Transcatheter chemo-embolization effective for treating hepatocellular carcinoma. A histopathologic study

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary surgery
• Surgical oncology
• Interventional radiology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents significant treatment challenges.
• Surgical resection is a primary curative treatment for HCC.
• Minimizing tumor burden and vascularity preoperatively can improve surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of combined intra-arterial embolization and chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
• To assess the impact of this neoadjuvant treatment on tumor characteristics and surgical resectability.

Main Methods:

• Histopathologic analysis of liver tissues from 14 patients with HCC.
• Patients received neoadjuvant treatment combining Gelfoam embolization and intra-arterial chemotherapy.
• Surgical resection was performed following the neoadjuvant therapy.

Main Results:

• The combined treatment significantly reduced tumor vascularity and bulk.
• Surgical resection was facilitated by the preoperative treatment.
• The approach was especially effective for solitary tumors smaller than 4 cm in diameter.
• Tumor liquefaction and necrosis were consistently observed.

Conclusions:

• Combined intra-arterial embolization and chemotherapy is an effective neoadjuvant strategy for HCC.
• This approach enhances surgical resectability and may reduce the risk of metastasis.