UTMD Enhances Response, Survival in ⁹⁰Y-TARE for HCC

Background: Ultrasound contrast agents are gas-filled microbubbles that can be locally disrupted, such as through ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction (UTMD), which can produce bioeffects that sensitize tumors to radiation. The efficacy and safety of UTMD combined with yttrium 90 ( 90 Y) radiation therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unknown. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of UTMD in patients with HCC receiving 90 Y transarterial radioembolization (TARE). Design: Prospective phase II clinical trial conducted between July 2017 and February 2024. Participants/Methods: HCC patients scheduled for 90 Y-TARE were randomly assigned to receive 90 Y-TARE with 3 UTMD sessions (treatment group) or 90 Y-TARE alone (control group). The primary end point was treatment response assessed by MRI or CT using mRECIST criteria. Secondary end points included safety, overall survival, time to next treatment, rate of liver transplantation, and pathologic respo more...