Subsegmental transcatheter arterial embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe.

PURPOSE

To clarify the effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the caudate lobe of the liver.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen patients with HCC in the caudate lobe underwent TAE. TAE was performed by injection of the mixture of anticancer drugs (mitomycin C and doxorubicin or epirubicin) and iodized oil, followed by gelatin sponge particles. Arterial anatomy of the caudate branch, local recurrence rate, and survival rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

From 31 TAEs for the caudate lobe, 22 subsegmental TAEs were successfully performed (71%). Local recurrence in the caudate lobe was seen in 10 patients (77%). Subsegmental TAE for the caudate lobe was repeated one to five times. Cumulative local recurrence rates were 33% and 75% within 3 and 6 months, respectively. Survival rates after first TAE for HCC in the caudate lobe were 89% and 74% for 1 and 3 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Local recurrence rate after subsegmental TAE for HCC in the caudate lobe was high. However, repeated subsegmental TAE possibly improves the prognosis of HCC in the caudate lobe.