Ligation and catheterization of the hepatic artery for palliative treatment of malignant hepatic tumors.
Eleven unresectable hepatoma patients and three metastatic tumor patients with colonic cancer underwent ligation and/or catheterization of the hepatic artery of the main tumor-bearing zone. Mitomycin C (liquid or microcapsulated) or Adriamycin were administered via the catheter intermittently or continuously with a portable pump device. In follow-up study the tumor size was frequently visualized by arteriography via the cannula. Some tumors became smaller with calcification. The levels of alpha-Fetoprotein of CEA in some cases dropped remarkably and stayed low for a fairly long period. There was no immediate postoperative death. Six of 11 unresectable hepatoma patients survived longer than 8 months with a maximum survival of 17.5 months. Two of three metastatic patients have survived more than 11 months at this writing. This method seems effective for prolongation of patient survival.
D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000601:surgery*; D002404:Catheterization; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016685:Mitomycin; D008937:Mitomycins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059408:Pain Management; D010166:Palliative Care; D011859:Radiography
D008937:Mitomycins; D016685:Mitomycin; D004317:Doxorubicin