Published online Jan 28, 2018. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i4.484
Peer-review started: October 29, 2017
First decision: November 30, 2017
Revised: December 10, 2017
Accepted: December 20, 2017
Article in press: December 20, 2017
Published online: January 28, 2018
Recently, some studies recommended that the combination of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and sorafenib (TACE-S) may be used as an alternative for patients with advanced-stage HCC. However, it is still uncertain which patients can obtain survival benefits from TACE-S treatment.
The aim of this study was to find some clinical biomarkers that can early predict improved survival in patients with advanced-stage HCC treated with TACE-S therapy, which will be beneficial to the choice of the patients who received TACE-S therapy.
The objective of this study was to identify which clinical biomarkers that could early predict improved survival in patients with advanced-stage HCC treated with TACE-S. This may help us make decisions about subsequent therapies and choose the timing of sorafenib treatment.
A retrospective study was performed. The mRECIST-evaluated early disease control (including complete response, partial response, and stable disease) and multiple clinical variables at the first follow-up 4-6 wk after TACE-S were analyzed to identify the factors affecting survival.
No previous TACE, the absence of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), and mRECIST-evaluated disease control at the first follow-up assessment 4-6 wk after TACE-S were independent prognostic factors for better survival. The incidence and severity of adverse events are similar to that observed in previous study.
The first follow-up 4-6 wk after TACE-S can be used as the earliest time point at which the response to TACE-S should be evaluated in patients with advanced-stage HCC. At this point, mRECIST-evaluated disease control could be considered a valuable early indicator for making subsequent therapeutic decisions and predicting long-term survival. In addition, patients who received previous TACE or had main PVTT had worse outcomes.
A further prospective study is needed to confirm mRECIST-evaluated disease control at the first follow-up 4-6 wk after TACE-S as an early indicator for predicting improved survival in patients with advanced-stage HCC treated with TACE-S therapy.