Safety and efficacy of HepaSphere 50-100 μm in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of HepaSphere 50-100 μm (Merit Medical) as a doxorubicin carrier and embolization agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Material And Methods: A prospective analysis of 18 patients recruited from a national cancer center was conducted. This analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of HepaSphere, as expressed by the treatment response rate (measured by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, mRECIST) and by the prevalence of treatment-related adverse events, respectively.

Percutaneous use of ePTFE/FEP-covered metallic stent for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction.

Introduction: Placement of self-expanding metallic stents has been a standard palliative treatment for patients with inoperable biliary malignancy, aiming at improving quality of life via a minimally invasive procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous placement of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene/fluorinated ethylene propylene-covered metallic stents for palliation of inoperable biliary malignancy.

Material And Methods: Between February 2012 and April 2013, 11 patients with inoperable malignant biliary obstruction were treated with stent implantation.