Optimizing Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies, Innovations, and Future...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Interventional Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health burden with limited curative options for intermediate stages.
• Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a primary treatment for locoregional tumor control in HCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and explore strategies for optimizing TACE in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
• To highlight advancements in drug delivery, patient selection, and combination therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of current TACE optimization strategies, including drug delivery systems (e.g., drug-eluting beads) and techniques.
• Analysis of patient selection criteria (BCLC staging, liver function, performance status).
• Examination of emerging combination therapies (TACE with systemic agents or immunotherapy) and TACE's role in liver transplantation.

Main Results:

• Optimized TACE involves advanced drug delivery and precise patient selection.
• Combination therapies with systemic agents or immunotherapy show promise for improved survival.
• TACE serves as a crucial bridge to liver transplantation.

Conclusions:

• TACE optimization, personalized approaches, and combination therapies are key to improving HCC patient outcomes.
• Further research is needed to refine TACE, minimize risks, and validate new strategies.
• Integrating AI and radiomics may enhance treatment personalization and response prediction.