was excluded due to bleeding. Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. Complications within 30 days of the LDT were evaluated. Radiological treatment responses at 1, 6, and 12 months were assessed per mRECIST.

A total of five patients, which included three females and two males, were reviewed. Three patients were treated with transarterial hepatic embolization (TAE; n = 3), transarterial radioembolization (TARE; n = 1), and combined TAE + radiofrequency ablation (n = 1). The objective response rate at one month was 80% [CR = 2 (40%), PR = 2 (40%), and SD = 1 (20%)]. At 12 months (n = 4), two patients demonstrated CR (50%) and two demonstrated PR (50%). Overall survival from LDT at five years was 50%. There was no 30-day mortality among this group of patients or any adverse event attributable to the LDT.

TAE, TARE, and ablation are safe and effective therapeutic options for FLC. Based on this study and previously published case reports, ablation and TARE yielded the most favorable results.