Safety and Efficacy of Glass Membrane Pumping Emulsification Device in Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: First Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Aim: Novel glass membrane pumping emulsification devices (GMDs) enable the formation of a high-percentage water-in-oil emulsion with homogeneous and stable droplets. Although GMDs are expected to improve therapeutic effects in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), clinical outcomes are not yet available. Patients and Methods: A total of 26 patients with unresectable HCC who underwent TACE using a GMD were analyzed retrospectively. Ethiodized oil was mixed with epirubicin solution using a GMD. The emulsion was injected into the tumor-feeding artery, followed by embolization. Results: The median size of HCCs was 28 (range=15-60) mm, and 15 nodules were solitary. Overall treatment effects were complete response in 18 cases (90%) and partial response in two (10%). The local recurrence rate at 6 months was 24.2%. No major complication was observed except for grade 4 elevations of liver enzymes in one case. Conclusion: TACE using a GMD is effective and safe in clinical practice.