An analysis of the clinical efficacy and safety of a temperature-sensitive liquid embolic agent loaded with lobaplatin for the treatment of unresectable primary hepatocellular carcinoma through chemoembolization

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical value of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using a temperature-sensitive liquid embolic agent for the interventional treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: The clinical data and follow-up results sourced from the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were retrospectively analyzed from February 2023 to May 2023. Clinical efficacy was assessed through follow-up imaging using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) version 1.1. In addition, adverse reactions and adverse events were observed and classified using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTC) version 3.0. RESULTS: Among the 11 patients analyzed in this study, a total of 41 lesions were identified. The average maximum diameter of the lesions was 3.55 ± 1.88 cm (range: 1.70 cm-6.60 cm). One month postoperatively, the efficacy assessment revealed complete response (CR) in 1 case, partial response (PR) in 9 cases, stable disease (SD) in 1 case, and progression in 0 case. The objective response rate (CR + PR) was 90.91%, and the disease control rate (CR + PR + SD) was 100%. Postoperative adverse reactions were mostly of grade 1-2, including abdominal pain, bloating, fever, nausea, and vomiting. CONCLUSION: The use of temperature-sensitive liquid embolic agents loaded with lobaplatin for chemoembolization in the treatment of unresectable primary liver cancer is a safe and effective therapeutic modality.