Background: HCC is a major global health challenge. TACE is the first-line non-curative therapy for certain cases. However, patients in CPT-B or C are cautioned against TACE due to an increased risk of liver failure and mortality, particularly with non-selective lobar chemoembolization approaches. Advances in super-selective embolization techniques have mitigated these risks, creating new therapeutic options for patients with compromised liver function. This study aimed to evaluate the tumor response of transarterial bland embolization in (CPT-B) patients with HCC. Methods: This prospective study evaluated the tumor response of TABE in 25 CPT-B patients with HCC over one year. The TABE procedure, conducted under fluoroscopic guidance, involved hepatic arteriography and super-selective embolization using size-specific embolic materials. Posttreatment and tumor response were assessed through imaging and alpha-fetoprotein levels in serum. Results: participants with a single lesion were more likely to achieve a complete response. In contrast, the mean largest lesion dimension was significantly smaller in participants who achieved a complete response compared to those who did not (4.2 ± 1.4 cm vs. 6.2 ± 1.9 cm, P = 0.007). The best cutoff point of Child-Paugh score to predict incomplete response was > 8, at which sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 66.7%, 100%, 100%, and 84.2%, respectively. Child-Pugh score remained a significant predictor OR = 10.891, 95% CI: 1.097–108.116, P = 0.041). Conclusion: TABE is an effective treatment modality for HCC in CPT-B patients, achieving a complete response in most cases with Child-Pugh score being the strongest predictor. |
