A randomized single blind controlled trial of beads versus doxorubicin-eluting beads for arterial embolization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Abstract

143 Background: HAE using particles is a method of treatment for HCC. The added role of doxorubicin has never been fully understood biologically. To date, no study has demonstrated any difference in outcome using HAE versus trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: Patients (pts) with unresectable Okuda stage I or II HCC with adequate liver function were randomized to BB or LC loaded with 150 mg of doxorubicin. Pts were evaluated by multiphasic CT 2-3 weeks post-treatment. Progression by RECIST and/or evidence of ≤5% necrosis was considered treatment failure. Otherwise pts were followed with CT every 3 months until progression or death. Pts with either recurrent tumor or new tumor outside the treated area could be re-treated. The primary objective was response rate (RR) by RECIST. With 50 pts in each arm response rates can be estimated to within +/- 14%. Secondary objectives included assessing safety and tolerability, time to progression (TTP), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Quantification of tumor necrosis (TN) using CT volumetric data was correlated with outcome. Analyses were intention-to-treat. Results: Between December of 2007 and March of 2012, 101 pts were randomized, 51 to BB and 50 to LC. Demographics in the two groups were comparable: median age was 67, 77% were male and 81% were Okuda I. Median number of embolizations was 2 in both arms. There was no difference in adverse events, the most common being post-embolization syndrome of pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting (84% in both groups). There was no difference in RR: BB 11% vs LC 9% (p=0.58). Median TTP was not reached. 12 month TTP was 49 versus 56% (p=0.84), median PFS was 7 versus 9 (p=0.6), and OS 14 versus 16 months (p=0.7) for BB and LC respectively. Change in TN/tumor volume post treatment did not predict OS in either group (p=0.28). Conclusions: No difference in response was noted between pts treated with BB versus LC. Given the comparable safety profile, TTP, PFS and OS, HAE should be considered a reasonable and cost-effective therapeutic option and may be preferable to LC. Clinical trial information: NCT00539643.