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Scolozzi V, Nicoletti A, Capotosti A, Ponziani FR, Taralli S, Genco E, Leccisotti L, Moretti R, Indovina L, Pompili M, Calcagni ML. 13N-Ammonia PET-CT for Evaluating Response to Antiangiogenic Therapy and Prognosis in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study. Cancers (Basel) 2025; 17:656. [PMID: 40002251 PMCID: PMC11853641 DOI: 10.3390/cancers17040656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2025] [Accepted: 02/14/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To prospectively investigate dynamic 13N-ammonia PET-CT for evaluating early treatment response and predicting prognosis in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who have undergone antiangiogenic therapy. METHODS Dynamic 13N-ammonia PET-CT was performed in 23 advanced HCC patients before antiangiogenic therapy (baseline) and in 18/23 patients after 8-10 weeks of treatment (post-therapy). At kinetic PET-CT analysis, mean, maximum, and peak values of K1 (mL/cm3/min) and k2 (min-1) were estimated in HCC lesions and non-neoplastic liver using cardiologic 13N-ammonia PET-CT in 15 patients without any liver diseases as normal controls. Outcome endpoints were treatment response after 8-10 weeks assessed by contrast-enhanced CT, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS At both baseline and post-therapy PET-CT, all kinetic PET parameters were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HCC lesions than in non-neoplastic and healthy liver of HCC patients and controls. According to mRECIST criteria, 13/18 patients (72.2%) were responders (1 CR, 1 PR, and 11 SD), and 5/18 patients (27.8%) were non-responders (PD), with no significant differences in baseline and post-therapy PET parameters between the two groups. At follow-up (median: 14.2 months), 15/18 patients (83.3%) experienced radiological progression, and 14/18 (77.8%) died (7/14 within 12 months from treatment). The nine earlier-progression patients (within 6 months from treatment) showed significantly lower baseline K1mean in HCC lesions than all nine patients with later or no-progression (p = 0.03). Patients still alive 12 months after treatment (n = 11) showed significantly lower post-therapy K1mean (p = 0.05), K1max (p = 0.05), and K1peak (p = 0.03) in non-neoplastic liver than patients with shorter OS (n = 7). CONCLUSIONS In advanced HCC patients treated with antiangiogenic agents, kinetic parameters from baseline and post-therapy 13N-ammonia PET-CT may predict early disease progression and survival. PET-CT seems not able to discriminate responders and non-responders after 8-10 weeks of treatment, suggesting the need for future and larger studies after a longer treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Scolozzi
- Unità di Medicina Nucleare, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radioterapia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Nicoletti
- Liver Unit, CEMAD-Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Amedeo Capotosti
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radioterapia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Liver Unit, CEMAD-Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Taralli
- Unità di Medicina Nucleare, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radioterapia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Enza Genco
- Radiologia Addomino-Pelvica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radioterapia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Leccisotti
- Unità di Medicina Nucleare, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radioterapia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Medicina Nucleare, Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Moretti
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radioterapia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Indovina
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radioterapia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Liver Unit, CEMAD-Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Calcagni
- Unità di Medicina Nucleare, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radioterapia Oncologica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Medicina Nucleare, Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Hu H, Zhao Y, He C, Qian L, Huang P. Ultrasonography of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Diagnosis to Prognosis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:516-524. [PMID: 38779517 PMCID: PMC11106354 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2024.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prominent contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide. Early detection and diagnosis of liver cancer can significantly improve its prognosis and patient survival. Ultrasound technology, serving has undergone substantial advances as the primary method of HCC surveillance and has broadened its scope in recent years for effective management of HCC. This article is a comprehensive overview of ultrasound technology in the treatment of HCC, encompassing early detection, diagnosis, staging, treatment evaluation, and prognostic assessment. In addition, the authors summarized the application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of HCC and assessment of prognosis. Finally, the authors discussed further directions in this field by emphasizing overcoming existing obstacles and integrating cutting-edge technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huisen Hu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Lanxi People’s Hospital, Lanxi, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yonglei Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengbin He
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lujie Qian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pintong Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Sun D, Zhang X, Sun Y, Mu Z, Wang H, Zhang Y, Liang J, Lin Y. Early Structural, Biochemical, and Metabolic Responses to Anlotinib in Patients With Progressive Radioactive Iodine Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Endocr Pract 2024; 30:456-464. [PMID: 38447630 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the early efficacy of anlotinib in patients with progressive radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer at the structural, biochemical, and metabolic levels. METHODS Ten eligible patients were prospectively enrolled to receive anlotinib. Their responses were assessed at 6 weeks. Apart from the structural response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1, the biochemical response was assessed by serum thyroglobulin (Tg), and the metabolic response was assessed by 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. A safety profile was recorded. RESULTS Structurally controlled disease (20% partial response + 80% stable disease) was observed in all patients. The median longest diameter of target lesions shrank from 20.8 mm (IQR, 14.9-27.5) to 17.0 mm (IQR, 14.1-23.7) (P < .001), and the average shrinkage rate was -15.1 ± 14.1%. Sharp serum Tg reduction by 72.8 ± 16.4% was observed in 8 measurable patients. The 18F-FDG PET/CT-mapped glucose metabolic response was not quite comparable to the structural response, with 90% of the patients having controlled disease (30% partial metabolic response + 60% stable metabolic disease), whereas 10% presented progressive metabolic disease. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were hypertension (100%) and proteinuria (70%). Most AEs were grade 1 or 2, whereas grade 3 AEs occurred only in hypertension. CONCLUSION Anlotinib is generally well tolerated and can bring early disease control within the initial 6 weeks of treatment. The sharp biochemical response suggests Tg to be an early sensitive biomarker to anlotinib, whereas the heterogeneous metabolic response might play a complementary role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & PUMC, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & PUMC, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yuqing Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & PUMC, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhuanzhuan Mu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & PUMC, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266012, China
| | - Yingqiang Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & PUMC, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Oncology, Peking University International Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 102206, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis & Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Yansong Lin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & PUMC, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing 100730, China.
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Zhang Y, Zheng R, Liu M, Zhang X, Sun Y, Shen H, Chen S, Cai H, Guo W, Xie X, Liu B, Huang G. Quantitative Parameters of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Predicting the Response to Combined Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor and Anti-angiogenesis Therapies for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:352-357. [PMID: 38072718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the work described here was to explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) quantitative parameters in predicting the response of combined immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and anti-angiogenesis therapies for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Sixty-six HCC patients who underwent combined ICI and anti-angiogenesis therapies were prospectively enrolled. A CEUS examination was performed at baseline, and tumor perfusion parameters were obtained with perfusion quantification software. The differences in CEUS quantitative parameters between the responder and non-responder groups were compared, and the correlations between CEUS parameters and progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated. RESULTS The objective response rate (ORR) was 21.2%. The values of rising time (RT) ratio, time to peak ratio, fall time ratio, peak enhancement ratio, wash-in rate ratio, wash-in perfusion index ratio and wash-out rate ratio differed significantly differed between the responder and non-responder groups (all p values < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the RT ratio was the only independent factor associated with the ORR (odds ratio = 0.007, 95% confidence interval: 0.000-0.307, p = 0.010). The median RT ratios of the responder and non-responder groups were 36.9 and 58.9, respectively (p = 0.006). The appropriate cutoff point of the RT ratio was 80.1, determined with the X-tile program. Survival analysis indicated high PFS for the patients with a lower RT ratio (high RT ratio vs. low RT ratio = 4.4 mo vs. not reached, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION CEUS quantitative parameters may predict the efficacy of ICI and anti-angiogenesis combined therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiying Zheng
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoer Zhang
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueting Sun
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Song Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongjie Cai
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbo Guo
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xie
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoxian Liu
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangliang Huang
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Guangxi Hospital Division of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangxi, China.
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Cerrito L, Ainora ME, Cuccia G, Galasso L, Mignini I, Esposto G, Garcovich M, Riccardi L, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Prediction of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Response to Systemic and Locoregional Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:551. [PMID: 38339302 PMCID: PMC10854581 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer and the sixth most common malignant tumor in the world, with an incidence of 2-8% per year in patients with hepatic cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. Despite surveillance schedules, it is sometimes diagnosed at an advanced stage, requiring complex therapeutic efforts with both locoregional and systemic treatments. Traditional radiological tools (computed tomography and magnetic resonance) are used for the post-treatment follow-up of HCC. The first follow-up imaging is performed at 4 weeks after resection or locoregional treatments, or after 3 months from the beginning of systemic therapies, and subsequently every 3 months for the first 2 years. For this reason, these radiological methods do not grant the possibility of an early distinction between good and poor therapeutic response. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) have gained the interest of several researchers for their potential role in the early assessment of response to locoregional treatments (chemoembolization) or antiangiogenic therapies in patients with advanced HCC. In fact, DCE-US, through a quantitative analysis performed by specific software, allows the construction of time-intensity curves, providing an evaluation of the parameters related to neoplastic tissue perfusion and its potential changes following therapies. It has the invaluable advantage of being easily repeatable, minimally invasive, and able to grant important evaluations regarding patients' survival, essential for well-timed therapeutic changes in case of unsatisfying response, and eventual further treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cerrito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (M.E.A.); (G.C.); (G.E.); (M.G.); (L.R.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (I.M.)
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (M.E.A.); (G.C.); (G.E.); (M.G.); (L.R.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (I.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Cuccia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (M.E.A.); (G.C.); (G.E.); (M.G.); (L.R.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (I.M.)
| | - Linda Galasso
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (I.M.)
| | - Irene Mignini
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (I.M.)
| | - Giorgio Esposto
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (M.E.A.); (G.C.); (G.E.); (M.G.); (L.R.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (I.M.)
| | - Matteo Garcovich
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (M.E.A.); (G.C.); (G.E.); (M.G.); (L.R.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (I.M.)
| | - Laura Riccardi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (M.E.A.); (G.C.); (G.E.); (M.G.); (L.R.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (I.M.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (M.E.A.); (G.C.); (G.E.); (M.G.); (L.R.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (I.M.)
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (M.E.A.); (G.C.); (G.E.); (M.G.); (L.R.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.G.); (I.M.)
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Zhou F, Sun Y, Hou Y, Liu F, Yu X. Intratumoral perfusion may affect microwave ablation area of hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Hyperthermia 2023; 40:2268892. [PMID: 37927295 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2023.2268892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the effect of intratumoral perfusion on microwave ablation (MWA) area in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Patients who underwent curative MWA for HCC between October 2013 and May 2015 were enrolled. Three days before MWA, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed to illustrate the perfusion characteristics of the target lesion. Using the Sonoliver quantification software, time-intensity curves of dynamic CEUS were obtained, and quantitative parameters were extracted. Two microwave antennae were inserted into the center of the tumor and MWA was performed with a continuous power output of 50 W for 5 min. A second CEUS was performed to measure the size of the ablated region. Thereafter, an additional MWA procedure was performed until complete ablation with a 5-10-mm safety margin was achieved. RESULTS A total of 38 patients who underwent curative MWA for 39 HCC nodules were enrolled. The mean age was 57 years (34-80 years), and the median maximum diameter of the HCC was 3.4 cm (interquartile range, 2-6.8 cm). Time-intensity curves were obtained and the area under the curve (AUC) was selected as a parameter for intratumoral perfusion. The AUC was inversely and linearly correlated with the size of the MWA area, including long- and short-axis diameters and ablation volume. A 1,000-dB·s change in the AUC produced an average change of 1.17 ± 0.44 mm, 0.725 ± 0.355 mm, and 2.4995 ± 0.6575 cm³ in the long- and short-axis diameters and ablation volume, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The intratumoral perfusion of HCC was inversely correlated with MWA area size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fubo Zhou
- Department of Vascular Ultrasonography, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ya Sun
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yaxin Hou
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fangyi Liu
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Yu
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Gao Y, Zeng X, Liao X. Correlation between microvessel maturity and ISUP grades assessed using contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasonography in prostate cancer. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230772. [PMID: 37588658 PMCID: PMC10426265 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the correlation among the peak intensity (PI) values of quantitative parameters, microvessel density (MVD), microvessel maturity, and International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grades in biopsy specimens from prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The study population included PCa patients who underwent targeted and systematic biopsy, without radiation or chemohormonal therapy before biopsy. Contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasonography (CE-TRUS) was performed in all patients before biopsy. Contrast-enhancement patterns and PI values of quantitative parameters were observed. Tumor tissue samples were immunostained for CD31 expression. MVD, microvessel maturity, and ISUP grades were determined in prostate biopsy specimens. Based on the contrast enhancement patterns of prostate lesions, 16 patients were assigned to a low-enhancement group and 45 to a high-enhancement group. The number of mature vessels, MVD, mature vessel index, and ISUP grades were all higher in the high-enhancement group than in the low-enhancement group (all P < 0.05). The immature vessel index was lower in the high-enhancement group than in the low-enhancement group (P < 0.05). The PI value was positively correlated with the number of mature vessels (r = 0.372). In conclusion, enhancement patterns on CE-TRUS can reflect microvessel maturity in PCa. The PI value was positively correlated with the number of mature vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Gao
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 530021Guangxi, China
| | - Xuerong Zeng
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 530021Guangxi, China
| | - Xinhong Liao
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Rd,
Nanning, 530021Guangxi, China
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8
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Zocco MA, Cintoni M, Ainora ME, Garcovich M, Lupascu A, Iezzi R, Annichiarico BE, Siciliano M, Riccardi L, Rapaccini GL, Grieco A, Pompili M, Gasbarrini A. Noninvasive Evaluation of Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: The Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Perfusion Imaging and Elastography. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2023; 44:428-435. [PMID: 36526267 DOI: 10.1055/a-1933-2847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the gold standard for assessing the degree of portal hypertension (PH), but it is not suitable for routine clinical use. The recently developed ultrasonography techniques, dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (D-CEUS) and liver stiffness (LS), have expanded the possibilities for noninvasive evaluation. AIMS To investigate the usefulness of D-CEUS and elastographic parameters in assessing the presence and degree of PH. METHODS This is a prospective monocentric study. Patients with liver cirrhosis referred for HVPG measurements underwent hepatic Doppler ultrasound, LS measurement, and D-CEUS with a second-generation contrast agent. Pearson's correlation and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to assess the role of noninvasive findings in predicting clinically significant PH (CSPH) and severe PH (SPH). RESULTS 46 consecutive patients (31 men; mean age±SD: 57±11 years) were enrolled. A significant positive correlation was noted between LS and HVPG (r = 0.809, p<0.0001) with an area under the ROC curve of 0.923. A cut-off value of 24.2 kPa best predicted CSPH with a positive predictive value of 85%. Among the D-CEUS features, the area under the ROC curves of liver parenchyma peak intensity (PI-LP) was greater than the other indices both for CSPH and SPH (1.000 and 0.981, respectively). A PI-LP under 23.3 arbitrary units indicated the presence of CSPH with a sensitivity and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION A multimodal ultrasound approach based on D-CEUS and LS might become a reliable predictor of CSPH and SPH and a useful alternative to HVPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Assunta Zocco
- Internal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cintoni
- Clinical Nutrition, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Garcovich
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lupascu
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Iezzi
- Radiology, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Siciliano
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Riccardi
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Ludovico Rapaccini
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Grieco
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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9
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Paratore M, Garcovich M, Ainora ME, Riccardi L, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound in gastrointestinal diseases: A current trend or an indispensable tool? World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4021-4035. [PMID: 37476588 PMCID: PMC10354578 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i25.4021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been widely implemented in clinical practice because of the enormous quantity of information it provides, along with its low cost, reproducibility, minimal invasiveness, and safety of the second-generation ultrasound contrast agents. To overcome the limitation of CEUS given by the subjective evaluation of the contrast enhancement behaviour, quantitative analysis of contrast kinetics with generation of time-intensity curves has been introduced in recent years. The quantification of perfusion parameters [named as dynamic-CEUS (D-CEUS)] has several applications in gastrointestinal neoplastic and inflammatory disorders. However, the limited availability of large studies and the heterogeneity of the technologies employed have precluded the standardisation of D-CEUS, which potentially represents a valuable tool for clinical practice in management of gastrointestinal diseases. In this article, we reviewed the evidence exploring the application of D-CEUS in gastrointestinal diseases, with a special focus on liver, pancreas, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Paratore
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Matteo Garcovich
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Laura Riccardi
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
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10
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Characterization of spatially mapped volumetric molecular ultrasound signals for predicting response to anti-vascular therapy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1686. [PMID: 36717575 PMCID: PMC9886917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26273-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative three-dimensional molecular ultrasound is a promising technology for longitudinal imaging applications such as therapy monitoring; the risk profile is favorable compared to positron emission tomography and computed tomography. However, clinical translation of quantitative methods for this technology are limited in that they assume that tumor tissues are homogeneous, and often depend on contrast-destruction events that can produce unintended bioeffects. Here, we develop quantitative features (henceforth image features) that capture tumor spatial information, and that are extracted without contrast destruction. We compare these techniques with the contrast-destruction derived differential targeted enhancement parameter (dTE) in predicting response to therapy. We found thirty-three reproducible image features that predict response to antiangiogenic therapy, without the need for a contrast agent disruption pulse. Multiparametric analysis shows that several of these image features can differentiate treated versus control animals with comparable performance to post-destruction measurements, suggesting that these can potentially replace parameters such as the dTE. The highest performing pre-destruction image features showed strong linear correlations with conventional dTE parameters with less overall variance. Thus, our study suggests that image features obtained during the wash in of the molecular agent, pre-destruction, may replace conventional post-destruction image features or the dTE parameter.
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11
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Uchikawa S, Kawaoka T, Fujino H, Ono A, Nakahara T, Murakami E, Yamauchi M, Miki D, Imamura M, Aikata H. Evaluation of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2023; 50:57-62. [PMID: 36169740 PMCID: PMC10912139 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-022-01260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous reports suggest that contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is useful for predicting the efficacy of sorafenib and lenvatinib treatment. However, there are no reports on the utility of CEUS for predicting the efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy (Atezo + Bev). This study aimed to identify CEUS parameters for predicting the efficacy of Atezo + Bev. METHODS A total of 30 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with Atezo + Bev who underwent CEUS before and 5 weeks after treatment initiation were included. RESULTS Post area under the curve (post AUC) was identified as a predictive factor for early progressive disease (PD). The optimal cut-off value of post AUC for predicting progression-free survival (PFS) was 61.3. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that CEUS at 5 weeks after initiation of Atezo + Bev may predict PFS in HCC patients. Changes to the treatment plan may need to be considered in patients with post AUC > 61.3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinsuke Uchikawa
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Kawaoka
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| | - Hatsue Fujino
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ono
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masami Yamauchi
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Daiki Miki
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Division of Frontier Medical Science Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
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12
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He P, Wan H, Wan J, Jiang H, Yang Y, Xie K, Wu H. Systemic therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: Existing and emerging biomarkers for treatment response. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1015527. [PMID: 36483039 PMCID: PMC9723250 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1015527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to asymptomatic patients in the early stage, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and lose the opportunity for radical resection. In addition, for patients who underwent procedures with curative intent for early-stage HCC, up to 70% of patients may have disease recurrence within 5 years. With the advent of an increasing number of systemic therapy medications, we now have more options for the treatment of HCC. However, data from clinical studies show that with different combinations of regimens, the objective response rate is approximately 40%, and most patients will not respond to treatment. In this setting, biomarkers for predicting treatment response are of great significance for precise treatment, reducing drug side effects and saving medical resources. In this review, we summarized the existing and emerging biomarkers in the literature, with special emphasis on the pathways and mechanism underlying the prediction value of those biomarkers for systemic treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui He
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haifeng Wan
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Juan Wan
- Department of Pancreatitis Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanyu Jiang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kunlin Xie
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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13
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Early Assessment of Chemoradiotherapy Response for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112662. [PMID: 36359506 PMCID: PMC9689529 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) and quantitative parameters in early prediction of tumor response to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (LAPC). Patients and Methods: In this prospective study, patients with biopsy-proved and histopathologically proved LAPC who underwent regular CRT were recruited. DCE-US evaluations were performed before and four months after CRT. SonoVue-enhanced contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed by an ultrasound system (ACUSON Sequoia; Siemens Medical Solutions, USA) equipped with a 5C1 MHz convex array transducer. Time−intensity curves were created by VueBox software (Bracco, Italy), and various DCE-US quantitative parameters were obtained. Taking Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) based on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the gold standard, DCE-US parameters were compared between the treatment responder group (RG) and non-responder group (NRG). The correlation between the DCE-US parameters and the serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) level was also analyzed. Results: Finally, 21 LAPC patients (mean age 59.3 ± 7.2 years) were included. In comparing the RG (n = 18) and NRG (n = 3), no significant change could be found among the mean size of the lesions (31.2 ± 8.1 mm vs. 27.2 ± 8.3 mm, p = 0.135). In comparing the TICs between the two groups, the LAPC lesions in the RG took a longer time to reach peak enhancement and to wash out. Among all the DCE-US parameters, RT (rise time), WiAUC (wash-in area under the curve), WoAUC (wash-out area under the curve) and WiWoAUC (wash-in and wash-out area under the curve) decreased significantly after CRT in the RG (p < 0.05). The RT ratio, WiAUC ratio, WoAUC ratio and WiWoAUC ratio were closely correlated with the change in serum CA 19-9 level in the RG (p < 0.05). Conclusion: DCE-US might be a potential imaging method for non-invasive follow-up for early response in LAPC patients treated by CRT.
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14
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Cerrito L, Ainora ME, Mosoni C, Borriello R, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Prognostic Role of Molecular and Imaging Biomarkers for Predicting Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Efficacy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4647. [PMID: 36230569 PMCID: PMC9564154 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide and the fourth cause of tumor-related death. Imaging biomarkers are based on computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and are widely applied in HCC diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Unfortunately, in the field of molecular biomarkers, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is still the only recognized tool for HCC surveillance in both diagnostic and follow-up purposes. Other molecular biomarkers have little roles in clinical practice regarding HCC, mainly for the detection of early-stage HCC, monitoring the response to treatments and analyzing tumor prognosis. In the last decades no important improvements have been achieved in this field and imaging biomarkers maintain the primacy in HCC diagnosis and follow-up. Despite the still inconsistent role of molecular biomarkers in surveillance and early HCC detection, they could play an outstanding role in prognosis estimation and treatment monitoring with a potential reduction in health costs faced by standard radiology. An important challenge resides in identifying sufficiently sensitive and specific biomarkers for advanced HCC for prognostic evaluation and detection of tumor progression, overcoming imaging biomarker sensitivity. The aim of this review is to analyze the current molecular and imaging biomarkers in advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cerrito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Mosoni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Borriello
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
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15
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for blood flow detection in hepatocellular carcinoma during lenvatinib therapy. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2022; 49:425-432. [PMID: 35355122 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-022-01204-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Blood flow reduction after initiation of lenvatinib therapy may not always indicate tumor necrosis. This study aimed to compare the blood flow detectability of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during lenvatinib therapy. METHODS A total of 12 cases underwent CEUS and contrast-enhanced CT/MRI within 2 weeks during lenvatinib therapy. Vascularity on CEUS and CT/MRI was compared. RESULTS At the time of CEUS examination, the median period from the start of lenvatinib was 227 ± 210 (31-570) days. CEUS showed hyperenhancement in eight cases (66.7%), hypoenhancement in two cases (16.7%), and no enhancement in one case (8.3%), while CT/MRI showed hyperenhancement in one case (8.3%), ring enhancement in three cases (25.0%), and hypoenhancement in eight cases (66.7%) (p = 0.007). Transarterial chemoembolization (n = 3), radiofrequency ablation (n = 2), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (n = 2) were performed after blood flow detection by CEUS. CONCLUSIONS The viability of the HCC should be confirmed using CEUS when contrast-enhanced CT/MRI reveals lesion hypoenhancement during lenvatinib therapy.
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16
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Faccia M, Garcovich M, Ainora ME, Riccardi L, Pompili M, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Monitoring Treatment Response in Different Stages of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:481. [PMID: 35158749 PMCID: PMC8833342 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to detect microvessel perfusion has received much attention in cancer imaging since it can be used to evaluate the enhancement patterns of the lesions during all vascular phases in real time, with higher temporal resolution as compared other imaging modalities. A rich body of literature has demonstrated the potential usefulness of CEUS in the assessment of HCC in response to both locoregional and systemic therapies. It is useful to evaluate the efficacy of ablation immediately after treatment to provide guidance for the retreatment of residual unablated tumors. In patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), CEUS showed a high degree of concordance with computed tomography and magnetic resonance for the differentiation of responders from non-responders. Dynamic CEUS (D-CEUS) has emerged as a promising tool for the depicting changes in tumor perfusion during anti-angiogenetic treatment that can be associated with tumor response and clinical outcome. This article provides a general review of the current literature regarding the usefulness of CEUS in monitoring HCC response to therapy, highlighting the role of the procedure in different stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Faccia
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital Sulmona, 67039 Sulmona, Italy;
| | - Matteo Garcovich
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (M.E.A.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (M.E.A.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Laura Riccardi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (M.E.A.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (M.E.A.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (M.E.A.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (M.E.A.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
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17
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Delaney LJ, Tantawi M, Wessner CE, Machado P, Forsberg F, Lyshchik A, O'Kane P, Liu JB, Civan J, Tan A, Anton K, Shaw CM, Eisenbrey JR. Predicting Long-Term Hepatocellular Carcinoma Response to Transarterial Radioembolization Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound: Initial Experiences. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:2523-2531. [PMID: 34130880 PMCID: PMC8355136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Conventional cross-sectional imaging done shortly after radioembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) does not reliably predict long-term response to treatment. This study evaluated whether quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can predict the long-term response of HCC to yttrium-90 (Y-90) treatment. Fifteen patients underwent CEUS at three time points: immediately following treatment and 1 and 2 wk post-treatment. Response 3-6 mo after treatment was categorized on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging by two experienced radiologists using the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. CEUS data were analyzed by quantifying tumor perfusion and residual fractional vascularity using time-intensity curves. Patients with stable disease on magnetic resonance imaging had significantly greater fractional vascularity 2 wk post-treatment (65.15%) than those with partial or complete response (13.8 ± 9.9%, p = 0.007, and 14.9 ± 15.4%, p = 0.009, respectively). Complete responders had lower tumor vascularity at 2 wk than at post-operative examination (-38.3 ± 15.4%, p = 0.045). Thus, this pilot study suggests CEUS may provide an earlier indication of Y-90 treatment response than cross-sectional imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Delaney
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mohamed Tantawi
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Corinne E Wessner
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Priscilla Machado
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Flemming Forsberg
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrej Lyshchik
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Patrick O'Kane
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ji-Bin Liu
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jesse Civan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allison Tan
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin Anton
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Colette M Shaw
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John R Eisenbrey
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Laterza L, Ainora ME, Garcovich M, Galasso L, Poscia A, Di Stasio E, Lupascu A, Riccardi L, Scaldaferri F, Armuzzi A, Rapaccini GL, Gasbarrini A, Pompili M, Zocco MA. Bowel contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging in the evaluation of Crohn's disease patients undergoing anti-TNFα therapy. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:729-737. [PMID: 32900648 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate whether changes in bowel perfusion parameters measured by dynamic-CEUS (D-CEUS) can be used for monitoring response to therapy in active Crohn disease (CD). METHODS Fifty-four CD patients were evaluated with d-CEUS before (T0) and after 2 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 weeks (T3) of anti-TNFα therapy. Variations from baseline were calculated for: peak intensity, PI; area under the curve, AUC; slope of wash in, Pw; time to peak, TP; mean transit time, MTT (median percentage values) and were correlated with combined endoscopic/clinical response after 12 weeks and clinical relapse within 6 months. RESULTS 70% of patients achieved combined endoscopic/clinical response (responders). The reduction in PI, AUC, Pw and MTT between T1 and T0 was higher in responders. Relapsers (21%) showed significantly lower reduction in delta PI and Pw at T1 and T2. At T3 they showed a new increase in PI and lower reduction in delta Pw. In relapsers, AUC showed a significantly lower decrease at T2 and T3, TP showed a significant reduction at T3 and MTT showed a progressive increase at the different time-points, reaching the statistical significance at T3. CONCLUSIONS d-CEUS might become a reliable predictor of combined endoscopic/clinical response and clinical relapse in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Laterza
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo Garcovich
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Galasso
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Di Stasio
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Fondazione PoliclinicoUniversitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lupascu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Riccardi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Scaldaferri
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Armuzzi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Ludovico Rapaccini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Taiji R, Nishiofuku H, Tanaka T, Minamiguchi K, Fukuoka Y, Saito N, Taguchi H, Matsumoto T, Marugami N, Hirai T, Kichikawa K. Useful Parameters in Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography for Identifying Early Response to Chemotherapy in a Rat Liver Tumor Model. J Clin Imaging Sci 2021; 11:15. [PMID: 33767907 PMCID: PMC7981939 DOI: 10.25259/jcis_6_2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objective of the study is to determine a parameter on the time-intensity curve (TIC) of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (DCE-US) that best correlates with tumor growth and to evaluate whether the parameter could correlate with the early response to irinotecan in a rat liver tumor model. Material and Methods Twenty rats with tumors were evaluated (control: Saline, n = 6; treatment: Irinotecan, n = 14) regarding four parameters from TIC: Peak intensity (PI), k value, slope (PI × k), and time to peak (TTP). Relative changes in maximum tumor diameter between day 0 and 10, and parameters in the first 3 days were evaluated. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare differences in tumor size and other parameters. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) between tumor size and parameters in the control group were calculated. In the treatment group, relative changes of parameters in the first 3 days were compared between responder and non-responder (<20% and ≥20% increase in size on day 10, respectively). Results PI, k value, PI × k, and TTP significantly correlated with tumor growth (r = 0.513, 0.911, 0.665, and 0.741, respectively). The mean RC in k value among responders (n = 6) was significantly lower than non-responders (n = 8) (mean k value, 4.96 vs. 72.5; P = 0.003). Conclusion Parameters of DCE-US could be a useful parameter for identifying early response to irinotecan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Taiji
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | | | - Toshihiro Tanaka
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | | | - Yasushi Fukuoka
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Natsuhiko Saito
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Taguchi
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Takeshi Matsumoto
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Nagaaki Marugami
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Toshiko Hirai
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Kichikawa
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
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20
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Colagrande S, Calistri L, Campani C, Dragoni G, Lorini C, Nardi C, Castellani A, Marra F. CT volume of enhancement of disease (VED) can predict the early response to treatment and overall survival in patients with advanced HCC treated with sorafenib. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:1608-1619. [PMID: 32827266 PMCID: PMC7880966 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07171-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyse the predictive value of the volume of enhancement of disease (VED), based on the CT arterial enhancement coefficient (ΔArt%), in the evaluation of the sorafenib response in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Patients with sorafenib-treated advanced HCC, who underwent a multiphase contrast-enhanced CT before (T0) and after 60-70 days of starting therapy (T1), were included. The same target lesions utilised for the response evaluation according to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria were retrospectively used for the ΔArt% calculation ([(HUarterial phase - HUunenhanced phase) / HUunenhanced phase] × 100). ΔArt% was weighted for the lesion volume to obtain the VED. We compared VEDT0 and VEDT1 values in patients with clinical benefit (CB) or progressive disease (PD). The impact of VED, ancillary imaging findings, and blood chemistries on survival probability was evaluated. RESULTS Thirty-two patients (25 men, mean age 65.8 years) analysed between 2012 and 2016 were selected. At T1, 8 patients had CB and 24 had PD. VEDT0 was > 70% in 8/8 CB patients compared with 12/24 PD patients (p = 0.011). Patients with VEDT0 > 70% showed a significantly higher median survival than those with lower VEDT0 (451.5 days vs. 209.5 days, p = 0.032). Patients with VEDT0 > 70% and alpha-fetoproteinT0 ≤ 400 ng/ml had significantly longer survival than all other three combinations. In multivariate analysis, VEDT0 > 70% emerged as the only factor independently associated with survival (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION In patients with advanced HCC treated with sorafenib, VED is a novel radiologic parameter obtained by contrast-enhanced CT, which could be helpful in selecting patients who are more likely to respond to sorafenib, and with a longer survival. KEY POINTS • To achieve the best results of treatment with sorafenib in advanced HCC, a strict selection of patients is needed. • New radiologic parameters predictive of the response to sorafenib would be essential. • Volume of enhancement of disease (VED) is a novel radiologic parameter obtained by contrast-enhanced CT, which could be helpful in selecting patients who are more likely to respond to therapy, and with a longer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Colagrande
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Radiodiagnostic Unit n. 2, University of Florence - Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - L Calistri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Radiodiagnostic Unit n. 2, University of Florence - Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - C Campani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - G Dragoni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - C Lorini
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 48, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - C Nardi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Radiodiagnostic Unit n. 2, University of Florence - Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - A Castellani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Radiodiagnostic Unit n. 2, University of Florence - Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - F Marra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Research Centre Denothe, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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21
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Therapeutic response monitoring after targeted therapy in an orthotopic rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasound: Focusing on inter-scanner, and inter-operator reproducibility. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244304. [PMID: 33362203 PMCID: PMC7757904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess therapeutic response monitoring after targeted therapy in an orthotopic rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using CEUS with focusing on inter-scanner and inter-operator reproducibility. Materials and methods For reproducibility, CEUS was performed using two different US scanners by two operators in sixteen rat models of HCC. Using perfusion analysis software (VueBox ®), eleven parameters were collected, and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze reproducibility. Then seventeen rat models of HCC were divided into treatment group (n = 8, 30 mg/kg/day sorafenib for five days) and control group (n = 9). CEUS was performed at baseline and 14 days after first treatment, and changes of perfusion parameters were analyzed. Results In treatment group, CEUS perfusion parameters showed a significant change. The peak enhancement (PE, 2.50 x103±1.68 x103 vs 5.55x102±4.65x102, p = 0.010) and wash-in and wash out AUC (WiWoAUC, 1.07x105±6.48 x104 vs 2.65x104±2.25x104, p = 0.009) had significantly decreased two weeks after treatment. On the contrary, control group did not show a significant change, including PE (1.15 x103±7.53x102 vs 9.43x102± 7.81 x102, p = 0.632) and WiWoAUC (5.09 x104±3.25x104 vs 5.92 x104±3.20x104, p = 0.646). For reproducibility, the various degrees of inter-scanner reproducibility were from poor to good (ICC: <0.01–0.63). However, inter-operator reproducibility of important perfusion parameters, including WiAUC, WoAUC, and WiWoAUC, ranged from fair to excellent (ICC: 0.59–0.93) in a different scanner. Conclusion Our results suggest that CEUS is useful for assessment of the treatment response after targeted therapy and with fair to excellent inter-operator reproducibility.
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22
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Liang Q, Kong L, Zhu X, Du Y, Tian J. Noninvasive Imaging for Assessment of the Efficacy of Therapeutic Agents for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Imaging Biol 2020; 22:1455-1468. [PMID: 31834570 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-019-01431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Morphological imaging techniques are typically used in the anti-cancer drug efficacy evaluation process. However, these techniques can evaluate the therapeutic efficacy only when the tumor shows anatomic changes-usually at later stages, when the therapeutic effects are poor. In contrast, molecular imaging allows noninvasive monitoring of tumor growth, assessment of drug metabolism, and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy at the molecular and cellular levels. Multimodality molecular imaging, which combines the advantages of various imaging modalities, provides even more comprehensive therapeutic efficacy assessment in preclinical and clinical studies. This review provides an overview of molecular imaging evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of the anti-tumor drugs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) both in preclinical and clinical research, which holds great promise in guiding HCC treatment into the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Lingxin Kong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xu Zhu
- Department of Interventional Therapy Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University School of Oncology, No. 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, 100142, Beijing, China.
| | - Yang Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Jie Tian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing, 100190, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710126, Shaanxi, China.
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23
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Beckmann S, Simanowski JH. Update in Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound. Visc Med 2020; 36:476-486. [PMID: 33447604 PMCID: PMC7768106 DOI: 10.1159/000511352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of modern medicine is to safely classify diseases for successful therapy without invasive measures. Sonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are potent imaging techniques. However, without contrast medium, the informative value of the 3 native methods is limited. The advantages of sonography are: no radiation exposure or previously known physically harmful interactions with tissue, proportionate disappearance of a contrast agent risk, no (probably irreversible) contrast agent deposits, and no risk of renal insufficiency. But, is that enough to compete with of even exceed CT and MRI? SUMMARY In this review, the state of the art of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the abdominal cavity is presented. The remarkable diagnostic possibilities can unfortunately only be demonstrated here in a small number of impressive, typical case studies underpinned by the literature, so that, from one's own perspective, the full spectrum of CEUS can be used by oneself or initiated. Within the limits of physics, the real-time dynamics of CEUS enable conclusions to be drawn, so that with the current technology, sonography, including expansion by contrast, can be considered superior to other imaging methods. It is not uncommon for CEUS to have the value of a control and reference method. KEY MESSAGES Sonography very often enables reliable diagnostics. The introduction of a contrast agent in sonography has led to a quantum leap similar to that of other imaging techniques. Already natively, the real-time representation of dynamic events leads to a certain superiority, i.e., complete observation of the inflow and outflow phases of the contrast medium and the resulting diagnostic; tissue-specific differentiation options provide a unique selling point. Further advantages of the first-choice imaging diagnostic method are: a lack of radiation exposure, repeatability of the examination at any time, local independence, a negligible allergy rate compared to the contrast agents of other methods, and a lack of kidney and thyroid exposure or excluded deposits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg H. Simanowski
- Clinic for General, Visceral, Vascular and Obesity Surgery and Interdisciplinary Emergency Center of the Nordstadt Clinic of the Hannover Region Clinic, Hannover, Germany
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Abstract
Sorafenib was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that showed success in extending survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In recent years, additional TKIs have been shown to improve survival and expanded the armamentarium for treating this malignancy. The current landscape includes other classes of drugs, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. The challenge is now placed on how to best select, combine, and sequence drugs with the goal of improving efficacy and minimizing toxicities to deliver better outcomes for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo G da Fonseca
- Clinical Oncology, Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 251-Cerqueira Cesar, São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Reig
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Villarroel 170, Barcelona 08036, Spain; University of Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Villarroel 170, Barcelona 08036, Spain; University of Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain.
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Han X, Dong J, Liu Z, Wu B, Tian Y, Tan H, Cheng W. Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound to predict intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation: a cohort study. Int J Hyperthermia 2020; 37:1066-1073. [PMID: 32924654 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2020.1817576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, PR China
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, PR China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, PR China
| | - Bolin Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, PR China
| | - Yuhang Tian
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, PR China
| | - Haoyan Tan
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, PR China
| | - Wen Cheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, PR China
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Cruz M, Ferreira AA, Papanikolaou N, Banerjee R, Alves FC. New boundaries of liver imaging: from morphology to function. Eur J Intern Med 2020; 79:12-22. [PMID: 32571581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
From an invisible organ to one of the most explored non-invasively, the liver is, today, one of the cornerstones for current cross-sectional imaging techniques and minimally invasive procedures. After the achievements of US, CT and, most recently, MRI in providing highly accurate morphological and structural information about the organ, a significant scientific development has gained momentum for the last decades, coupling morphology to liver function and contributing far most to what we know today as precision medicine. In fact, dedicated tailor-made investigations are now possible in order to detect and, most of all, quantify physiopathological processes with unprecedented certitude. It is the intention of this review to provide a better insight to the reader of several functional imaging techniques applied to liver imaging. Contrast enhanced imaging, diffusion weighted imaging, elastography, spectral computed tomography and fat and iron assessment techniques are commonly performed clinically. Diffusion kurtosis imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, T1 relaxometry and radiomics remain largely limited to advanced clinical research. Each of them has its own value and place on the diagnostic armamentarium and provide unique qualitative and quantitative information regarding the pathophysiology of diseases, contributing at a large scale to model therapeutic decisions and patient follow-up. Therefore, state-of-the-art liver imaging acts today as a non-invasive surrogate biomarker of many focal and diffuse liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Cruz
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Coimbra and CIBIT/ICNAS research center, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ana Aguiar Ferreira
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Coimbra and CIBIT/ICNAS research center, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nikolaos Papanikolaou
- Computational Clinical Imaging Group, Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rajarshi Banerjee
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Filipe Caseiro Alves
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Coimbra and CIBIT/ICNAS research center, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Ultrasound Molecular Imaging With BR55, a Predictive Tool of Antiangiogenic Treatment Efficacy in a Chemo-Induced Mammary Tumor Model. Invest Radiol 2020; 55:657-665. [DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Chai W, Xie L, Zhao Q, Cheng C, Tian G, Jiang T, Wu P. Ultrasound and Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Findings after Percutaneous Irreversible Electroporation of Hepatic Malignant Tumors. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:620-629. [PMID: 31924420 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) findings immediately and 1 d after percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) of hepatic malignant tumors. Immediately after IRE, the ablation zone was shown to be a gradually expanding hypo-echoic area around the electrodes. The microcirculation of the ablation zone was markedly reduced on CEUS (before vs. immediately after, p < 0.001), and the macrocirculation within the ablation zone was preserved. At 1 d after IRE, the ablation zones lost their hypo-echogenicity to become iso-echoic or hyper-echoic (before vs. 1 d after, p = 0.004; immediately after vs. 1 d after, p = 0.002). At this time, further elimination of microcirculation was confirmed on CEUS (before vs. 1 d after, p < 0.001; immediately after vs. 1 d after, p = 0.003). The size of the ablation zone, which measured by US, was strongly correlated with that measured by CEUS (length: r: = 0.929, width: r = 0.940, p < 0.001), was significantly enlarged immediately after IRE and shrunk 1 d after IRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilu Chai
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Liting Xie
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Qiyu Zhao
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Guo Tian
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
| | - Tian'an Jiang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China.
| | - Pingping Wu
- Liver Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P.R. China
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Abstract
Liver tumors are often incidentally found during ultrasound examinations. The decision on further diagnostic imaging depends on the clinical context and the appearance in B mode ultrasound. This review highlights the role of grey scale and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and summarizes the ultrasonographic key features of the most common benign and malignant liver tumors. Conventional grey scale ultrasound is recommended in several guidelines for screening and follow-up of liver tumors in certain risk populations but its ability to characterize liver tumors is limited in most cases. The CEUS has an excellent tolerability and enables liver tumor characterization with a high sensitivity and specificity. The diagnostic value of CEUS is comparable to magnetic resonance imaging. In the case of unclear lesions, inconclusive findings by different imaging methods or if molecular targeted treatment is pursued, ultrasound-guided biopsy is often mandatory. Ultrasound is a rapidly and ubiquitously available method for the detection of liver tumors and CEUS is the only imaging method that enables real-time examination of all contrast phases in the liver. It should therefore be used as the first line imaging method for liver tumor characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Höner Zu Siederdissen
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - A Potthoff
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland.
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Wege H, Li J, Ittrich H. Treatment Lines in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Visc Med 2019; 35:266-272. [PMID: 31602390 DOI: 10.1159/000501749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer and the second most lethal malignancy worldwide. In the Western world, HCC predominantly develops in patients with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, application of locoregional interventions and systemic agents should be based on an interdisciplinary evaluation, most importantly, taking the functional liver reserve into account. This review summarizes current treatment lines and novel strategies in the management of HCC. For the most part, randomized controlled trials and large meta-analyses are reported, with an emphasis on systemic therapies. Summary In patients with limited hepatic disease and sufficient liver function, resection and local ablation are the most frequently employed curative locoregional therapies. Due to recurrence rates of up to 70% within 5 years and in patients with compromised liver function not amenable to these local modalities, liver transplantation remains superior in terms of tumor control and long-term survival. However, its applicability is limited because of the increasing gap between available donor organs and patients on the waiting list. Transarterial chemoembolization is commonly employed to bridge patients to transplantation and also serves as standard of care for patients not suitable for other local therapies. Recently, various phase 3 trials have reported a clinical benefit for the tyrosine kinase inhibitors lenvatinib, regorafenib, and cabozantinib in HCC. In addition, ramucirumab, an angiostatic antibody, also improves survival in second-line systemic therapy. This opens new avenues in the sequential application of treatment lines, and thus early response assessment is necessary to fully utilize the clinical impact of locoregional therapies and systemic therapies and to shift patients to further treatment lines before hepatic deterioration. Key Messages Clinical decision-making in hepatocellular carcinoma is based on an interdisciplinary evaluation. Liver transplantation should always be considered as long-term curative treatment option, especially in T2 patients. In palliative treatment, early response assessment is required to advance patients to the next treatment line before decompensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Wege
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harald Ittrich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Comparison of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound for evaluation of the effects of sorafenib in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma. Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 57:156-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Chen Q, Tang L, Liu N, Han F, Guo L, Guo S, Wang J, Liu H, Ye Y, Zhang L, Liu L, Wang P, Li Y, He Q, Yang X, Tang Q, Li Y, Liang Y, Sun X, Xie C, Mo Y, Guo Y, Sun R, Mo H, Cao K, Guo X, Zeng M, Mai H, Ma J. Famitinib in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation Study. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2018; 38:66. [PMID: 30382933 PMCID: PMC6235389 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-018-0330-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Famitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor against multiple targets, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2/3, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and stem cell factor receptor (c-kit). Previous studies have demonstrated anti-tumour activities of famitinib against a wide variety of advanced-stage solid cancers. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of famitinib with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We also evaluated the feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (D-CEUS) as a predictor of early tumour response to famitinib and to correlate functional parameters with clinical efficacy. METHODS The trial was conducted in subjects with stage III or IVa-b NPC using a 3 + 3 design of escalating famitinib doses. Briefly, subjects received 2 weeks of famitinib monotherapy followed by 7 weeks of famitinib plus CCRT. D-CEUS of the neck lymph nodes was performed at day 0, 8 and 15 after famitinib was administered before starting concurrent chemoradiotherapy. End points included safety, tolerability and anti-tumour activity. RESULTS Twenty patients were enrolled (six each for 12.5, 16.5 and 20 mg and two for 25 mg). Two patients in the 25 mg cohort developed dose-limiting toxicities, including grade 4 thrombocytopenia and grade 3 hypertension. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were leukopenia, neutropenia and radiation mucositis. D-CEUS tests showed that more than 60% of patients achieved a perfusion parameter response after 2 weeks taking famitinib alone, and the parameter response was associated with disease improvement. In the famitinib monotherapy stage, three patients (15%) showed partial responses. The complete response rate was 65% at the completion of treatment and 95% 3 months after the treatment ended. After a median follow-up of 44 months, the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and distant metastasis-free survival were 70% and 75%, respectively. Subjects with a decrease of perfusion parameter response, such as peak intensity decreased at least 30% after 1 week of famitinib treatment, had higher 3-year PFS (90.9% vs. 44.4%, 95% CI 73.7%-100% vs. 11.9%-76.9%, P < 0.001) than those with an increase or a reduction of less than 30%. CONCLUSIONS The recommended famitinib dose for phase II trial is 20 mg with CCRT for patients with local advanced NPC. D-CEUS is a reliable and early measure of efficacy for famitinib therapies. Further investigation is required to confirm the effects of famitinib plus chemoradiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Linquan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Na Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Feng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ling Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Huai Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, P. R. China
| | - Yanfang Ye
- Department of Science and Education, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
| | - Liting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Pan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yingqin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Qingmei He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Qingnan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - YuJing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - XueSong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Chuanmiao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yunxian Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ying Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Clinical Trial Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Rui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Haoyuan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Kajia Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Musheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Haiqiang Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China. .,Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
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Zhan Y, Zhou F, Yu X, Luo F, Liu F, Liang P, Cheng Z, Han Z, Yu J. Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound may help predict the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma after microwave ablation. Int J Hyperthermia 2018; 35:105-111. [PMID: 30300039 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2018.1483533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhan
- Department of Ultrasound, The 252th Hospital of Chinese PLA, Baoding, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fubo Zhou
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Yu
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Luo
- Department of Ultrasound, The 252th Hospital of Chinese PLA, Baoding, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fangyi Liu
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Cheng
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyu Han
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Marisi G, Cucchetti A, Ulivi P, Canale M, Cabibbo G, Solaini L, Foschi FG, De Matteis S, Ercolani G, Valgiusti M, Frassineti GL, Scartozzi M, Casadei Gardini A. Ten years of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma: Are there any predictive and/or prognostic markers? World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4152-4163. [PMID: 30271080 PMCID: PMC6158485 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i36.4152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib has been considered the standard of care for patients with advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) since 2007 and numerous studies have investigated the role of markers involved in the angiogenesis process at both the expression and genetic level and clinical aspect. What results have ten years of research produced? Several clinical and biological markers are associated with prognosis. The most interesting clinical parameters are adverse events, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, and macroscopic vascular invasion, while several single nucleotide polymorphisms and plasma angiopoietin-2 levels represent the most promising biological biomarkers. A recent pooled analysis of two phase III randomized trials showed that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, etiology and extra-hepatic spread are predictive factors of response to sorafenib, but did not identify any predictive biological markers. After 10 years of research into sorafenib there are still no validated prognostic or predictive factors of response to the drug in HCC. The aim of the present review was to summarize 10 years of research into sorafenib, looking in particular at the potential of associated clinical and biological markers to predict its efficacy in patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Marisi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cucchetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
- General and Oncologic Surgery, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì 47121, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Matteo Canale
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology, DI.BI.M.I.S., University of Palermo, Palermo 35628, Italy
| | - Leonardo Solaini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
- General and Oncologic Surgery, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì 47121, Italy
| | - Francesco G Foschi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Degli Infermi Hospital, Faenza 48018, Italy
| | - Serena De Matteis
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ercolani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
- General and Oncologic Surgery, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì 47121, Italy
| | - Martina Valgiusti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Giovanni L Frassineti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 45698, Italy
| | - Andrea Casadei Gardini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, Meldola 47014, Italy
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Nam K, Stanczak M, Lyshchik A, Machado P, Kono Y, Forsberg F, Shaw CM, Eisenbrey JR. Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Transarterial Chemoembolization using Quantitative Analysis of 2D and 3D Real-time Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2018; 4:035039. [PMID: 29887989 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/aabb14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative 2D and 3D contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was assessed to evaluate early transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment response. Seventeen patients scheduled for TACE for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma participated in the study. 2D and 3D CEUS were performed for each patient at three time points: prior to TACE, 1-2 weeks post TACE, and 1 month post TACE. Peak-intensities of the tumor and surrounding liver tissue were calculated from 2D and 3D data before and after TACE and used to evaluate tumor treatment response. Residual tumor percentages were calculated from 2D and 3D CEUS acquired 1-2 weeks and 1 month post TACE and compared with results from MRI 1 month post TACE. Nine subjects had complete response while 8 had incomplete response. Peak-intensities of the tumor from 3D CEUS prior to TACE were similar between the complete and incomplete treatment groups (p=0.70), while 1-2 weeks (p<0.01) and 1 month post treatment (p<0.01) were significantly lower in the complete treatment group than in the incomplete treatment group. For 2D CEUS, only the peak-intensity values of the tumor from1 month post TACE were significantly different (p<0.01). The correlation coefficients between 2D and 3D residual tumor estimates 1-2 weeks post TACE and the estimates from MRI were 0.73 and 0.94, respectively, while those from 2D and 3D CEUS 1 month post TACE were 0.66 and 0.91, respectively. Quantitative analysis on 2D and 3D CEUS shows potential to differentiate patients with complete vs. incomplete response to TACE as early as 1-2 weeks post treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kibo Nam
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 S 10 St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Maria Stanczak
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 S 10 St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrej Lyshchik
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 S 10 St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Priscilla Machado
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 S 10 St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Yuko Kono
- Department of Medicine and Radiology, University of California, 200 W. Arbor Drive #8413, San Diego CA 92103, USA
| | - Flemming Forsberg
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 S 10 St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Colette M Shaw
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 S 10 St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - John R Eisenbrey
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 S 10 St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (D-CEUS) for the early prediction of bevacizumab efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Eur Radiol 2018; 28:2969-2978. [PMID: 29417252 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-5254-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate early changes in tumour perfusion parameters by dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (D-CEUS) and to identify any correlation with survival and tumour response in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) treated with bevacizumab (B). METHODS Thirty-seven patients randomized to either chemotherapy (C) plus B or C alone were considered for this study. D-CEUS was performed at baseline and after the first treatment cycle (day 15). Four D-CEUS perfusion parameters were considered: derived peak intensity (DPI), area under the curve (AUC), slope of wash-in (A) and time to peak intensity (TPI). RESULTS In patients treated with C plus B, a ≥22.5 % reduction in DPI, ≥20 % increase in TPI and ≥10 % reduction in AUC were correlated with higher progression-free survival in the C+B arm (p = 0.048, 0.024 and 0.010, respectively) but not in the C arm. None of the evaluated parameter modifications had a correlation with tumour response or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS D-CEUS could be useful for detecting and quantifying dynamic changes in tumour vascularity as early as 15 days after the start of B-based therapy. Although these changes may be predictive of progression-free survival, no correlation with response or overall survival was found. KEY POINTS • D-CEUS showed early changes in liver metastasis perfusion in colorectal cancer. • A decrease in tumour perfusion was associated with longer progression-free survival. • The decrease in perfusion was not correlated with higher overall survival.
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Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of the Liver: Optimizing Technique and Clinical Applications. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2017; 210:320-332. [PMID: 29220210 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.17.17843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to review the general principles, technique, and clinical applications of contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the liver. CONCLUSION Proper technique and optimization of contrast-enhanced ultrasound require a balance between maintaining the integrity of the microbubble contrast agent and preserving the ultrasound signal. Established and emerging applications in the liver include diagnosis of focal lesions, aiding ultrasound-guided intervention, monitoring of therapy, and aiding surgical management.
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Del Prete M, Di Sarno A, Modica R, Lassandro F, Giorgio A, Bianco A, Muto M, Gasperi M, Del Prete F, Colao A, Montesarchio V, Faggiano A. Role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound to define prognosis and predict response to biotherapy in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. J Endocrinol Invest 2017; 40:1373-1380. [PMID: 28667452 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-017-0723-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The incidence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is progressively increasing. Most cases arise from the digestive system, where ileum, rectum and pancreas represent the commonest site of origin. Liver metastases are frequently detected at diagnosis or during the follow-up. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is used in patients with pancreatic NETs (P-NETs) and liver metastases from P-NET but its role has not been standardized. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate CEUS in patients with P-NETs and liver metastases from P-NET both as prognostic factor and predictor of response to therapy with somatostatin analogues (SSAs). METHODS CEUS was performed at the diagnosis of NET and 3, 6 and 12 months after the beginning of SSAs. CEUS pattern was compared with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) pattern. RESULTS There was a significant association between CEUS and CT pattern (X 2 = 79.0; p < 0.0001). A significant association was found between CEUS pattern and Ki-67 index (X 2 = 24.6; p < 0.0001). The hypervascular homogeneous CEUS typical pattern was associated with low tumor grading (G1 or G2) (X 2 = 24.0; p < 0.0001). CEUS pattern changed from hypervascular homogeneous in baseline to hypovascular/hypervascular inhomogeneous after SSA therapy, with a significant association between tumor response at CT scan and appearance of hypervascular inhomogeneous pattern at CEUS evaluation (6 months: X 2 = 57.0; p < 0.0001; 12 months: X 2 = 49.8; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with P-NET, CEUS pattern correlates with tumor grading, being homogeneous in G1-G2 but not in G3 tumors. After therapy with SSAs, CEUS is predictive of response to SSAs. These findings seem to support a role of CEUS as prognostic and predictive factor of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Del Prete
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - A Di Sarno
- UOC of Oncology, A.O. dei Colli, Monaldi Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - R Modica
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - F Lassandro
- UOC of Radiology, A.O. dei Colli, Monaldi Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - A Giorgio
- Interventional Unit Ultrasound, A.O. dei Colli, D. Cotugno Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - A Bianco
- UOC of Oncology, A.O. dei Colli, Monaldi Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - M Muto
- Interventional Unit Ultrasound, A.O. dei Colli, D. Cotugno Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - M Gasperi
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - F Del Prete
- Centre for Economic and International Studies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - A Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - V Montesarchio
- UOC of Oncology, A.O. dei Colli, Monaldi Unit, Naples, Italy
| | - A Faggiano
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale"-IRCCS, Naples, Italy
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Liver investigations: Updating on US technique and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Eur J Radiol 2017; 96:65-73. [PMID: 29103478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few years, the cross sectional imaging techniques (Computed Tomography - CT and Magnetic Resonance - MR) have improved, allowing a more efficient study of focal and diffuse liver diseases. Many papers had been published about the results of a routinely clinical use of the dual source/dual energy CT techniques and the use of hepatobiliary contrast agents in MR liver studies. As a consequence, these new improvements have diverted the attention away from the Ultrasound technique and its technical and conceptual evolutions. In these years of disinterest, US and especially Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) have consolidated and grown in their application in clinical routine for liver pathologies. In particular, thanks to the introduction of new, dedicated software packages, CEUS has allowed not only qualitative, but also quantitative analysis of lesion microcirculation, thus opening a new era in the evaluation of lesion characterization and response to therapy. Moreover, the renewed interest in liver elastography, a baseline ultrasound-based imaging modality, has led to the development of a competitive technique to assess liver stiffness and then for the evaluation of the progression towards cirrhosis, and characterization of focal liver lesions, opening the way to avoid, in selected cases, liver biopsy. The aim of this review is to offer an up-to-date overview on the state of the art of clinical applications of US and CEUS in the study of focal and diffuse liver pathologies. Besides, it aims to highlight the emerging role of perfusion techniques in the assessment of local and systemic treatment response and to show how the liver evolution from steatosis to fibrosis can be revealed by elastography.
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Early prediction of tumor response to bevacizumab treatment in murine colon cancer models using three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging. Angiogenesis 2017; 20:547-555. [PMID: 28721500 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-017-9566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Due to spatial tumor heterogeneity and consecutive sampling errors, it is critically important to assess treatment response following antiangiogenic therapy in three dimensions as two-dimensional assessment has been shown to substantially over- and underestimate treatment response. In this study, we evaluated whether three-dimensional (3D) dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) imaging allows assessing early changes in tumor perfusion following antiangiogenic treatment (bevacizumab administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w.), and whether these changes could predict treatment response in colon cancer tumors that either are responsive (LS174T tumors) or none responsive (CT26) to the proposed treatment. Our results showed that the perfusion parameters of 3D DCE-US including peak enhancement (PE) and area under curve (AUC) significantly decreased by up to 69 and 77%, respectively, in LS174T tumors within 1 day after antiangiogenic treatment (P = 0.005), but not in CT26 tumors (P > 0.05). Similarly, the percentage area of neovasculature significantly decreased in treated versus control LS174T tumors (P < 0.001), but not in treated versus control CT26 tumors (P = 0.796). Early decrease in both PE and AUC by 45-50% was predictive of treatment response in 100% (95% CI 69.2, 100%) of responding tumors, and in 100% (95% CI 88.4, 100%) and 86.7% (95% CI 69.3, 96.2%), respectively, of nonresponding tumors. In conclusion, 3D DCE-US provides clinically relevant information on the variability of tumor response to antiangiogenic therapy and may be further developed as biomarker for predicting treatment outcomes.
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Mogensen MB, Hansen ML, Henriksen BM, Axelsen T, Vainer B, Osterlind K, Nielsen MB. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of Colorectal Liver Metastases as an Imaging Modality for Early Response Prediction to Chemotherapy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2017; 7:diagnostics7020035. [PMID: 28604623 PMCID: PMC5489955 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics7020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to investigate whether dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) can detect early changes in perfusion of colorectal liver metastases after initiation of chemotherapy. Newly diagnosed patients with colorectal cancer with liver metastases were enrolled in this explorative prospective study. Patients were treated with capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. DCE-US was performed before therapy (baseline) and again 10 days after initiation of treatment. Change in contrast-enhancement in one liver metastasis (indicator lesion) was measured. Treatment response was evaluated with a computed tomography (CT) scan after three cycles of treatment and the initially observed DCE-US change of the indicator lesion was related to the observed CT response. Eighteen patients were included. Six did not complete three series of chemotherapy and the evaluation CT scan, leaving twelve patients for analysis. Early changes in perfusion parameters using DCE-US did not correlate well with subsequent CT changes. A subgroup analysis of eight patients receiving bevacizumab, however, demonstrated a statistically significant correlation (p = 0.045) between early changes in perfusion measures of peak enhancement at DCE-US and tumor shrinkage at CT scan. The study indicates that early changes in DCE-US perfusion measures may predict subsequent treatment response of colorectal liver metastases in patients receiving bevacizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Benzon Mogensen
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Thomas Axelsen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
| | - Ben Vainer
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
| | - Kell Osterlind
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
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Ippolito D, Querques G, Okolicsanyi S, Franzesi CT, Strazzabosco M, Sironi S. Diagnostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced CT with perfusion imaging in the quantitative assessment of tumor response to sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A feasibility study. Eur J Radiol 2017; 90:34-41. [PMID: 28583645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the feasibility of perfusion-CT (p-CT) measurements in quantitative assessment of hemodynamic changes related to sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-two patients with advanced HCC underwent p-CT study (256-MDCT scanner) before and 2 months after sorafenib administration. Dedicated perfusion software generated a quantitative map of arterial and portal perfusion and calculated the following perfusion parameters in target liver lesion: hepatic perfusion (HP), time-to-peak (TTP), blood volume (BV), arterial perfusion (AP), and hepatic perfusion index (HPI). After the follow-up scan, patients were categorized as responders and non-responders, according to mRECIST. Perfusion values were analyzed and compared in HCC lesions and in the cirrhotic parenchyma (n=22), such as between baseline and follow-up in progressors and non-progressors. RESULTS Before treatment, all mean perfusion values were significantly higher in HCC lesions than in the cirrhotic parenchyma (HP 47.8±17.2 vs 13.3±6.3mL/s per 100g; AP 47.9±18.1 vs 12.9±10.7mL/s; p<0.001). The group that responded to sorafenib (n=17) showed a significant reduction of values in HCC target lesions after therapy (HP 29.2±23.3 vs 48.1±15.1; AP 29.4±24.6 vs 49.2±17.4; p<0.01), in comparison with the non-responder group (n=5) that demonstrated no significant variation before and after treatment of HP (46.9±25.1 vs 46.7±24.1) and AP (43.4±21.7 vs 43.5±24.6). Among the responder group, HP percentage variation (Δ) in target lesions, during treatment, showed a significantly different (p=0.04) ΔHP in the group with complete response (79%) compared to the group with partial response or stable disease (16%). CONCLUSIONS p-CT technique can be used for HCC quantitative assessment of changes related to anti-angiogenic therapy. Identification of response predictors might help clinicians in selection of patients who may benefit from targeted-therapy allowing for optimization of individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Ippolito
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, H. S. Gerardo, Monza, Italy.
| | - Giulia Querques
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, H. S. Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Stefano Okolicsanyi
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Department of Surgery and Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Cammillo Talei Franzesi
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, H. S. Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Department of Surgery and Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Liver Center Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CTUSA
| | - Sandro Sironi
- School of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, H. S. Gerardo, Monza, Italy
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Hyvelin JM, Gaud E, Costa M, Helbert A, Bussat P, Bettinger T, Frinking P. Characteristics and Echogenicity of Clinical Ultrasound Contrast Agents: An In Vitro and In Vivo Comparison Study. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2017; 36:941-953. [PMID: 28240842 DOI: 10.7863/ultra.16.04059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare physicochemical characteristics and in vitro and in vivo contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging performance of 3 commercially available ultrasound contrast agents: SonoVue (Bracco Imaging SpA, Colleretto Giacosa, Italy; also marketed as Lumason in the USA), Definity (Lantheus Medical Imaging, North Billerica, MA) and Optison (GE Healthcare AS, Oslo, Norway). METHODS Physicochemical characteristics were measured with a Multisizer Coulter Counter (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, CA). Two ultrasound systems (Aplio 500; Toshiba Medical Systems Corp, Tochigi-ken, Japan; and Logiq E9; GE Healthcare, Little Chalfont, England) were used with different transducers. Contrast enhancement was measured in vitro by dose-ranging measurements using a custom-built beaker setup; in vivo imaging performances were compared in pigs (heart and liver) and rabbits (liver). Quantitative analyses were performed with VueBox quantification software (Bracco Suisse SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland). RESULTS Measured physicochemical characteristics were in agreement with those provided by the manufacturers. In vitro data demonstrated that the performance of SonoVue was similar to or better than that of Definity but superior to Optison (normalized scattered power 2- to 10-fold higher with SonoVue). Similar results were obtained in vivo, although the duration of enhancement in the pig heart was longer for SonoVue compared to Definity, and quantitative analysis revealed higher enhancement for SonoVue (1.5-fold increase). For liver imaging, SonoVue and Definity showed similar contrast enhancement and duration of enhancement, but compared to Optison, both peak enhancement and duration of enhancement were superior for SonoVue (up to 2-fold increase). CONCLUSIONS Imaging performance of SonoVue was similar to or slightly better than that of Definity, but it was superior to Optison for the conditions used in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Hyvelin
- Bracco Suisse SA, Global Research and Development, Geneva Research Center and Manufacturing Site, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Gaud
- Bracco Suisse SA, Global Research and Development, Geneva Research Center and Manufacturing Site, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Maria Costa
- Bracco Suisse SA, Global Research and Development, Geneva Research Center and Manufacturing Site, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Helbert
- Bracco Suisse SA, Global Research and Development, Geneva Research Center and Manufacturing Site, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Bussat
- Bracco Suisse SA, Global Research and Development, Geneva Research Center and Manufacturing Site, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Bettinger
- Bracco Suisse SA, Global Research and Development, Geneva Research Center and Manufacturing Site, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Peter Frinking
- Bracco Suisse SA, Global Research and Development, Geneva Research Center and Manufacturing Site, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
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Ye XD, Yuan Z, Zhang J, Yuan Z. Radiological biomarkers for assessing response to locoregional therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: From morphological to functional imaging (Review). Oncol Rep 2017; 37:1337-1346. [PMID: 28184942 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Many hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients do not qualify for curative surgical intervention and are instead treated with locoregional therapies (LRTs) including ablative and endovascular therapies. Assessment of imaging response is essential in the management of HCC for determining efficacy of therapy and as a surrogate marker for improved survival. The established morphological image biomarkers for tumor burden measurement continue to be applied, as size measurement can easily be used in clinical practice. However, in the setting of liver-directed LRTs for HCC, simple tumor morphological changes can be less informative and usually appear later than biologic changes. Functional imaging (such as perfusion and diffusion imaging, PET-CT/MR and MR spectroscopy) has the potential to be a promising technique for assessment of HCC response to LRTs. Although promising, none of these functional imaging biomarkers have gone through all the required steps of standardization and validation and established accepted criteria for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dan Ye
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Zuguo Yuan
- Radiation Oncology Center, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Yuan
- Department of Radiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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Eschbach RS, Clevert DA, Hirner-Eppeneder H, Ingrisch M, Moser M, Schuster J, Tadros D, Schneider M, Kazmierczak PM, Reiser M, Cyran CC. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound with VEGFR2-Targeted Microbubbles for Monitoring Regorafenib Therapy Effects in Experimental Colorectal Adenocarcinomas in Rats with DCE-MRI and Immunohistochemical Validation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169323. [PMID: 28060884 PMCID: PMC5217974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles for monitoring therapy effects of regorafenib on experimental colon carcinomas in rats with correlation to dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and immunohistochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human colorectal adenocarcinoma xenografts (HT-29) were implanted subcutaneously in n = 21 (n = 11 therapy group; n = 10 control group) female athymic nude rats (Hsd: RH-Foxn1rnu). Animals were imaged at baseline and after a one-week daily treatment with regorafenib or a placebo (10 mg/kg bodyweight), using CEUS with VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles and DCE-MRI. In CEUS tumor perfusion was assessed during an early vascular phase (wash-in area under the curve = WiAUC) and VEGFR2-specific binding during a late molecular phase (signal intensity after 8 (SI8min) and 10 minutes (SI10min)), using a conventional 15L8 linear transducer (transmit frequency 7 MHz, dynamic range 80 dB, depth 25 mm). In DCE-MRI functional parameters plasma flow (PF) and plasma volume (PV) were quantified. For validation purposes, CEUS parameters were correlated with DCE-MRI parameters and immunohistochemical VEGFR2, CD31, Ki-67 and TUNEL stainings. RESULTS CEUS perfusion parameter WiAUC decreased significantly (116,989 ± 77,048 a.u. to 30,076 ± 27,095a.u.; p = 0.005) under therapy with no significant changes (133,932 ± 65,960 a.u. to 84,316 ± 74,144 a.u.; p = 0.093) in the control group. In the therapy group, the amount of bound microbubbles in the late phase was significantly lower in the therapy than in the control group on day 7 (SI8min: 283 ± 191 vs. 802 ± 460 a.u.; p = 0.006); SI10min: 226 ± 149 vs. 645 ± 461 a.u.; p = 0.009). PF and PV decreased significantly (PF: 147 ± 58 mL/100 mL/min to 71 ± 15 mL/100 mL/min; p = 0.003; PV: 13 ± 3% to 9 ± 4%; p = 0.040) in the therapy group. Immunohistochemistry revealed significantly fewer VEGFR2 (7.2 ± 1.8 vs. 17.8 ± 4.6; p < 0.001), CD31 (8.1 ± 3.0 vs. 20.8 ± 5.7; p < 0.001) and Ki-67 (318.7 ± 94.0 vs. 468.0 ± 133.8; p = 0.004) and significantly more TUNEL (672.7 ± 194.0 vs. 357.6 ± 192.0; p = 0.003) positive cells in the therapy group. CEUS parameters showed significant (p < 0.05) correlations to DCE-MRI parameters and immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS CEUS with VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles allowed for monitoring regorafenib functional and molecular therapy effects on experimental colorectal adenocarcinomas with a significant decline of CEUS and DCE-MRI perfusion parameters as well as a significant reduction of specifically bound microbubbles under therapy, consistent with a reduced expression of VEGFR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Stefan Eschbach
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Dirk-Andre Clevert
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Hirner-Eppeneder
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Ingrisch
- Josef Lissner Laboratory for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Moser
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Jessica Schuster
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Dina Tadros
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz Schneider
- Josef Lissner Laboratory for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Maximilian Kazmierczak
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reiser
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens C. Cyran
- Laboratory for Experimental Radiology, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
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von Felden J, Schulze K, Gil-Ibanez I, Werner T, Wege H. First- and Second-Line Targeted Systemic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-An Update on Patient Selection and Response Evaluation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2016; 6:E44. [PMID: 27916795 PMCID: PMC5192519 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics6040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic spread and preserved liver function, according to stage C of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification, has a dismal prognosis. The multi-targeted tyrosine-kinase receptor inhibitor (TKI) sorafenib is the only proven active substance in systemic HCC therapy for first-line treatment. In this review, we summarize current aspects in patient selection and management of side effects, and provide an update on response evaluation during first-line sorafenib therapy. Since second-line treatment options have been improved with the successful completion of the RESORCE trial, demonstrating a survival benefit for second-line treatment with the TKI regorafenib, response monitoring during first-line therapy will be critical to deliver optimal systemic therapy in HCC. To this regard, specific side effects, in particular worsening of arterial hypertension and diarrhea, might suggest treatment response during first-line sorafenib therapy; however, clear predictive clinical markers, as well as laboratory test or serum markers, are not established. Assessment of radiologic response according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) is helpful to identify patients who do not benefit from sorafenib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann von Felden
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Kornelius Schulze
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Ines Gil-Ibanez
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Tobias Werner
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Henning Wege
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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Amin S, Bathe OF. Response biomarkers: re-envisioning the approach to tailoring drug therapy for cancer. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:850. [PMID: 27814715 PMCID: PMC5097425 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2886-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapidly expanding arsenal of chemotherapeutic agents approved in the past 5 years represents significant progress in the field. However, this poses a challenge for oncologists to choose which drug or combination of drugs is best for any individual. Because only a fraction of patients respond to any drug, efforts have been made to devise strategies to personalize care. The majority of efforts have involved development of predictive biomarkers. While there are notable successes, there are no predictive biomarkers for most drugs. Moreover, predictive biomarkers enrich the cohort of individuals likely to benefit; they do not guarantee benefit. MAIN TEXT There is a need to devise alternate strategies to tailor cancer care. One alternative approach is to enhance the current adaptive approach, which involves administration of a drug and cessation of treatment once progression is documented. This currently involves radiographic tests for the most part, which are expensive, inconvenient and imperfect in their ability to categorize patients who are and are not benefiting from treatment. A biomarker approach to categorizing response may have advantages. CONCLUSION Herein, we discuss the state of the art on treatment response assessment. While the most mature technologies for response assessment involve radiographic tests such as CT and PET, reports are emerging on biomarkers used to monitor therapeutic efficacy. Potentially, response biomarkers represent a less expensive and more convenient means of monitoring therapy, although an ideal response biomarker has not yet been described. A framework for future response biomarker discovery is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahil Amin
- Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,University of Calgary, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Health Research Innovation Centre, 2AA-07, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Oliver F Bathe
- Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. .,Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. .,University of Calgary, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Health Research Innovation Centre, 2AA-07, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada. .,Tom Baker Cancer Center, 1131 29th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4 N2, Canada.
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Malone CD, Mattrey RF, Fetzer DT. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) for the Diagnosis and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Status and Future Trends. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11901-016-0324-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Wang H, Lutz AM, Hristov D, Tian L, Willmann JK. Intra-Animal Comparison between Three-dimensional Molecularly Targeted US and Three-dimensional Dynamic Contrast-enhanced US for Early Antiangiogenic Treatment Assessment in Colon Cancer. Radiology 2016; 282:443-452. [PMID: 27490690 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2016160032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To perform an intra-animal comparison between (a) three-dimensional (3D) molecularly targeted ultrasonography (US) by using clinical-grade vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-targeted microbubbles and (b) 3D dynamic contrast material-enhanced (DCE) US by using nontargeted microbubbles for assessment of antiangiogenic treatment effects in a murine model of human colon cancer. Materials and Methods Twenty-three mice with human colon cancer xenografts were randomized to receive either single-dose antiangiogenic treatment (bevacizumab, n = 14) or control treatment (saline, n = 9). At baseline and 24 hours after treatment, animals were imaged with a clinical US system equipped with a clinical matrix array transducer by using the following techniques: (a) molecularly targeted US with VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles, (b) bolus DCE US with nontargeted microbubbles, and (c) destruction-replenishment DCE US with nontargeted microbubbles. VEGFR2-targeted US signal, peak enhancement, area under the time-intensity curve, time to peak, relative blood volume (rBV), relative blood flow, and blood flow velocity were quantified. VEGFR2 expression and percentage area of blood vessels were assessed ex vivo with quantitative immunofluorescence and correlated with corresponding in vivo US parameters. Statistical analysis was performed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests and rank sum tests, as well as Pearson correlation analysis. Results Molecularly targeted US signal with VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles, peak enhancement, and rBV significantly decreased (P ≤ .03) after a single antiangiogenic treatment compared with those in the control group; similarly, ex vivo VEGFR2 expression (P = .03) and percentage area of blood vessels (P = .03) significantly decreased after antiangiogenic treatment. Three-dimensional molecularly targeted US signal correlated well with VEGFR2 expression (r = 0.86, P = .001), and rBV (r = 0.71, P = .01) and relative blood flow (r = 0.78, P = .005) correlated well with percentage area of blood vessels, while other US perfusion parameters did not. Conclusion Three-dimensional molecularly targeted US and destruction-replenishment 3D DCE US provide complementary molecular and functional in vivo imaging information on antiangiogenic treatment effects in human colon cancer xenografts compared with ex vivo reference standards. © RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaijun Wang
- From the Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (H.W., A.M.L., J.K.W.), Department of Radiation Oncology (D.H.), and Department of Health, Research & Policy (L.T.), School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr, Room H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5621
| | - Amelie M Lutz
- From the Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (H.W., A.M.L., J.K.W.), Department of Radiation Oncology (D.H.), and Department of Health, Research & Policy (L.T.), School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr, Room H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5621
| | - Dimitre Hristov
- From the Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (H.W., A.M.L., J.K.W.), Department of Radiation Oncology (D.H.), and Department of Health, Research & Policy (L.T.), School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr, Room H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5621
| | - Lu Tian
- From the Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (H.W., A.M.L., J.K.W.), Department of Radiation Oncology (D.H.), and Department of Health, Research & Policy (L.T.), School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr, Room H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5621
| | - Jürgen K Willmann
- From the Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (H.W., A.M.L., J.K.W.), Department of Radiation Oncology (D.H.), and Department of Health, Research & Policy (L.T.), School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr, Room H1307, Stanford, CA 94305-5621
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Lo GM, Al Zahrani H, Jang HJ, Menezes R, Hudson J, Burns P, McNamara MG, Kandel S, Khalili K, Knox J, Rogalla P, Kim TK. Detection of Early Tumor Response to Axitinib in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:1303-1311. [PMID: 27033332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) in measuring early tumor response of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma to axitinib. Twenty patients were enrolled (aged 18-78 y; median 65). DCE-US was performed with bolus injection and infusion/disruption replenishment. Median overall survival was 7.1 mo (1.8-27.3) and progression free survival was 3.6 mo (1.8-17.4). Fifteen patients completed infusion scans and 12 completed bolus scans at 2 wk. Among the perfusion parameters, fractional blood volume at infusion (INFBV) decreased at 2 wk in 10/15 (16%-81% of baseline, mean 47%) and increased in 5/15 (116%-535%, mean 220%). This was not significantly associated with progression free survival (p = 0.310) or progression at 16 wk (p = 0.849), but was borderline statistically significant (p = 0.050) with overall survival, limited by a small sample size. DCE-US is potentially useful in measuring early tumor response of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma to axitinib, but a larger trial is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen M Lo
- Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Radiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, QEII Medical Centre, Perth, Western Australia
| | | | - Hyun Jung Jang
- Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ravi Menezes
- Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Hudson
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Burns
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mairéad G McNamara
- Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust/University of Manchester, Institute of Cancer Sciences, Manchester, UK
| | - Sonja Kandel
- Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Korosh Khalili
- Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Knox
- Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patrik Rogalla
- Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tae Kyoung Kim
- Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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