Alveolar Echinococcosis: Parasite Viability and Innovative Markers for the Follow-up of Patients Treated With Albendazole

Alveolar Echinococcosis: Parasite Viability and Innovative Markers for Follow-up of Patients Treated With Albendazole - EchinoVISTA Prospective Clinical Study

Study design to define improved management of patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis treated with albendazole and especially make appropriate and timely decision of treatment withdrawal .

Based on exploratory analysis of existing and newly developed biological and imaging exams, for diagnosis and follow-up, and study of the relationship of these markers to the viability of the parasite and/or the activity of the parasitic lesions The study included two series of patients: operated on (curative hepatectomy) // non-operated on

Close follow-up of the patients, based on WHO guidelines (Brunetti, Acta tropica 2010), including albendazole bloods levels determination.

Clinical exam, sampling and storing (biobank) of blood specimens at inclusion, M1, M3, M6, M9, M12, M18, M24, M30, M36, M44, M48.

Additional sampling for operated on patients : M15 and M21.

Imaging each year (US, CT, PET-CT & RMI).

Preservation of operative specimens samples at -80°C: samples taken at different location (center and periphery of the lesions) and in distant non-infected liver, for further studies of the immune response, RNA detection, and albendazole dosages.

Inclusion Criteria:

• hepatic alveolar echinococcosis
• without antiparasitic treatment or with antiparasitic treatment and hepatectomy programmed

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with exclusively extra-hepatic form of alveolar echinococcosis
• Women without effective contraception (Contraindication to benzimidazoles)
• The immunosuppressed patients or receiving an immunosuppressive treatment will not be the object of a stop of the post-operative treatment by albendazole on 1 year after the intervention of radical resection; they can be included in the study but will receive the albendazole during 2 years; this exclusion applies to the patients treated by liver transplant.