Transarterial ethanol ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma with lipiodol–ethanol mixture

Objective:The aim of the study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of transarterial embolization ablation (TEA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a lipiodol–ethanol mixture.Background:TEA is a new treatment strategy for HCC, and some researchers have reported its effectiveness in HCC.Patients and methods:This study was a prospective cohort study conducted at the National Liver Institute and Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, and included 40 patients having unresectable HCCs. At 3 and 6 months after TEA, triphasic computed tomography was performed, and tumor responses were assessed using a modified version of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (mRECIST).Results:Every case was treated. At 3 and 6 months after embolization, contrast computed tomography showed no enhancing lesions.a-Fetoprotein levels were significantly reduced (12.18 ± 15.67) at 6 months after treatment. The partial and complete responses of tumors were 12.5 and 87.5%, respectively, 6 months after treatment. The overall survival rate was 90%.Conclusion:TEA is an effective therapy for patients with unresectable HCC.