title: [Local transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the palliative treatment of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma].
abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a tumor with high mortality. Adequate oncological therapy is essential to modify the poor prognosis. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation has been proposed as a useful and well-tolerated treatment for unresectable carcinoma. In the study 51 patients with unresectable carcinoma (mean age 61.6, range 45-81, Child-Pugh A = 34 patients, Child-B = 13, Child-C = 4; Okuda I = 33 patients, Okuda II = 18) underwent chemoembolisation. A total of 122 procedure were performed, with a median number of 2.4 (range 1-6) per patient. One and two year survivals are 91% and 74% respectively (Child-A: 100% and 82%; Child-B: 100% and 63%; Child-C 0% at 1 year). The difference among the 3 groups is statistically significant (p = 0.001). Median overall survival is 20 months, with 22, 20 and 6 month in Child-A, B and C patients respectively (p = 0.006). Commonly reported side effects and biochemical changes included: fever, pain and increased serum amylase, transaminase levels. One patient developed a liver abscess and died of liver failure. In addition, in 18 patients (35%) mild to severe changes in glucose metabolism were also observed. Mild hyperglycemia was observed in 14 patients, with severe derangement in 4 patients (8%). It is suggested that careful evaluation of glucose metabolism is advisable in patients being considered for chemoembolisation. Their results confirm the usefulness of chemoembolisation in Child-A and B patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
authors.affiliation: II. Belgyógyászati Klinika, Semmelweis Orvostudományi Egyetem, Budapest.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Herszényi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Farinati
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: De Maria
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marafin
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cardin
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Del Prato
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Perini
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Naccarato
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010166:Palliative Care