Integrated I-125 Seed Implantation Combined with Transarterial Chemoembolization for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Main Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus

Purpose To compare the safety and efficacy of integrated iodine-125 (I-125) seed implantation (sequential implantation of helical I-125 seed implant into the main portal vein and of I-125 seeds into the branch tumor thrombus directly forming main portal vein tumor thrombus (MPVTT)) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) versus TACE alone for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with MPVTT. Materials and Methods From December 2016 to January 2020, 46 HCC patients with MPVTT were analyzed. In the combination group, 21 patients received helical I-125 seed implantation in the main portal vein through a patent small portal vein branch and TACE in a single session. After 7-10 days, I-125 seeds were implanted percutaneously into the branch tumor thrombus directly forming MPVTT. In the TACE group, 25 patients received TACE alone. Thereafter, TACE was repeated as needed in both groups. Adverse events, tumor response, and overall survival (OS) of the two groups were compared. Results No adverse events grade >= 3 were observed in either group. The optimal objective response rate and disease control rate for MPVTT in the combination group and TACE group were 52.4% versus 4.0% (P < 0.001) and 85.7% versus 32.0% (P < 0.001), respectively. Median OS in the combination group (9.8 months) was longer than in the TACE group (5.2 months) (P = 0.024). Multivariate analysis revealed that, compared with the TACE group, the mortality risk in the combination group significantly decreased (hazard ratio: 0.444; P = 0.020). Conclusion Integrated I-125 seed implantation combined with TACE is a safe and effective treatment for HCC with MPVTT.

Automated summary

The study compared the safety and efficacy of integrated iodine-125 seed implantation combined with TACE versus TACE alone in treating HCC patients with MPVTT. Results showed that the combination treatment group had a significantly higher objective response rate and disease control rate for MPVTT, as well as longer median overall survival compared to the TACE group. Integrated I-125 seed implantation combined with TACE was found to be a safe and effective treatment for HCC with MPVTT.