Transarterial Chemoembolization of HCC: Literature Data and Combined Early Experience of Two Hospital Centers from Morocco (80 Cases)

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignancy liver. Chemoembolization is a locoregional treatment technique in specific indications. The objective of our study is to detail the technical innovations of chemoembolization evaluating its contribution to the therapeutic management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: This is a collaborative study of two centers (Radiology Department, International University Hospital Cheikh Khalifa, and Radiology Department, Mohamed V Military Hospital), including hepatocellular cancer patients who received chemoembolization as a part of locoregional treatment. Our study is spread over 4 years and 11 months, from January 9, 2015 to January 1, 2020, on about 80 cases. The data are collected retrospectively from the medical records of the patients included in our study. Results: The mean age was 60 years. Female to male ratio was 3.5. 70% of the patients were cirrhotic and one patient had portal hypertension. All patients received lipiodole chemoembolization. One patient had an anatomical variant and four patients had portal thrombosis. 65 patients were diagnosed with stage B BCLC and 15 stage A BCLC. The technique was selective (20 patients) and nonselective (60 patients). Twenty patients benefited from a CHE with microcatheter. Two patients received surgical resection after chemoembolization. 46% complete response, 29% partial response, and 25% progress. 52% of complications. 4 cases of recurrence. Conclusion: Chemoembolization has proven its place as a reference palliative treatment for patients in the intermediate stage of the disease. Its success is based on the right selection of patients. Advances in the interventional radiology aim to broaden indications for chemoembolization.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 April 2021