title: Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and analysis of prognostic factors.
abstract: A total of 100 patients with histologically proven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and were followed for more than 1 year and 10 months. Portal vein branch thrombosis was diagnosed in 14 patients, and extrahepatic metastasis was noted in 11 subjects. The embolization material used was iodized oil (0.1-0.2 ml/cm tumor area at its maximal diameter), which was prepared by pumping with contrast agent and then mixed with anticancer drugs; Gelfoam particles measuring 1-2 mm in size were subsequently injected. The overall cumulative 0.5- 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 81%, 57%, 31%, and 21%, respectively. Patients with an intact capsule and those with solitary lesions, especially when the tumor diameter was < 5 cm, achieved a higher survival rate. In contrast, incomplete TACE, extrahepatic metastasis, and portal vein thrombosis were associated with the worst outcome. Patients with positive HBsAG and diffuse or multiple tumors also showed a poor outcome. Early diagnosis and early treatment of HCC are the keys for the achievement of better clinical results.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins