Lobar Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Ipsilateral Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis Treated with Yttrium-90 Glass Microsphere Radioembolization : Preliminary Results

Abstract EN

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is a common complication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and has a negative impact on prognosis.

This characteristic feature led to the rationale of the present trial designed to assess the efficacy and the safety of yttrium-90 glass-microsphere treatment for advanced-stage lobar HCC with ipsilateral PVTT.

18 patients with unresectable lobar HCC and ipsilateral PVTT were treated in our institution with 90Y-microS radioembolization.

Patients were evaluated every 3 to 6 months for response, survival, and toxicity.

Mean follow-up was 13.0 months (2.2–50.6).

Outcomes were: complete response (n=2), partial response (n=13), stable disease (n=1), and progressive disease (n=2) giving a disease control rate of 88.9%.

Four patients were downstaged.

Treating lobar hepatocellular carcinoma with ipsilateral portal vein thrombosis with yttrium-90 glass-microsphere radioembolization is safe and efficacious.

Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm these results and to compare 90Y-microS with sorafenib, taking into account not only survival but also the possibility of secondary surgery for putative curative intention after downstaging.