Efficacy of Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Glass Membrane Emulsification Device

Abstract

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard treatment for BCLC-B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The glass membrane emulsification device (GMD), a novel device, produces a high percentage of water/oil emulsions with homogeneous and stable droplets. There are few reports on the efficacy of GMD-conventional-TACE (GMD-c-TACE). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of GMD-c-TACE. Methods: Seventy-one patients with HCC of tumor diameter <5 cm who underwent c-TACE with and without GMD were included in this study to investigate local recurrence and hepatic functional reserve. Results: Local recurrence rates without GMD-TACE was 3.0% at 6 months, 16.7% at 12 months, 35.0% at 18 months, and it then plateaued. Hence, the local recurrence rate in the GMD-c-TACE group was 7.7% at 14 months and 23.1% at 20 months, respectively. GMD-c-TACE had a significantly lower local recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that GMD-c-TACE could suppress local recurrence and maintain the hepatic reserve. Conclusions: GMD-c-TACE allows dense accumulation of lipiodol in the tumor and attainment of good local control. Additionally, the inhibition of the release of anticancer drugs may maintain the hepatic reserve. GMD-c-TACE is useful in preventing local recurrence and is expected to become the standard treatment form of c-TACE in the future.