Long-term outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided laser ablation for liver tumors in the caudate lobe: 5 years of experience. (4th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Min; Xu, Danxia; Deng, Zhuang; Tian, Guo; Jiang, Tian'an
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology. Volume 58:Number 5(2023)
• Page Start: 558
• Page End: 564
• Publication Date: 2023-05-04
• Subjects: Endoscopic ultrasound -- laser ablation -- liver -- caudate lobe -- tumor; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2022.2148833
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-5521

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Liver tumor in the caudate lobe is challenging to treat, partly due to its deep location. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided laser ablation (EUS-LA) is a new attractive option for tumors in high-risk or difficult-to-reach locations. This prospective study investigated the long-term efficacy of EUS-LA for tumors in the caudate lobe, and factors that predict outcomes. Methods: From June 2016 to July 2021, twenty consecutive patients (aged 56.95 ± 10.06 years) with 25 caudate lobe tumors (15.64 ± 6.37 mm) underwent EUS-LA. Treatment outcomes were assessed and predictive factors were calculated via univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Twenty-five tumors achieved complete ablation after the first or second session of EUS-LA. The treatment effectiveness was 100%. During a median follow up of 27 months (3–60), four tumors (16%) developed local tumor progression and 15 patients (75%) experienced intrahepatic distant recurrence. According to univariate and multivariate analyses, the significant prognostic factor of local tumor progression was tumor size >2 cm ( p = 0.047). Significant prognostic factors of intrahepatic distant recurrence were: tumor number, alpha-fetoprotein level, and total bilirubin level ( p = 0.020, 0.019, 0.010, respectively). No adverse events related to EUS-LA were observed. Conclusion: EUS-LA is a viable, safe, and effective treatment option for patients with liver tumor in the caudate lobe. Tumor size >2 cm increases the risk of post-procedural local tumor progression. Intrahepatic tumor number, and pretreatment alpha-fetoprotein level and total bilirubin level are associated with intrahepatic distant recurrence. Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT02816944(June 29, 2016)