Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a substantial health burden globally, with liver cancer being the fourth most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In China, where the incidence of HCC is particularly high due to the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the disease accounts for a significant portion of cancer-related deaths. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has emerged as a frontline treatment option for unresectable HCC, offering palliative therapy and, in some cases, curative potential by superselective embolization.
Despite its widespread use, determining the point at which TACE becomes ineffective, termed “TACE refractoriness,” presents a challenge for clinicians. This issue is exacerbated in China, where patients often present with advanced-stage disease and higher tumor burdens, posing significant challenges for treatment.Top of Form
The lack of a standardized definition for TACE refractoriness further complicates treatment decisions, leading to variability in clinical practice and potentially suboptimal outcomes for patients.
Previous studies have explored various definitions of TACE refractoriness, but the consensus remains elusive. To address this pressing issue, the Chinese College of Interventionalists (CCI) introduced a consensus statement on “TACE refractoriness in HCC” and published it in the Chinese Medical Journal on 02 August, 2024. This consensus statement aimed to define the concept of TACE refractoriness from experienced physicians in the field of HCC treatment in China. Highlighting the importance of the study, Dr. Ni, emphasizes, “ The formulation of the CCI definition and consensus statement on ‘TACE refractoriness’ aims to introduce more reliable concepts of ‘TACE refractoriness’ so as to better guide the clinical practice of TACE for patients with HCC in China. ”
Several key consensus statements were emerged, addressing the crucial aspects of TACE refractoriness:
These consensus statements aimed to provide a framework for clinicians to better identify and manage TACE refractoriness in clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes and optimizing the standard of care for HCC in China.
This consensus statement marks a significant milestone in HCC management, providing valuable insights into defining TACE refractoriness and optimizing treatment strategies for HCC in China. By offering tailored guidelines based on evidence and expert consensus, the consensus statement aims to improve patient outcomes and enhance the standard of care for patients with HCC across the country.
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Reference
Titles of original papers: Transarterial Chemoembolization Refractoriness in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Chinese College of Interventionalists Definition and Consensus Statement
Journal: Chinese Medical Journal
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/CM9.0000000000003109
Chinese Medical Journal
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Transarterial Chemoembolization Refractoriness in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Chinese College of Interventionalists Definition and Consensus Statement
2-Aug-2024
The authors declare no competing interests