Evaluating the efficacy of 8Spheres microsphere combined with Iodine-125 seeds in the treatment of advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma presenting with hemoptysis: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Hemoptysis is a critical complication in advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 8Spheres microspheres embolization combined with iodine-125 seed implantation for managing hemoptysis in patients with advanced LUSC.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed involving 45 patients diagnosed with advanced squamous cell carcinoma and experiencing hemoptysis. The primary endpoints included the control rate of hemoptysis within 24 h post-embolization, hemoptysis-free survival (HFS), and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints comprised progression-free survival (PFS) and the occurrence of complications.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100 %. Within 24 h following the 8Spheres microspheres embolization, hemoptysis was completely resolved in 31 patients, while the remaining patients showed a reduction of over 70 % in hemoptysis volume. The median HFS, median OS, and median PFS of all patients were 16 months, 15 months, and 10 months, respectively. Patients who continued with immunotherapy after the procedure demonstrated significant improvements in median HFS, median OS, and median PFS (median HFS: not reached vs. 10 months, P = 0.008; median OS: 16 months vs. 11 months, P < 0.001; median PFS: 12 months vs. 7 months, P = 0.003). The use of preoperative bronchial artery CTA imaging was shown to significantly decrease operative time (42.69 ± 8.49 vs. 64.81 ± 7.55, P < 0.05). Postoperative adverse reactions were mild and subsided with symptomatic treatment.

CONCLUSION

The combination of 8Spheres microspheres embolization and iodine-125 seed implantation is an effective and safe approach for managing hemoptysis in advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma, representing a promising therapeutic option for affected patients. Furthermore, preoperative CTA examination can significantly shorten operative time, while ongoing immunotherapy may help delay tumor progression.