Multidisciplinary management of hepatocellular carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a disease with a poor prognosis. Several different therapies have been recommended for use as adjuvant treatment for this disease. One of the most promising therapies is targeted locoregional immuno-chemotherapy.


METHODS
From 1990 to 1996, 91 patients who were eligible for liver resection were treated in a prospective randomized study. Forty-two patients received resection alone (Group A) and 49 received resection plus chemoembolization and targeted locoregional immuno-chemotherapy (Group B).


RESULTS
The mortality rate for these two groups was significantly different (13% vs 4%) favoring Group B. Overall survival was also significantly different (18 months vs 36.3 months) again favoring Group B.


CONCLUSIONS
Although prognosis is still miserable for HCC, the approach of targeted locoregional immuno-chemotherapy can offer new hope of improved resectability and survival.
Lygidakis
N J
NJ
Athineon Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Tsiliakos
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy; D006801:Humans; D007459:Iodized Oil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003287:Contrast Media; D007459:Iodized Oil